Titanium Jewelry

by Yuman Hussain

Titanium is a natural element which is extensively used to create exotic jewelry for both men and women. Its properties include coloration process, light weight, durability and hypoallergenic to human body making it popular among jewelry world.

Titanium is a metallic element used to create lightweight resistant alloys with symbol Ti in the periodic table .It is light weight, strong and corrosion resistant natural metal. With silvery white appearance it gives very lustrous look .It occurs in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite .One major feature of titanium is that it is very strong but light weight. Chemically and physically its properties are similar to zirconium. Discovered by William Gregor in 1791 it was rediscovered by German chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth in 1795 and given the Latin name Titan meaning ‘earth’. Its commercial production started as late as 1950s when William Justin Kroll produced it by treating titanium tetrachloride with magnesium. The Kroll process is still used extensively. Titanium is found on the earth’s crust in most of the igneous rocks and minerals such as brookite, ilmenite and tianite and iron ores. Huge deposits are found in South Africa, Australia, Malaysia and America. Small deposits are also found in Scandinavia.

Titanium in Jewelry

Titanium is used extensively in aerospace industry and industrial products like paints, plastics and paper etc. These days Jewelry created from Titanium is increasingly attracting people to its fold. Exquisite rings, beautiful necklaces, stunning bracelets and men’s style statements like cufflinks and tie pins are exclusively designed from Titanium. Consumerism and booming economies has created demand for jewelry made in precious metals especially in Asian countries where wedding and other occasions see purchases made by people. However this has led to soaring prices of gold and platinum forcing the jewelry industry to look for alternative metals to fill this demand gap. Many up market jewelers are also actively promoting it as an alternative to the gold and Platinum. It is still trying to carve out a niche place for itself in the jewelry world.

Titanium jewelry is crafted in different sizes and unique styles. It makes a great fashion statement as jewelry created from white metals is in great demand all over the world. The fine wedding bands made from lightweight titanium is desired by couples. You can choose from different options like pieces crafted from pure titanium and its alloys or jewelry created using precious metals like gold or silver presenting stunning contrast. The hard work and labor involved makes it expensive and exclusive. The aircraft grade titanium is generally used for making jewelry whereas Ti -6/6/2 alloy offers excellent resistance to daily wear and tears of a piece.

Titanium is affordable than other metals and looks sophisticated and great at the same time. The hypo allergic features makes it suitable for the wearers. As some people develop allergy to certain metals like gold and silver they develop skin rashes or extreme reactions like uticaria. For such people titanium offers soothing alternative with style. It is virtually nickel free thus making it highly compatible with human body. It is also used for body piercing and implants by fashion lovers because it is considered comparatively safer than other metals.

Titanium has both strength and durability which helps it to undertake lot of wear and tear. Titanium is harder than other precious metals. It is much stronger than gold and platinum . It is 8 to 10 times harder than gold and 5 times harder than stainless steel. Sometimes jewelry get stuck at most unusual places like in clothes, hair and simply bends or breaks but titanium can withstand rough treatment comparatively more than the other precious metals. It is fashionable and look unusual at the same time. You will not find many stores selling titanium jewelry thus making it exclusive and original. Titanium has acquired popularity with both the sexes as it has universal appeal . Jewelry created from gold or silver does not always look good on men but titanium jewelry created in style can match the personality of the wearer.

Being a versatile metal it can undergo different finishes including heat and electricity to bring beautiful colors . Jewelers use anodizing processes to bring unusual colors to the jewelry. Since it a refractory in nature it can reacts with oxygen producing changes on the metal’s surface .When a electric current is passed through the surface it forces oxygen to produce thick oxide layer and diffused white light produces stunning colors. In fact a reportaire of colors like blue, pink, purple, turquoise and green are created using controlled electrical exposure. However it is very time consuming and laborious activity pushing up the cost of the jewelry. This coloration process allows craftsmen to experiment with designs in ladies jewelry which is both unique and trendy. For rings, titanium is often inlaid with different metals and set with precious stones like diamond to create brilliant masterpieces.

The price of jewelry depend upon many factors like weight and width of the piece. If it has more metal then it will be priced high. The single piece without any precious gemstones will be priced lower than which has precious stones as embellishments .The quality of titanium used in jewelry is another important factor determining the price .Titanium mixed with gold and platinum or black titanium are valuable and priced much higher.

Care for Titanium jewelry

• Titanium jewelry can be worn roughly so polish it regularly to keep it sparkling new.
• Do not scratch the surface of the piece. Clean it with soft cloth.
• Jewelry may fade or become dull over a period of time. To restore the beautiful colors and shine you simply have to wash it with soap and warm water and pat dry with soft towel or tissue paper.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or alcohol to clean the surface.
• Adhere to the advice given by the jeweler to maintain your piece.

How to buy Titanium jewelry

• Buy from a reputed jewelry store which offers buy back or return policy.
• Buy only marked jewelry to get highest quality.
• Do not forget to check the craftsmanship piece should look smooth and good from both the sides without any rough edges.

Conclusion

Titanium has many wonderful attributes making it suitable for jewelry. It is durable, strong with lustrous looks to ensure its popularity among the jewelry lovers.

If you are looking for something which is stunning and different then give a try to Titanium jewelry.