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-Q: What color is titanium? A : Titanium is a "white" metal with a slight charcoal gray hue. Its natural color is darker and deeper than silver or white gold. It could be compared to platinum, with that specific "smoked" hue in addition. -Titanium is a reactive metal; it can be anodized in different colors (by thermal or electrolytic processes), however this treatment is not permanent. An anodized titanium piece of jewelry worn continuously would rapidly appear scratched and discolored, unless the anodizing treatment is applied on a recessed design, (less prone to be exposed to abrasion) or adequately protected. 
-Q: What is the difference between titanium grades? A : There is a wide variety of titanium grades and alloys available on the market today: *Titanium basic grade, also known as Commercially Pure - containing 98 to 99.9% titanium. This type of titanium is subdivided into grades (I to IV), the tensile strength begins at 25,000 psi. The most common commercially pure titanium is grade II. It is used mainly for applications where strength is not the most important factor, but where resistance to chemical attack(i.e. : pulp and paper industry) is essential. Its lightweight, neutrality and easy workability also makes it attractive for eyeglass frames, jewelry, dentistry, architectural applications... *Titanium Alloys: -Titanium 3Al/2.5V contains 94.5 Titanium, 3% Aluminum, 2.5% Vanadium. It is a lesser known alloy, (also called "half 6/4"). It is mainly available in extrusions (tubes...) and is used to build lightweight, strong bicycle frames amongst other tubular titanium products. -Titanium 6Al/4V was developed back in the 1950's. It contains 90% Titanium, 6% Aluminum, 4% Vanadium. It is also known as aircraft grade titanium, as it is a very common alloy used in the aerospace industry. It is also the most widely available high strength titanium alloy. Because of its lightweight, neutrality and high tensile strength (average of 130.000 psi, up to 160.00 psi when heat-treated), this alloy also found many different applications in the sport and leisure industry (golf clubs, camping utensils...) and contemporary jewelry. -Extra-hard titanium (6Al/6V/2Sn) contains 86% titanium, 6% Aluminum, 6% Vanadium and 2% Tin. Virtually the highest hardness titanium available. It is approximately 130% stronger than 6Al/4V titanium. This extraordinary alloy has a tensile strength of 150.000 psi, going up to 190.00 psi once heat-treated. It is used mainly for its great strength and lightweight, in the aerospace industry. Although it is much harder to work with than other titaniums, a few of us propose it as high-standard jewelry, because of its greater resistance to abrasion and wear. -Q: Does a titanium ring take scratches? A : We would LOVE to say "no" ! But like any other ring, a titanium band will eventually become minorly (BUT very unlikely deeply) scratched and could show scuff marks with everyday wear. In general, the life time of a ring finish will depend on how hard/often you are working with your hands. We have had a few cases of rings returned by customers for resizing, a year after the initial purchase, who looked virtually new. A titanium ring will never rust nor tarnish. If the finish is too altered, a simple re-finishing operation will restore it to virtually new brilliance. 
(ring on left is Engineered diamond treated, ring on right is untreated. Both are made from 6/4 aircraft grade titanium and have been worn side-by-side for the duration of the wear test) -Q: What is the difference between hardness and tensile strength? A : Tensile strength can be explained as the amount of resistance/elongation required to withstand a force before being permanently broken, bent or deformed. -Hardness means resistance to abrasion/wear. For example, diamonds are amongst the hardest existing materials, but hardness does not necessarily mean "shock-proof". A diamond can break or chip if dropped on a hard surface, as their molecular structure presents natural "weaknesses", called cleavage plans. |
-Q: Are titanium alloys as neutral to human body as pure titanium? A : Yes, they are. Titanium 6Al/4V is more commonly used for surgical implants and dental fittings than pure titanium, as it is more resistant. Titanium is the only known "foreign" material that living tissue will attach onto. -Q: Are titanium rings easy to cut in case of emergency? A : Yes, they are. Even stronger titanium alloys can be cut without difficulty. We have performed some tests on a 6Al/4V ring with a basic (manual) ring cutter, and went through it in under 2 minutes. The hospital and paramedic issued ring cutters are usually electric, reducing the cutting time consequently. -Q: I have large knuckles. Rings that manage to go over my knuckle end up fitting loosely on my finger. What can you suggest? A : A ring that has a greater width may sit a little better on your finger. Also, we can add a (if engraving is limited) smooth "tightening rod" (welded in pieces of aircraft grade titanium wire) to the inside of most of our ring models to take up some of the excess looseness. No charge, of course! 
-Q: Do your rings come with a "comfort-fit"? A : Most of our rings come with a traditional comfort fit. However, some of our ring styles (such as our classic Stealth and most tension settings) cannot be crafted with a full comfort fit. We make these rings with what we call a semi-comfort fit. This type of fit ensures a nice, tight fit with all required comfort. As a general rule, all ring edges are always slightly rounded and smooth to avoid discomfort due to sharp angles. We can alter a semi-comfort fit to a true comfort fit, or to a straight fit upon request, but note that doing so it may affect the sizing requirements. -Q: What should be done if the ring does not fit? A : If you mistakenly ordered the wrong ring size, or if you were improperly sized, our warranty covers sizing up to a 1/2 size loosening -or 1/4 size "titanium rod" tightening only, for most styles, at no additional charge. However some specific models (the extra slim stealth band, for example) may need to be entirely re-crafted, even if required resizing is within a half-size looser. Titanium rod size tightening is available for basic rings as well as special shaped rings and etched design rings of 5mm width or greater. This rod size tightening is the addition of a smooth titanium metal wire segment to the inside ofthe band. It is smooth enough to not be felt normally , but may not be for everyone! It is particularly helpful for reducing ring movement with people with large knuckles and slender fingers. Please keep in mind that the your ring engraving must not be too long to allow for a space for the titanium drop to be added! -Sizing a band even tighter than the titanium rod allows or more than a half-size looser will require recrafting a whole new ring, therefore a nominal charge of remake fees applies. plain bands: $50 bands with plain (non carved) inlays: $85 bands with carved inlays: $150 bands with platinum inlays : $185 regular stone settings: $100(excluding Cathedral and Stargate and black diamond) If we delivered the wrong size, we will resize or re-make a new ring for you, totally free of charge. You will find more details in our warranty and sizing pages. -Q: What happens if I do not like my ring once I have it on hand? A : That does not happen often... ;) However, we do have a return policy. You will find all details in our "warranty" page (you will find the link in the blue bar at the bottom of this page.) |