At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Titanium Bracelet?
Titanium is a very durable, damage-resistant metal. It is stronger than either platinum or gold and is three times stronger than steel. Even with its strength, it is also lightweight and hypoallergenic, making it perfect for everyone, including those with sensitive skin. One of the most popular types of titanium jewelry is the titanium bracelet. There are several things to take into consideration when choosing which titanium bracelet to purchase.
Bracelets made from titanium are available in both male and female versions. The female titanium bracelets tend to be smaller, with more intricate detail, and designs such as hearts, stars and other emblems. The male version of the titanium bracelet is often wider, with a chunky or armored appearance.
Decide what style of titanium bracelet you are looking for. They are available in chain links, bangles, cuffs, cable link, cable cross link, barrel bar, and tungsten carbide. Chain link, bangles, and cuff-style bracelets are geared more towards females, while the tungsten carbide bracelet is distinctly male. Cable link, cable cross link and barrel bar styles are designed for both sexes.
Think about what kind of clasp you want on your titanium bracelet. There are several kinds of clasps, including watch band, toggle, magnetic, pearl and box. Many titanium bracelets are as thick as watches, making the watch band style the most common clasp people choose. There is no specific type that is recommended, as it is all a matter of preference and style.
Consider if you want to combine other precious metals with the titanium. Many people like the look of gold or platinum inlaid in their titanium bracelet. If provides a striking contrast against the titanium, drawing attention to the bracelet and its wearer. Men's titanium bracelets are also commonly found inlaid with black resin, adding a more masculine appearance.
Choose a titanium bracelet with gemstones if you want to add a little flair. Titanium bracelets can often be found accented with diamonds or gemstones. The gems range in type from cubic zirconium to diamonds.
Many titanium bracelets come with magnetic features. These are believed to have great health benefits for the wearer. The magnets are said to produce a negative energy field which counteracts the positive field associated with painful conditions. This is thought to bring more oxygen to the painful area to reduce inflammation and relieve the pain. People who are pregnant, wear a pacemaker or have electronic implants should avoid magnetic titanium bracelets or other magnet products.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Titanium jewelry resists scratching.]()
By: zyagarikoTitanium jewelry resists scratching. -
![Pregnant women should avoid magnetic titanium bracelets.]()
By: pedrosalaPregnant women should avoid magnetic titanium bracelets.
Discussion Comments
@ValleyFiah: Both titanium and tungsten are contemporary metals now being used for jewelry. Both are recent additions to the marketplace. That is about the only similarity.
Tungsten is incredibly hard and almost scratch resistant, but is also brittle, so it can crack upon hard impact.
It is a heavy, dense material, so for a watch or a bracelet be prepared for a heavy weight. Also for a wedding band it will be the heaviest option you will find.
Titanium is a natural element, light gray in color. It has incredible tensile strength and has the highest weight to strength ratio of any jewelry material known to man. It was used on space shuttle and is used in the body. It is hypo allergenic and can stop a bullet. (Yes, I know of a guy who accidentally discharged his pistol and his titanium ring stopped bullet from ripping through his finger!)
But titanium does scratch. Some people do not know that.
I've been selling titanium and tungsten rings and jewelry since 2002. I've seen the pros and cons of each. Hope this helps! --J.R. Yates
@alchemy- Titanium will not corrode in seawater, at least not within your lifetime. All metals will eventually corrode, but titanium is very resistant to corrosion in marine environments. It is one of the best metals for marine applications because not only is it corrosion resistant, it is lightweight and somewhat ductile. The only real issue for marine applications is that titanium is expensive, but in your case, it will be well worth the cost. A titanium bracelet for your watch will be a good investment.
Would a black titanium bracelet be a good idea for a men's dive watch? I actually use the watch for diving and I want to know if it will hold up in seawater or if it will corrode. I had a stainless steel and rubber bracelet on my last watch but it fell apart when my hand hit a rock. Luckily, the watch only fell to the seafloor five feet below. I would hate to lose my expensive dive watch in deep water should I snag it on the side of the boat.
@valleyfiah- Tungsten carbide is extremely strong, and will take almost any abuse you can dish out. It will not be scratched by anything short of a diamond. Another thing to consider, especially if doing things that can cause a ring to be potentially bent, is that titanium is more ductile than tungsten. Tungsten will not bend onto your finger under pressure, instead it will shatter, which is safer for you.
If you have sensitive skin, titanium rings are completely hypoallergenic, whereas tungsten carbide alloys with cobalt can cause allergic reactions. If you want tungsten and have sensitive skin, you should opt for the hypoallergenic tungsten-nickel alloys.
Tungsten rings are about four times heavier than a comparable titanium ring because of density. Because of this increased density, and the fact that tungsten carbide requires extremely high heat to produce, tungsten rings are more expensive than titanium rings. This means that you will not be able to resize or engrave a tungsten band. Tungsten carbide is also only available in different shades of black whereas titanium can produce a number of colors depending on the other metals in the alloy.
What are the differences in characteristics of tungsten and titanium? I am considering buying a tungsten or titanium wedding band because of multiple reasons. The first is because I do not want to buy gold that possibly came from the deforestation of the Amazon River basin. The second and reason is that I want something that looks nice, but is very hard. I work with my hands and want something that will withstand the abuse my hands take.
I am undecided on what type of band I should purchase so I would like to know the pros and cons of the two metals. Which metal will hold up better to abuse and requires less maintenance? I want something that cleans easily, feels like it has some weight to it, and does not lose its luster.
Post your comments