The History of Titanium Rings
If you're looking at titanium jewelry, specifically titanium rings, you might have wondered – what's the history of titanium rings? While gold and silver have been used for centuries in jewelry-making, titanium is a more modern phenomenon. The element was not discovered until 1791, and techniques to use titanium in jewelry have only existed for a few decades. As experts in titanium jewelry, we here at Hawaii Titanium Rings think the history of titanium is particularly fascinating. So read on, as we'd love to walk you through the basics so you're knowledgeable and confident about this durable and unstainable metal in modern jewelry.
Titanium in the Beginning
Titanium is a silvery-gray metal and element with the symbol Ti. As a metal, titanium has become renowned for its excessive strength-to-weight ratio, which is very light but also incredibly durable. Its notably extreme melting factor makes it beneficial as an element for jewelry making, and it is naturally resistant to corrosion by seawater, salt, and chlorine.
Titanium was first located in Cornwall, a coastal city in southern Great Britain, by William Gregor in 1791. Martin Heinrich Klaproth named it after the Titans of Greek mythology. Titanium can be mined from intrusive crystalline rocks or weathered rocks, but more than half of the titanium used today comes from unconsolidated deposits referred to as coastal placer deposits. In its pure, unalloyed condition, titanium is as strong as several variants of steel, yet it can also retain a much lighter density.
Although this metal was discovered in 1790, its true potential was discovered only around World War II. To turn the tide of the war, the United States started utilizing this metal. The country trusted titanium in the construction and launch of new aircraft. The metal's invincibility to nature and its lightness made it ideal for vehicles. Many say that titanium won the war. The European seas were conquered by these newly invented Allie ships thanks to the super metal. This American-reinforced metal eventually defeated German engineering. It was titanium that allowed the Allies to win air and sea victories, with a lighter and stronger version of the previously- used steel. NASA has also used titanium in the creation of the International Space Station.
So, when you're wearing a piece of titanium jewelry, you are giving your hand the strength of a Mach 3 or US Navy ship!
Titanium's History in Jewelry
Titanium's use in jewelry, however, is even more modern. An effective method for turning titanium ore into a usable metal form for jewelry making has only been around for a few decades. The first reports of titanium jewelry being sold were recorded around the early 1990s. Unlike gold and silver, which had been in use since 4000 BC, titanium found its strength in the twentieth century.
Titanium may be combined with numerous metals to create an alloy, making it even more desirable. It can be alloyed with iron and aluminum, amongst other metals, to supply strong, lightweight alloys. Although titanium is a new metal used to make wedding bands, ID bracelets, and necklaces, it is starting to appear in designer jewelry brands like Tiffany & Co. and David Yurman.
Titanium’s Strengths
Titanium is the toughest naturally occurring metal found on Earth. It is strong – up to three times stronger than steel – and much harder than gold, silver, and platinum. Additionally, pure titanium is 100% hypoallergenic, so it was a benefit for jewelry customers who were allergic to sterling silver or gold.
A titanium ring design can have a variance from its actual titanium components. The most commonly used alloys are "commercially pure," made of 99.2% titanium, and "aircraft grade," made of 90% titanium, 6% aluminum, and 4% vanadium. Rings made of titanium are often combined with other materials, such as gemstones, inlaid wood, and other traditional jewelry metals.
Titanium is the ideal metal for making jewelry rings because of its longevity. This metal is more resistant to scratches, dents, and bending than gold, platinum, or silver. Another advantage of titanium over these traditional jewelry metals is its weight; Wearing a diamond and titanium ring will be much lighter than a similar 18k gold or platinum ring.
Varieties of Titanium Rings Sold Today
Titanium jewelry is now available in a rainbow of hues. It can also be carved, engraved, sculpted, and combined with distinctive metals like palladium, gold, sterling silver, and platinum. There is no end to the options of titanium jewelry in the modern era. Natural or colored titanium jewelry may be polished to a "satin" finish for a unique and modern texture. Titanium rings can also be hammered or brightly polished. For trendy women and men looking for a modern take on the conventional platinum, gold, or silver metals used to create jewelry, titanium is hot right now. Because of its easy maneuverability and low price point, titanium is often the go-to metal for custom engagement and wedding ceremony rings. Titanium jewelers can use gemstones, scenes, shapes, and various designs and style factors to make their truly custom titanium ring one of a kind.
At Hawaii Titanium Rings, we offer a variety of these alloys and ring accents. If you're looking for a beautiful wood inlay ring, like our Maple Wood Inlay Titanium Ring Band, or a stone-encrusted ring, like our Ruby Titanium Ring, we have an array of choices for you. Make sure to click through our website to see the variety of unique titanium rings we have on sale, or contact us!
