Caring for your alternative metal wedding rings.

How to take care of your alternative metal Wedding Ring
 
Titanium, zirconium, cobalt chrome, tantalum and tungsten are materials that are well suited for wedding ring design and construction. Each material is unique and beautiful in its own right, and as such, each must be cared for and cleaned in a different way. The most important aspects in caring for your jewelry is cleaning, storing, and general care. 

Titanium 
Titanium is a beautiful metal and a wonderful choice for a uniquely exquisite engagement or wedding ring. Over time, this metal, as any other, can become susceptible to scratches and marks.

Cleaning: Do not scrub your titanium ring with anything abrasive. A good method of cleaning is to rinse the ring in water with dish soap then spray with Windex or a similar spray, rinse in warm water and dry with a soft towel. 

Lahbrook Designs Titanium Ring
GETi Titanium Rings

Zirconium 
Zirconium is a metal created by purifying zircon with chlorine. The resulting metal is similar to titanium. It is extremely durable and can stand up to a good amount of wear and tear, however, the surface will pick up scratches in the same way that titanium does. At first, scratches will be noticeable, but over time they smooth out into a patina. 

Cleaning: The best way to clean zirconium is simply with soapy water and a soft brush.  Dry with a soft cloth.

Lashbrook Designs Black Ziconium Rings
GETi Black Zirconium Rings

Cobalt Chrome 
Cobalt chrome is the superstar of metals in that it is extremely hard to damage and literally chip-resistant, so this material is great for those who lead active lifestyles. However, care should still be taken to ensure the ring lasts well into the future. 

Cleaning: The best way to clean Cobalt Chrome is simply with soapy water and a soft brush.  Dry with a soft cloth.

Lashbrook Designs Cobalt Chrome Rings

Tantalum
Tantalum is a beautiful gray color with a hint of blue. It’s that great gun-metal tone that’s darker than titanium but not black like zirconium. It is quite dense, with a weight similar to platinum. While many alternative metals create difficulties with resizing, tantalum is quite malleable and easily resized up to one size depending on customization. Tantalum is hypoallergenic, and will not corrode or react with exposure to everyday use or chemicals.

Cleaning: To clean tantalum jewelry, use a solution of warm water and detergent-free soap with a soft cloth. When not worn, store your tantalum pieces in soft cloth bags.

Lashbrook Tantalum Rings


Tungsten
Tungsten carbide rings are extremely scratch resistant and are more durable than many other types of traditional precious metal wedding ring . Tungsten rings are also resistant to corrosion and tarnish. Tungsten Wedding Rings are hypoallergenic.

Cleaning: To clean tungsten carbide jewelry, use a solution of warm water and detergent-free soap with a soft cloth. When not worn, store your tungsten pieces in soft cloth bags or the original box to protect them from the elements of daily exposure.

Thorsten Tungsten Rings

Storing and General Care for all rings:
Storing: The best way to store any jewelry is in tarnish-resistant plastic bag or to wrap your ring in something soft, like a microfiber cloth.  Never let rings touch or clank with each other. 

General Care: When exercising, gardening, swimming, going to the beach, or playing sports, it is best not to wear your jewelry ring. Avoiding contact with harsh materials, chemicals and rough handling is the best way to preserve your jewelry. 

Care and info on: Damascus Steel Rings, Meteorite Rings or Carbon Fiber Rings
 

Updated: May 2021

Mary Comerford