Titanium has been a popular wedding ring metal since the 1990s—and its demand only continues to grow. Frequently used by cutting-edge jewelers like Arunashi, titanium is a durable metal to consider for your very own wedding band.
What Is Titanium?
Titanium is a very strong metal that is resistant to corrosion. It's natural color is a light to medium grey, but is often given a black finish.
There’s no denying that titanium is a jeweler’s dream in several ways (we’re talking about immense durability and titanium’s versatile look), but this requires an investment and a willingness to learn the ins and outs of working with this metal. Jeweler Christian Tse says, “Most designer jewelers need specialized equipment to work with titanium. It has a high melting point and cannot be soldered like traditional metals, such as gold, that are used in jewelry. Titanium must be welded with lasers or worked as a single piece.”
Ahead, find out everything to know about titanium wedding bands, from pros and cons to care advice.
Pros and Cons of Titanium Rings
One of the initial selling points of a titanium ring for couples on a budget is that it’s more economical than platinum or gold. Additionally, Tse reports that these rings are strong, lightweight, and easy to handle. They're able to resist corrosion, and even better, are hypoallergenic—great news for those who are prone to jewelry allergies.
While there are great pros to this metal, couples should consider a few things before purchasing a titanium ring. First, Tse explains that it is a non-precious metal, so it doesn't have the same value as a wedding ring that’s made of platinum or gold. Also, titanium isn’t carried in many jewelry stores and it can be challenging to find an array of options to choose from. Lastly, titanium rings cannot be resized or altered if your ring size changes over time and these rings cannot be soldered.
Meet the Expert
Christian Tse is an accomplished jewelry designer and the CEO of Christian Tse Design & Manufacturing. He has worked extensively with titanium to create beautiful, original wedding rings.
What to Look for in a Titanium Ring
- How can I tell if the ring is high quality? When buying a titanium wedding band, Tse cautions that you need to examine it to make sure there are no visual pits. If you notice any surface impurities or inconsistent discoloration, think twice before getting the ring.
- Where should I shop for this type of ring? You can shop for a titanium band at a jeweler or online. To be sure that you are buying a ring that’s made of genuine titanium, look for the hallmark “TI”—the chemical sign—or the word titanium.
How to Care for a Titanium Ring
Titanium rings require very little care and upkeep compared to precious metals. It’s important to avoid scratching it and always handle the ring with care. However, according to Tse, there aren’t any special care instructions for titanium rings because they are very durable. Minter + Richter, a Boston-baed jewelry company that specializes in handcrafted titanium rings, sells a special lifetime care option that allows you to leave the cleaning of your wedding ring to professionals.
How Titanium Differs From Other Ring Metals
A titanium ring will stay truly round throughout its life. “Titanium differs from silver, gold, and platinum in many ways,” shares Tse. Although titanium, silver, and platinum can be manufactured to look similar, titanium is considerably stronger than silver and platinum.
That can’t be said for silver, gold, or platinum rings. Unlike silver, platinum, or gold, a titanium ring will not show any wear such as scratches or dents after a year of use. Titanium rings are also lighter and less expensive than gold and platinum. According to Tse, titanium melts at 3038 degrees Fahrenheit, which is much higher than gold (1700 degrees Fahrenheit), yet similar to platinum (3215 degrees Fahrenheit).
If a titanium wedding band sounds right for your union, consider the stand-out and stylish options below.
Shane Co. Titanium Men’s Band with Hammered Finish
This wedding band may bring to mind the glimmering beauty of a mirror ball. The ring’s hammered finish makes it stand out and gives it a stylish look with a streak of ruggedness.
Price at time of publish: $247
Tiffany & Co. Paloma's Groove Ring
This titanium wedding band was designed as part of a series to honor authentic connections, and inspired by Paloma Picasso’s own wedding ring. With its brilliant round diamond and bold lines, this ring is picture-perfect for any union.
Price at time of publish: $650
Jewelry by Johan Yellow Stardust Wedding Band in Sandblasted Titanium
You don’t often see bold, cheery yellow in a wedding band, but it works beautifully here. The sturdy titanium is offset by “yellow stardust”—comprised of shavings of both yellow gold and meteorite for optimal sparkle and a touch of metallic sheen.
Price at time of publish: $479
Thorsten Knight Steel Chain Black Titanium Wedding Ring
The eye is drawn to a few places on this ring at once, and that’s a good thing since it’s full of beauty. The beautiful black titanium band has a chain design at its center with two bands of sparkling black diamonds on each side.
Price at time of publish: $1,120
Shane Co. Max-T Comfort Fit Titanium Band with Blue Ionic Plating
This fun ring somehow looks both glamorous and casual. Made of maximum titanium for optimal durability, this wedding band stands out with its blue ionic plating that runs along both sides of the satin-finished ring.
Price at time of publish: $310
David Yurman Beveled Band Ring in Black Titanium With Grey Titanium
This double titanium ring highlights both black and grey titanium in perfect contrast to each other. The black titanium frames the inlay of grey titanium on each side for the length of the band, and the wedding ring has a polished, sophisticated appearance.
Price at time of publish: $550
Minter + Richter Turquoise Stone & Titanium Wedding Rings Set
This titanium wedding ring set certainly stands apart from others with its colorful and unique beauty. Each ring has a stunning inlay of solid turquoise and an eye-catching dome titanium band.
Price at time of publish: $864
David Yurman Streamline Three Row Band Ring in Black Titanium With Pavé Black Diamonds
Black diamonds are a man’s best friend with this black titanium wedding ring that features three sparkling rows of black diamonds that circle the band. The rare gemstones are set off perfectly with titanium and sterling silver.
Price at time of publish: $2,950
Shane Co. Max-T Titanium Comfort Fit Ring With Black Ionic Plating
The contrast of blue and black is beautiful on this titanium wedding band that is ultra-modern. The chic design with its black ionic plating and bright blue lines stands out, and the band was created to be durable and remain scratch-free.
Price at time of publish: $285
Larson Talon Black Titanium Ring With Black Sapphires
Bold, dark, and moody, this titanium band is sure to stand out. The metal withstands scratching and wear over time. The ring is embellished with tiny sapphires in a small groove at the center of the band. You can also engrave the ring for a personalized detail.
Price at time of publish: $480
Blue Nile Low Dome Comfort Fit Wedding Ring
This band looks sleek and polished. It's made from tantalum (a rare, hard, blue-gray metal), which gives the ring the ability to stand up to corrosion and damage.
Price at time of publish: $470
Manly Bands The Gandalf
Although this ring is lighter in color, it's crafted from titanium. The band has carbon fiber which gives it a light grey shade, and a high beveled design that makes it full of shine.
Price at time of publish: $325
Bulgari B. Zero 1 Ring
If you want a titanium ring with unique touches, this rose gold band from Bulgari is an excellent option. Featuring titanium and 18k rose gold, you'll never want to take this ring off.
Price at time of publish: $1,950
Manly Bands The Spy
The rich, deep color of this ring gives it a bold aesthetic. The thick bands offer comfort for all ring sizes, and the domed center design adds a modern-day element.
Price at time of publish: $506
David Yurman Pyramid Band Ring in Black Titanium
This striking black titanium ring has a design that is both upscale and original, with a price tag reasonable enough for a wide variety of wedding ring budgets. The band’s interesting eternity design and intricate texture show off the contrast of yellow gold and black titanium.
Price at time of publish: $1,950
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