Titanium Jewelry

     Titanium, named after the Greek Titans, was discovered around 200 years ago. It is a metal - the 4th most common elemental metal found in the Earth's crust. It is never found in its pure form. It is coaxed from natural crystals in which it is found. Titanium is a refractory metal and is at least as strong as steel, but 45% lighter and won't rust. It is used for artistic purposes because of the way it refracts light - a similar look, colour and pattern to the way that oil on water looks. It is a shiny, dark-grey metal and can be highly polished. It is relatively immune to tarnishing.

     It is impossible for anyone to be allergic to titanium and it is the primary metal used for prosthetic implants because of this. The colours you see in it are not caused by pigment or dye. Light that hits the surface is twisted by a thin crystalline layer that coats the surface and is bent to reveal colours. In order to make your titanium colourful you must anodize it.

Caring for titanium:
     Although titanium and its colourful oxide coating are immune to time and any chemical that isn't highly corrosive, oil and dirt can temporarily dull some of the colours. As well, abrasives can gradually wear away the surface colours, therefore it is important to protect your titanium from scratches. Don't store your titanium loose as it might rub against other items.

     To clean titanium and titanium jewelry, use alcohol or non-moisturizing soap and water and a soft cloth to gently wipe away dulling dirt and oils. Avoid metal polishes or scrubbing soaps, because these contain abrasives which may scrub away the layer that makes titanium so colourful.
Darker colours of blue and pale bronze colours can be noticeably affected by greasy fingerprints.

     Because of its strength and the fact that titanium jewelry is hard to be allergic to, it is used a lot for body jewelry.

Price:
     The price for basic titanium jewelry such as rings starts at about $100. Engagement rings made from titanium are becoming popular. Often these rings include gold or diamonds in their designs.