How a Titanium Ring Wears Over Time

Titanium rings are much stronger than rings made from other metals (See Titanium Rings: Strong and Light). Compared to silver, gold and platinum, titanium is much more scratch resistant. But despite how strong titanium is, a titanium ring will show wear over time.

When you get your ring, it will have a finish on it (See Titanium Rings: Finishes for more information). This finish is buffed on the ring after it has been polished. Overall, most of the blemishes your ring will acquire will be to the finish, not the ring itself. A polished finish will accumulate abrasions and become dull, a satin finish (lines running down the ring) will be rubbed off and disappear, etc. Most of this is surface wear and the ring itself will be undamaged. And guess what, you can just get your ring repolished or refinished and it will be as good as new!

Tip:

* There is a relatively unknown fact among most consumers. To jewelers polishing/refinishing a ring is a part of the business. Most of them will do it for free, or a small fee.

Over time, scratches will appear in the metal. Unfortunately there is not much you can do about this. Minor ones can be buffed out, but the deep ones are more permanent.

Example:

I have a 8mm titanium ring, with a 3mm silver inlay. It really shows how well titanium holds up next to other metals. There are several scratches in the silver that stop immediately when they reach the titanium part of the ring. However, there are also scratches in the titanium. A couple of the deep scars I have on my ring, are from where it has saved my hand from taking the brunt of an impact. My ring has saved my hand several times. So I tend to think of those scars as marks of service will done! I just figure they give the ring character.