Your Going To Love These New Cobalt Rings

We’ve added to our Titanium-Jewelry family. What’s new, is even more cutting edge cobalt rings. These new cobalt creations feature elite classic styles. As well as designs that are easily recognizable as the most unique men’s wedding bands to hit the bridal scene. You’re absolutely going to love them!

Take A Look. Tell Us What You Think.

Over the summer, at the premier jewelry show of the year in Las Vegas, arrangements were made to get them here. Now they are. And we really want you to visit us on Facebook and tell us what you think of them.

Benchmark also creates absolutely gorgeous lines of woman’s wedding bands. Which one would you choose?

Who’s Benchmark?

Benchmark has been around for more than 40 years. In that time they’ve earned a prestigious reputation. And made a few friends along the way. They’ve not only brought some of the hottest trends in men wedding bands to life. They’ve created absolutely stunning examples of ladies wedding bands as well.

How To Get The Look

Titanium-Jewelry.com is primarily geared toward contemporary metal jewelry for modern men. Showcasing the latest in designer mens wedding rings. And while we do have gorgeous looks for the ladies online as well. We have even more elegant styles in women’s jewelry at our parent location, Yates & Co. Jewelers in Modesto.

Don’t see exactly what your looking for online? Give us a call and tell us what you want. Scott. Amanda. April. All of our GIA Certified, Fine Jewelry Consultants are easy to talk to, and ready to help.

posted by:  Jenessa Nowell

Content Curator and Social Media Associate

Do you have an idea for an upcoming post? Email me at jnowell@titanium-jewelry.com

I think this one may be my favorite. CHAD has an awesome and modern looking tread pattern designed into the 8mm band.

Jewelry designer J.R. Yates has been hard at work designing a new line of men’s cobalt rings. Just in time too. As we approach the end of the year, more of us want to take advantage of all the great sales and promotions. We feel better when we shop around. And not just settle for what we can find at the last minute.

So What’s New?

• CHAD and BANDALERO. Are you a modern kind of man? Two cutting edge cobalt rings just released, feature tread and rope patterns. Are you more into diamonds?

•  MIDAS has three round cut bezel set diamonds securely set in the satin finished band. Altogether, there are seven new designs in cobalt from J.R Yates. And they all currently range from $129 to $295.

Who Is J.R. Yates?

J. R Yates is an exclusive cutting edge line created by Yates & Co. Jewelers in Modesto, CA. This line specializes in contemporary metal jewelry for men. So if you happen to find yourself in the Modesto area,  please stop by and see them in person.

Last Wednesday, I spoke to Scott Mackey,  store manager at Yates & Co.  He said some customers actually fly in specifically, to see them. Really! Just so they can shop the lines in person. He loves it! In fact one customer flew his own plane in from Arizona, while others flew in commercial. Scott even gave one guy, a ride to the airport.

So if you have questions about the J.R. Yates line of jewelry, or anything else you might see on Titanium-Jewelry.com. Call them up. Scott, Amanda, April, any of the associates are happy to help. Got questions? Ask away.

The artistry behind MARAMI is remarkable. It’s handcrafted and designed with the skill of a precision engineer. A look for the ultra modern man!

What else is new?

Top of the line designer Heavy Stone Rings has two new cobalt rings that stand out.

•  DUALIS – This band is a combination of black zirconium and cobalt in a block pattern. Very unique.
• MARAMI - I’ve never seen anything like it.  This band is created with an intricate pattern of design that requires absolute  skilled engineering.

Of course these are just a few. You can see all the new designs at Titanium-Jewelry.com. Like us on Facebook and let us know what you think. Have a question? Leave your comments here, or give us a tweet at @TitaniumJewelry. We want to hear from you!

A Friday Fav in August was marked down 56%! Do you have a cobalt ring you would like to see slashed?
Better Get Pinning!

You Control The Friday Fav

How could your favorite past-time actually save you money?  It goes like this.

1. Repin your favorite cobalt rings from any Titanium-Jewelry board. (or)
2. Like your favorite cobalt rings from any Titanium-Jewelry board.
3. Get your friends to agree with you on the same rings. (that may be the hard part)

How It Works

The Pinners at Titanium-Jewelry (TJ)  created an incentive. The TJ ring with the most likes or repins for that week will become the Friday Fav. So you jewelry loving pinners have until 10pm (PST) Thursday, to get your  pins in, and try to influence any other pinners to do the same. On that Friday only, the price of the most pinned ring gets slashed.  And this is just the beginning. Pinterest is now overshadowing Facebook for shopping. So you tell us what you want to see. Your the boss!

Speak Your Mind

While we’re on the subject, if you visit Titanium-Jewely.com, and you see specific cobalt wedding ring that you just have to have, but you can’t find it pinned on TJ’s board. Pin it yourself, and then choose to tweet your pin to @TitaniumJewelry. Let us know what you want to see.  The plain and simple truth is that you have the power to get the sale you want by pinning with a little strategy.

What do you think about the Friday Fav incentive? Does it make you want to shop? Tell us what you think by posting to us on Facebook, giving us a tweet, or feel free to post your comments right here. Tell us what you want to see!

• 11/02/12  - I Just found out this particular incentive is no longer running. But we do love to pin, and every one loves a contest, so who knows. If you demand it, we may have no choice but to bring back the Friday Fav! Start the buzz!

The three blackened channels encircling PRAZISE by Benchmark, distinguishes this mens cobalt band from your average ring.

Cobalt Has Arrived

Well deserved accolades are finally rolling in for contemporary metal jewelry designs forged from cobalt chrome, titanium, and tungsten. The widely circulated and highly respected online journal JCK, recently reported, “How Jewelers Are Thinking Outside The Precious Metal Box.” In that article, Sarah Graham, owner of Sarah Graham Metalsmithing in San Francisco, is quoted as saying “an aesthetic shift among consumers is partially responsible for the growing appeal of alternative metals and materials. It seems to be a trend, but also something that is here to stay.”

Despite the fact, or perhaps even because of the consistent and traditional use of precious metal, particularly gold jewelry, many consumers are coming to view it as overwhelmingly cliche. Combining gold’s price tag in conjunction with what some have termed as lavish overuse, it’s no wonder the popular online wedding advisor, TheKnot.com, reports that more than 60% of grooms choose white metal wedding bands over traditional yellow gold. Yellow gold and other precious metals remain, and no doubt will continue to play a vital role in the the wedding and jewelry industry. However, the modern leaning toward the use and popularity of contemporary metals, including the growing demand for cobalt rings, shows that precious metals no longer monopolize the traditional market.

Take Your Pick

The fact that tungsten, cobalt, titanium and ceramic jewelry are now being designed and created in such exotic and cutting edge styles, has added relevance to their popularity among younger consumers. Men’s rings made from alternative metals can be purchased at literally half the price of gold or platinum, but many groom’s are choosing them because of their sleek feel and modern look. Tungsten for instance has a solid and weighty feel that is not found in precious metals. Cobalt radiates a gleaming white brilliancy that by some accounts, surpasses that even of platinum. Titanium, when worn feels nearly weightless. It is the only known element with the strength of steel yet possessing a weight comparable to that of aluminum.

The JCK article mentioned on the outset noted an interesting observation. It stated that there was “a growing trend of men taking an interest in shopping for, and buying fine jewelry for themselves.”  Ron Yates, chief guru and founder of Titanium-Jewelry.com also noted this trend in the way men shop. He stated that combining such cutting edge materials as cobalt with black diamonds together in men’s ring’s, cuff-links, bracelets, or other accessories was especially appealing to the guys. Two such popular choices spotlighting black diamonds is the cobalt CONSTRUCT by Benchmark and the tungsten variation FORGE.

A New And Most Welcome Tradition

It’s exciting to see the winds of change rock the established jewelry world. With designers such as Benchmark, Heavy Stone Rings, and J.R. Yates, to name only a few, pushing the envelope of creativity, we have even more fabulous things to look forward to in the future. As men’s wedding rings accelerate toward greater individuality, grooms are becoming more and more involved in shopping for them, and actually enjoying it too. Ahh, progress!

This cutting edge style with its satin finish blackened cobalt edge, and high polished cobalt center, is just one of many new arrivals found on Titanium-Jewelry.com

I was so excited to see all the hot new styles in mens cobalt bands, that have been added to leading online retailer Titanium-Jewelry.com. These cutting edge designs are a welcome addition to an already awesome line-up of mens wedding bands. This is all thanks in part, no doubt, to the recent JCK Events Jewelry Show in Las Vegas held from June 01, through June 04, 2012. New creations in bridal jewelry for both men and women, fashioned from metals both precious and alternative, have just recently become available to an eager and enthusiastic public .

One amazing look introduced by industry leader,  Benchmark Rings,  is a 5mm satin finish cobalt band that features horizontal grooves and beveled edges. There is a very rugged and industrial feel to this band, while its modest width delivers an unassuming  yet muscular dignity.

Another of the fabulously trending styles recently added is the very band selected as our September 2012 Featured Cobalt Ring Of The Month. This fantastic treasure  has a ribbon effect to the surface of the band. It showcases a satin center that encircles the entirety of the band and is surrounded by high polished ribbon like patterns.

Benchmark Rings have been jewelry specialists for over 40 years. They were the first to introduce to the U.S., the comfort fit. This fit allows for more comfortable wear as the inside of the band is curved, and won’t cut into your finger, regardless of how long you wear it. Once you purchase your Benchmark ring from an authorized retailer, you can register your ring with Benchmark online in order to receive free sizing and refurbishing for life. This will allow you to have your ring re-sized or replaced in the case that your finger size ever changes. All authentic Benchmark rings are stamped with their trademark on the inside of the band, so you can be sure you are getting the genuine article.

In addition to captivating styles in cobalt bands, Benchmark Rings have also distinguished themselves in creating fabulous designs in Argentium Sterling Silver and Palladium. As always, regardless of the metal that Benchmark chooses as their canvas, the final decoration leaves us breathless.

Previously our July 2012 Cobalt Ring of the Month. This brushed cobalt chrome wedding band by Benchmark continues to be a top pick among consumers

What Is Everybody Buying?

A substantial amount of consumers who are drawn to contemporary metals and more specifically to mens cobalt wedding bands is the sheer absence of what some consider wasteful opulence. Of course there is nothing inherently inappropriate with precious metals in jewelry. For centuries this has been the norm and rightly so. Gold, platinum and silver are indisputably gorgeous and add an elegance to both ladies and mens wedding rings. On the other hand, we have just emerged from an era of indulgences that we as a global community are still feeling the effects of. Of course not all of us shared in the excesses but we have still felt the aftermath. For this reason, at present there are some who are left with a sour taste in their mouths at the thought of buying more gold jewelry or highly decorative designs.

Many men, just as they cant wait to get out to the mountains or lakes after being cooped up all week in a big city, also want nothing more but classic simplicity in their wedding bands.  For this reason, it’s not surprising that the most popular styles have been the least ornate. However, this does not mean plain or boring. The following 4 examples in trending mens cobalt wedding bands can be seen in detail by visiting leading online retailer Titanium-Jewelry.com or going directly to the individual designers website.

1. Brushed Cobalt Chrome Ring by Benchmark

This particular band has been so popular is was chosen as our featured cobalt ring of the month for July 2012. The brushed finish of the band is similar to that of a satin finish. Instead of a high polished mirror like reflection, the band has been buffed and radiates the subdued light in a way that is spectacular. It is a pipe cut style,  7.5 mm band, and features a comfort fit. A popular choice for lovers of contemporary metals and it doesn’t hurt that it is currently only $189.00

2. Domed Cobalt Chrome Ring by Heavy Stone Rings

This is a classic cut, 8mm, domed style, mens cobalt wedding band. This band fits the traditional ideal in a time honored wedding band. In this day and age of everyone making their own statement, and trying to be noticed, traditional is actually what gets it done. Traditional seems to be the new black. In contrast to traditional precious metals of white gold, platinum or silver however, cobalt doesn’t scratch, chip or crack. This band presently sells for $169.00 on a leading online jewelry website.

3. Zander by Heavy Stone Rings

This is a contemporary yet simply style that is a head turner without leaving a practical man feeling gaudy or self conscious. It features a flat surfaced band with a sterling silver inlay and a satin finish, as opposed to a high polish. Its sides do however, have a  high polished beveled edge which distinguishes it from a basic pipe cut. The Zander band is a masculine 8mm in width, adding to its popularity. Because it does have an inlay of silver, the price runs slightly higher than the previous two ring choices, but is still affordable at right around, currently, $459.00

4. Finley by Benchmark Rings

The attraction and popularity of this choice comes not only from the high polished beveled edge of the cobalt chrome, but primarily from the width of the band being comprised of the ultra modern material, carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is just what it sounds like, fiber. It is not a metal at all, but a reinforced composite known for its extreme strength and contrasting light weight. For example, its 3x lighter than titanium yet 2x as stiff. It is coated with a deep glossy epoxy that will protect the carbon fiber and leave the surface with a brilliant sheen to its surface. The unique look and durability of this cobalt ring, combined with an affordable price of about $189.00 makes it a top pick.

No Set Rules

There are as many reasons why people choose to go with a certain style and there stars in the sky. Everyone is different, so don’t choose your cobalt ring based upon what everyone else is buying. At the same time though, getting an idea of what is popular can give us the encourage and incentive to go with our gut and choose the style we really want. Use these examples as a guide to make your unique purchasing decision.

This sleek high polished mens cobalt ring by Benchmark, has three grooves that run the length of the band.

Increased Demand Leads To Greater Availability

In recent decades the popularity and demand for contemporary metal jewelry has been greater than ever. Due in part to the rising and fluctuating cost of precious metals, and the fact that consumers desire a more modern and sleeker look to their wedding jewelry. Public interest has led to contemporary metals, and more specifically, mens cobalt wedding bands, being made available by leading online retailers as well as cutting edge brick and mortar jewelry stores worldwide. However, along with the well earned enthusiasm cobalt rings have generated, also comes confusion as to the actual advantages of choosing cobalt chrome over other metals. So in order to set the record straight, let’s clarify 3 commonly held misconceptions regarding cobalt, as used in contemporary jewelry.

Myth Number One : “Cobalt Rings Will Irritate And Stain My Sensitive Skin”

 Fact: Cobalt Chrome is completely hypo-allergenic.

Some wearers of even precious metal jewelry, find that after donning the ornament only a few times, they have been left with a rash or severely irritated skin. Cobalt chrome, on the other hand is completely hypo-allergenic and frequently used in prosthetic’s and various surgical procedures. Cobalt chrome is a mixture or alloy consisting of 67% cobalt, 27% chromium, and 6% molybdenum. Cobalt owns a brilliant white appearance, while chromium has innate self healing properties which contributes to its being used in creating stainless steel. Chromium’s natural characteristics promote an anti-corrosive temperament, which is intensified as it reacts to oxygen, preventing tarnish and rust. This means that your cobalt chrome ring will not change color or tarnish your skin. The confusion regarding the element cobalt, stems from the fact that cobalt, when used alone as a binder in creating tungsten rings, can have an adverse reaction as it mixes with the oils on your skin. However, cobalt when combined as an alloy, with the anti-corrosive and self healing properties just discussed regarding chromium, this does not happen, and is not a factor. Mens cobalt wedding bands can easily be considered the best possible alternative to individuals who a propensity to skin irritation.

Myth Number Two : “Mens Cobalt Wedding Bands All Look The Same”

Fact: Cobalt Chrome is far more malleable than tungsten carbide and is easily customized with laser engraving.

Cobalt chrome, while being highly durable as well as scratch and chip resistant, is also far more malleable than tungsten. This makes it a fabulous choice for custom work. Leading custom designer, Heavy Stone Rings has made a distinguished name for themselves, customizing not only cobalt rings, but other contemporary metals such as palladium, titanium and zirconium. In addition to custom work, Heavy Stone Rings as well as top designer Benchmark, have designed amazing and unique styles which consist not only of cobalt chrome, but combine it with other contemporary and precious metals such as rose and yellow gold, mokume gane, and carbon fiber. Cobalt chrome creations are cutting edge, in both its make-up and design.

Myth Number Three: ” Cobalt Rings Are Just A Fad”

Fact: Men’s cobalt rings have consistently received top rankings in the industries most prestigious design competitions.

In the years 2011-12, mens cobalt wedding bands by Heavy Stone Rings have received top honors in the JCK Jewelers Choice Competition. This is an unparalleled honor, as the cobalt bands were scrutinized and judged by peers and fellow designers of cutting edge jewelry. Cobalt chrome has a radiant white glow that  is an exceptional draw to admirers of platinum jewelry. The advantage in cobalt however over platinum or even white gold, is that mens cobalt wedding bands maintain a permanent polish in addition to being highly scratch resistant. Platinum on the other hand, is significantly softer than cobalt chrome, therefore is unable to maintain its luster without the upkeep of regular professional polishing and maintenance. White gold is also one of the softest of the precious metals, and in order to keep its showroom shine, needs to be flashed or professionally re-coated approximately every 12 months with a rhodium plating. Without this plating, white gold will inevitably revert to its natural yellow hue. These are not concerns when you choose a cobalt ring. None of these factors are related to a fad. It relates to a virtually maintenance free alternative at a fraction of the cost, while consisting of the latest cutting edge and industry recognized designs.

The sleek satin finish beside the high polished edges of this squared cobalt band by Benchmark, is absolutely breathtaking!

How Brightly Do You Shine?

Cobalt rings have a distinct advantage over wedding bands created using other metals. Cobalt has a blindingly brilliant mirror-like finish. Lovers of platinum jewelry have found that mens cobalt wedding bands have a brighter glow than the aforementioned precious metal, as well as being far more scratch resistant. Those who previously preferred tungsten as the alternative metal of choice are now rethinking that decision, and considering cobalt. Why? Because cobalt has proven to be far more malleable, which allows for greater creativity in design, as well as more freedom for customizing a look to complement you. Artisan designer, Heavy Stone Rings have made a unparalleled name for themselves in the custom cobalt wedding bands arena.

Cutting-edge cobalt rings designer Benchmark, have outdone themselves with the release of the ultra-modern Square Cobalt Chrome Ring. A masculine 9mm’s wide, this comfort fitted, cobalt band is nothing if not timelessly unique. It’s attractiveness has been summed up by one couple who chose this fashionable look for themselves by saying, “no other ring could compare…how could you not by it?” What about you? Does this look in mens cobalt rings speak to you?

Don't wait until it's too late to decide how much your cobalt wedding band, and what it represents, actually means to you.

When you began looking for a wedding band, the reasons that led you to narrow your search to selections among  mens cobalt wedding bands, no doubt had to do with the longevity of this contemporary metal. Selecting this very ring to be your wedding band took time, and now it has sentiment and meaning behind it too. Additionally while cobalt rings are scratch proof, they can be customized by laser engraving a sweet a personal message meant for only you, by such designers as Heavy Stone Rings, from your loving partner. Some couples have decided to go a step further and customize their cobalt band not only with engraving, but perhaps also by increasing the millimeter or wideness of the band, or having it set with special and specific stones. The bottom line is that this band is an expression of not only you and your own personal taste, but as a couple, of your love and commitment to each other.

So what happens when that unforeseen occurrence takes place, and your ring is lost or stolen? How could this happen? Lots of ways, you go swimming at the lake and forget to take off your wedding ring, that cool water causes your finger to reduce just enough that your ring slips off into the murky water. You don’t even notice it until your drying yourself off an hour later. Where do you even begin to look? You go out for Chinese food, or a good pizza and your fingers swell from all that wonderful and delicious sodium. You decide to take off your ring, before it cuts off the circulation in your finger, and you put it in your pocket. When you get home it’s gone. When, where? You make the typical phone calls to the restaurant, the gas station where you filled up on the way home, but nothing been turned in, it’s gone, they’ll call you if they find anything and now your sick to your stomach. Scenario’s like this happen all the time.

However, when you have insured your cobalt ring, you can get it replaced to the minutest detail, and there are various types of coverage you can choose from. Some  jewelry insurers, such as Perfect Circle Insurance for instance, carry Loss, Theft, Damage and Mysterious Disappearance. This particular insurer does not require you to do endless footwork getting multiple estimates of your jewelry, but knows it’s much simpler for you to be able to work with, and get an estimate from your own personal jeweler. Additionally, they have a no deductible option, if that is something you are interested in.

Only you can decide if it’s worth it to insure you cobalt wedding band. It is something you have to decide before you lose it, though and who knows when, or just how that might happen? You obviously never plan or count on losing, right? So think about it, and ask your self, “How much does my wedding band and what is represents actually mean to me?”

So as not to lose your cobalt ring, remember that your finger may shrink just a tad after a nice dip in a cool pool!

As the weather heats up, relaxing in the pool or at the lake sounds more and more like a good idea. Out comes the sunscreen and the tanning lotion, side by side with BBQ’s and tall glasses of iced tea. Sounds like a plan to me. Before you head on out though,  here are a few helpful hints to ensure that you come home complete, with your beloved cobalt rings.

Unlike rings made of gold, platinum, or silver, mens cobalt wedding rings have anti-corrosive properties, which means that they will not tarnish, chip or break. However, when you hit that nice cool water, you fingers may very likely go down a size. Think about it. What do you do when you get a black eye? The famous remedy of a raw steak or ice pack. Why? The cold reduces swelling. The same thing happens with your finger. Best option is to remove your ring before you go swimming, or you might just find yourself ring-less and not know it till it’s too late.

Next, when applying lotions or sunscreen, you may also want to remove your cobalt ring. This has nothing to do with its being damaged. That’s not a concern to worry about. However, over time, lotions can leave a film on your jewelry. Of course this really is no biggie with cobalt rings, if you do get a film from the lotions or sunscreen, simply wash with a mild soap and warm water, then dry with a soft cloth. If you want to avoid it all together though, save yourself the time, and take it off while you apply, then pop it back on when your done.

These are just a few tips to kick start your summer days. To read more about summertime care and jewelry tips, be sure to visit the jewelry information center. There’s some great advice in keeping your more temperamental, precious metals, such as gold or silver, safe and sound.