Which is better between titanium or silver? Does titanium look like silver? Is titanium worth more than silver? These are among the numerous questions you are likely to ask yourself when purchasing jewelry for yourself or a loved one.
As the two metals’ popularity increases, you are likely to struggle to identify a suitable choice. Read on to get enlightened on the differences, similarities, pros, and cons of titanium and silver.
Understanding Titanium
Titanium is an exclusive metallic element that is silver greyish in color. In most cases, titanium is used in making traditional jewels because it is utterly durable. Despite being a solid metal, it is also a light metal, hence suitable for everyday ornament.
You can get titanium jewelry in two forms: titanium alloy or pure titanium. The pure form of titanium is suitable if you have sensitive skin because it is hypoallergenic. On the flip side, the reaction of the titanium alloy will depend on the additional metal used. Some may cause allergic reactions, while others may be safe.
Titanium Pros
Here are some advantages of using titanium to make jewels.
- It is Lightweight
Can you imagine having a beautiful jewel but you cannot wear it because it is heavy? You will have a very uncomfortable day. Everyday ornaments are made of titanium: rings and anklets are comfortable.
- It is Strong
In most cases, jewels are expensive. It can be disheartening if you spend a fortune to buy a jewel that will break or bend the next day. However, a good metal can withstand everyday wear. In this case, titanium is renowned for its strength.
- It is Versatile
You can use titanium to manufacture different types of jewels. Additionally, you can combine it with other exceptional metals: gold, silver, and gemstones to make it more spectacular. Moreover, you can anodize titanium to attain different colored styles.
- It is Durable
If you are an active person or your job involves spending long hours in the sun or water, your titanium jewels will not tarnish. No matter what you do, titanium will still maintain its shape.
It is rare to come across someone complaining about damaged titanium jewelry, no matter their job’s nature. Consequently, you can put on titanium jewels when engaging in intense outdoor activities.
- It is Cheap
Most precious metals with the characteristics mentioned above are pricy. But this is not the case when it comes to titanium. The metal is surprisingly cheaper despite possessing ideal properties.
Titanium Cons
- It is Hard to Solder Titanium
As highlighted earlier, titanium is a tough metal. Consequently, when you make a jewel, it might be challenging to resize it if you want some adjustments.
Understanding Silver
Silver is a precious greyish metal. It is also a very soft metal such that you can use it in its pure form to make jewels. Subsequently, you will have to use alloys to make more durable and manageable jewels that will stay in shape.
In most cases, people use copper, among other typical metals, to make a more durable silver ornament. Nonetheless, when you mix silver with other metals, it erodes and tarnishes quickly. However, this disadvantage doesn’t affect the fact that silver makes the best jewels.
Silver Pros
Here are some advantages of using silver.
- It is Affordable
Silver jewels are affordable if compared to other types of metals. As a result, you will spend less when purchasing jewels made of silver than you would have spent buying those made of different metals.
- It is Versatile
With silver, you can easily find different types of metals suitable for different occasions or everyday wear. Moreover, you can use the extensive collection of silver jewels to match various outfits.
Unlike titanium, you can resize silver jewels if you bought the wrong size, and you would love to make it more comfortable. Consequently, as long as you love a silver jewel, you do not have to get the exact size.
- It Has a Spectacular Shine
Whenever you are using a silver jewel, you will always stand out due to its shine and color. Silver ornaments will always look precious.
Silver Cons
- Purity
Unfortunately, you cannot use it when it is in its pure form. As highlighted earlier, pure silver is very soft such that it cannot maintain a definite shape.
Therefore, the only option is to use silver alloys which are not easy to manage or make. Furthermore, as you mix silver with other metals, it may result in additional disadvantages such as not being hypoallergenic.
- It Tarnishes Easily
If you expose silver to the air for a long time, it will start to lose its natural shine. Although you can wipe it out, the metal will keep on tarnishing. To avoid tarnishing, you should polish your silver jewels.
- Sometimes Silver Is Not Hypoallergenic
The ability of silver to react with your skin will depend on whether it can cause skin allergies or not. If you use a metal like copper, it will be safe. But if you use a metal like nickel, it may lead to skin reactions.
Differences Between Silver and Titanium
Here are some notable differences between silver and titanium.
The Color
Anytime you come across a jewel, you will notice the color easily. For example, titanium is available in a silver, greyish color. But you can easily anodize to attain different colors.
On the flip side, silver is present in a perfect greyish white color too. This means that you are not likely to differentiate between the two, because they are almost the same color.
The Density
Typically, silver is heavier than titanium. So, if you weigh the same amount of titanium and silver, you will realize that silver is double the weight of titanium.
You are likely not to identify the difference if you are using light jewels like rings. But if you wear long necklaces, you will feel the difference. So, if you are planning to wear a jewel for long hours, it would be better to use titanium instead of silver.
The Strength and Hardness
Although titanium is lighter than silver, it is more durable. Due to this strength, it will not crack easily. However, as much as it is strong, titanium is a hard metal to shape and manipulate.
On the other hand, silver is very soft and can bend easily after wearing it for some time. However, as much as it can bend, it will not break.
Is Any of the Two Metals Ideal in Their Pure Form
Any metal is perfect in its pure form, but when you mix it with another one, it is likely to cause skin sensitivity.
For example, titanium is a metal that is ideal when used in its pure form to make jewels. However, this is not the case when using silver, because you have to add another metal to manufacture a perfect jewel.
As highlighted earlier, the main disadvantage of adding other metals to make silver alloys is that they can make silver hypoallergenic ultimately.
Tarnishing
When buying jewels, you should consider if they are likely to tarnish quickly. As highlighted before, it is impossible to use silver in its pure state to make jewels. The problem of mixing silver with other metals is that it makes silver tarnish quickly.
Although the metals added are meant to make silver manageable and strong, some, like copper, will cause it to tarnish faster.
On the other hand, titanium does not tarnish quickly or corrode. So when you have a titanium jewel, you will maintain it with ease. But it is also important to polish it to keep its perfect look and shine.
Hypoallergenic
Hypoallergenic is used to refer to jewels that cause none or minimal allergic reactions. But this does not mean that they are 100% safe. Generally, metals that are manufactured using alloys easily result in skin allergies. Therefore, such a metal is not safe to make jewels for someone who has sensitive skin.
When you compare the two, titanium is the most hypoallergenic metal. But pure silver is safe too. But since you cannot use it in its pure form, you can use one mixed with safe metals to make silver alloys or sterling silver.
Alloys
Although titanium has all positive features on its own, most people prefer to create titanium alloys. Unfortunately, for silver, you have no choice. You can only make silver jewels using alloys such as sterling silver.
The Cost Varies
Although both are cheap metals, their prices still vary, and different factors determine the costs. But all in all, titanium is more affordable than silver, depending on whether you purchase your jewels. Other times the two may have the same prices, but there is no wide price range.
Titanium vs. Silver: Which One Is Better?
In this case, I would say that it will depend on what you are looking for in the jewel you plan to purchase.
The two metals are magnificent for distinct events but almost look alike. Therefore, your final decision should depend on the kind of ornament you are looking for with all these similarities.
Nonetheless, if you are looking for a hypoallergenic jewel, you should go for one made of titanium. But also, if you are looking for one that you can resize, it would be best if you choose sterling silver.
Conclusion
There are various metals used in making jewelry. They can all make extraordinary pieces. To make the best decision, you require adequate knowledge of what the metal contains, its cost, and the care it needs.
The above guide will enlighten you on whether to choose titanium or silver. In case you have any questions or comments, you can include them below. More importantly, seek advice from a metal specialist before you purchase the jewel.
