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Titanium Rings & Jewelry FAQ
02/09/12
What is "Titanium"?
Titanium is an element (symbol Ti) like gold, silver and platinum. Its atomic
number is 22, with atomic weight of 47.9, an electron configuration of 2-8-10-2,
and a specific gravity of 4.5. Titanium has a melting point of 3020 F (1660C)
and a boiling point of 5949 F (3287C).It is a silvery white non ferrous metal
with the highest strength to weight ratio of any known element. For this reason
titanium is the favored material in the aerospace industry. 85% of the structural
components in the Space Shuttle are made of titanium. The average commercial
aircraft contains over 1 ton. Titanium has been embraced by the medical world
for its superior biocompatibility, and is the preferred material for surgical
instruments and implants. Titanium is inert and therefore completely corrosion
resistant. It does not react to salt water, sunlight, or any body or common
chemistry.
Why Titanium Rings & Jewelry?
Titanium has many postive characteristics compared to all other conventional
materials. It is far stronger and harder. Therefore it wears better and doesn't
gouge, mar easily, or deform (particularly important in tension settings). Titanium
is lighter. This opens the door to infinite design possibilities for larger
and solid products.
I have an allergic reaction to most of my jewelry, including gold. Can I wear
titanium?
Absolutely. Titanium is the most biocompatible (hypoallergenic) element known
to man and will not irritate even the most sensitive skin. This is a blessing
for pierced products. Unlike other jewelry materials, titanium does not need
other alloys to harden the material. Many alloys create negative reactions with
our body chemistry. Titanium can be safely and comfortably worn by everybody.
Will titanium jewelry ever corrode, tarnish or rust over time?
Never. titanium is inert and non reative to almost all chemicals. it is the
preferred material for many applications for this very reason.
What are the different grades and purities of titanium?
There is an extreme diversity of available titanium alloys. In most cases hardness
is governed by oxygen content, though numerous alloy combinations are available.
All of our products, with the exception of our patented Black-ti (tm), are created
using 99% (commercially pure) titanium, grades 1 and 2 titanium. These were
selected for their balance of high purity, bio-compatibility, and strength.
These grades form more easily, but are generally the most difficult to cut or
machine. We intentionally avoided the ultra-high strength, aerospace grades
such as grade 6-4 for reasons of color, continuity, lack of purity, and possibility
of reaction to the alloy materials. Further, we prefer and chose CP grade (see
the next question) to avoid safety issues which may arise in the event a hard
alloy ring or closed product required removal. Our Black-ti(tm) is our only
alloyed titanium. It was developed after 14 years of research and development.
This alloy is comprised solely of other biocompatible materials.
How difficult is it to cut a ring off the finger?
Due to titanium's light weight, most jewelry made in this material, including
rings, and continuous, closed jewelry products are thicker than their counterparts
in gold and platinum. Cutting a titanium ring can be preformed with standard
jewelry ring cutters, available throughout the industry. As in any cutting process,
the quality and sharpness of cutting edge will determine the length of time
required. Since titanium is thicker, stronger and harder than conventional materials,
the cutting process will take a bit longer and often requires a second cut on
the opposite side. It is also important to use lubricant while cutting, as this
will speed up the process and prolong the cutter life We have tested a variety
of standard ring cutters on rings 6 and 7 mm wide, and 2 ½ mm (.097")
thick. The time required was between 5 and 7 minutes per cut, about twice the
time it took to cut a 6mm 14k band under 2mm in thickness. We ran tests on aerospace
grade 6-4 using the same process. The results were far different. After 5 minutes
we barely penetrated the surface and the cutter edge showed significant wear.
Can a titanium ring be engraved or stretched?
Titanium can be engraved with standard engraving equipment. It is obviously
harder than conventional jewelry materials, therefore engraving bits will wear
faster. The engraving will not be as deep as in softer materials but will outlast
most other inscriptions. Laser engraving also works wonderfully on titanium
material. Some of our titanium rings can be stretched up as much as 1 ½
sizes. This does not include rings with inlays, and stones. Stretching an inlayed
ring will cause a separation at the joining point of the inlayed material.
How do you color titanium?
The color on titanium is neither paint nor pigment. Titanium belongs to an elite
category of elements known as refractory metals. One of the more outstanding
characteristics of these materials lies in the refractive abilities inherent
in their oxides. Titanium is naturally platinum gray. By applying heat or electricity
one may unleash its refractive properties by inducing various oxide thicknesses
on the material surface. Titanium anodizing is best performed electrolytically.
The resulting titanium oxide causes an optical interference with a purity and
vivacity much the same as witnessed in the luminescent colors of oil on water,
a peacock's feather, or a rainbow. The colors are directly related to time and
voltage. This allows for absolute control and consistency from one part to another.
How can we refinish titanium?
In normal wear non-anodized titanium will only show superficial scratches. These
products may be refinished in a number of ways. The most popular finishes are
bright or satin. In the event that the jewelry needs to be refinished, titanium
can be refinished with standard buffing and polishing tools. More abrasive materials
will be needed than with a softer element such as gold.
How do I care for titanium?
Titanium can be cleaned with any non abrasive soap or cleaner. Anodized products
are best cleaned with warm soapy water the dried with a soft tissue. This will
restore it to the same level of optical purity and display the original vivacity
of colors. Our Collections are the culmination of 3 generations of jewelry experience
combined with the technology that will transport us through tomorrow. It is
the unification of the historic elements, gold, silver, and platinum, with the
most provocative rare earth elements of the future, titanium and tantalum. "We
designed, developed, and fabricated the necessary equipment and tooling for
manufacture and began the journey." ~Eddie Rosenberg The manufacturer pioneered
technologies which, at that time, did not exist in the world of titanium. Today
our manufacturer remain the world's leading design, development, and manufacturing
firm in the now vast titanium arenas. Their passion for this most virtuous of
elements, fueled a quest for the technology which led us on a journey that has
taken us around the world. These patented processes have been applied to medicine,
aerospace and industry. These artistic products are sold through six continents.
The history in working with notable clients worldwide affords us confidence
in saying that we can develop and manufacture almost any titanium product to
the highest level of quality, efficiency, and value.
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