Titanium, a white metal with a light charcoal gray hue, is a recently popular metal choice for engagement rings. Not quite as well-known as gold and platinum rings, titanium has health benefits, such as being hypoallergenic, and is lighter and more durable than gold or platinum. Some detractors say the strength of titanium poses a health risk for wearers and that in an emergency the ring can not be cut off.
About Titanium
Titanium rings are durable and scratch-free. For people who are allergic to the nickel which is found in some rings, titanium is a good choice since it is hypoallergenic. People with allergies to jewelry can wear titanium rings and not feel any discomfort. Also, titanium will not oxidize rapidly when in contact with air, and therefore will not wear away. Titanium is also used for surgical implants and dental fittings since it is more resistance and is the only foreign material that living tissue attaches onto.
Dangerous Side of Titanium
Though titanium wins with allergy sufferers who can't wear other metals, detractors say it is dangerous in emergency situations. If the ring can not be removed with petroleum jelly, it needs to be cut off. Foes claim titanium rings cannot be cut using ring cutters. This causes complications and in many cases, the finger will not be treated correctly or it needs to be amputated.
Expert Insight
According to MedHelp and TitaniumRings.com, titanium rings can be cut off in case of emergency. These sources claim that even the strongest titanium alloys can be cut through using a basic ring cutter. A manual ring cutter cuts through a ring in about 2 minutes. An electric ring cutter used by hospitals and paramedics cuts through even more quickly. Cascadia Design Studio recommends not wearing titanium rings, or any other rings, around open machinery, electrical equipment or while participating in sports.
Conclusion
Claims made about titanium being a risk to health are actually false. Titanium rings do not cause allergies, they act well when in contact with skin, and in case of emergency, they may be cut through as any other rings would be. Irritation may be caused in some cases, especially from black titanium which has an overlay finish used to add a hue to the ring.
Tags: ring cutter, case emergency, contact with, cuts through, gold platinum, other rings