The newest metal in the jewelry market didn't start out being intended for rings and bracelets – in fact, it wasn't even usable until the 1940's. Titanium, a pure elemental metal, was first used only in laboratory experiments and military applications – and eventually found a home in the space program. Due to its unique coloration and lightweight, yet incredibly strong properties, titanium finally found a home in the jewelry market.

Titanium was first discovered in a mineral form in 1791, in Cornwall, England. At that time, there was really no way to extract a metal from the mineral, but this changed in 1910 when a chemist was able to obtain pure titanium from an explosive reaction. Unlike other metals, titanium can't be melted out of the ore it is found in (this is the way iron is obtained, for example). A chemical reaction has to take place in order to obtain this metal, and an effective way to do this wasn't found until 1946.

Titanium is only 60% heavier than aluminum, known as the lightest practical metal, but it is twice as strong. This makes titanium perfect for applications where items have to be both strong and lightweight. In the jewelry industry, titanium quickly found a home in wedding bands. Women and men both enjoy wearing this lighter than gold wedding jewelry, and they also like the fact that it is not easily scratched or marred during wear. Titanium can also hold special meaning, as it is strong – just like most people want their marriage to be.

Titanium jewelry has evolved quickly – and today it is possible to find all manner of rings available in this metal. Many jewelers have started to colorize their titanium with other metals and alloys, creating such looks as bright blue and pink carved bands on their rings. Other titanium jewelry has been colored black by alloys, allowing for an entirely different look to this usually charcoal gray metal. Titanium rings have also been made (either channel set or tension set) with diamonds and other stones, so they have even been used as engagement rings.

Most people may think of silver and gold when they picture their wedding jewelry, but for more and more couples, titanium jewelry is taking their place. This material, less costly than gold and more unique, is starting to catch on as more and more people want to distinguish themselves from other married couples.