Ultimate Guide To Black Rings

What is Black Titanium? Black titanium rings usually get their dark color from a special coating, like black rhodium, or through unique treatments. The natural titanium underneath is a silvery-gray. Just like with black gold, this coating isn't as tough as a solid metal, so it can chip over time, showing the original titanium color.

Pros: Very affordable black rings, and super lightweight – you might even forget you're wearing it! The base titanium is also hypoallergenic.

Cons: The black coating can chip or scuff, revealing the lighter titanium underneath. 

• Hypoallergenic: No (Rhodium)
• Mohs Rank: 6 (Rhodium)
• Availability: Common
• Cost: Low

What is Black Stainless Steel? To make black stainless steel rings, regular stainless steel goes through a process called anodizing. This changes the surface of the metal to give it that sleek black look without changing what the metal is made of.

Pros: These are very affordable black rings, making them a budget-friendly option.

Cons: They're not super durable and can scratch easily. Plus, black stainless steel isn't always hypoallergenic, so it might not be the best choice if you have sensitive skin.

• Hypoallergenic: No
• Mohs Rank: 6 (Stainless Steel)
• Availability: Common
• Cost: Very Low

What is Black Ceramic? Jewelry-grade black ceramic is a really hard, lightweight, non-metallic material that's become popular for black rings. The cool thing is, its black color goes all the way through, so it's not a coating that will chip or fade.

Pros: These black ceramic rings are very scratch-resistant and harder than most metals (except solid tungsten). They won't corrode or tarnish in salt water or acid, and they're lightweight and hypoallergenic.

Cons: Because they're so hard, designs can be a bit simpler. They're also not guaranteed to be shatter-proof if hit hard enough on another tough surface. 

• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Mohs Rank: 7
• Availability: Common
• Cost: Medium

What is Black Zirconium? Zirconium is a natural element, and in its raw form, it's a grayish-white metal. For black zirconium rings, the shaped metal is heated to a really high temperature. This causes the surface to oxidize and turn a deep, durable black. It's a surface transformation, not just a coating.

Pros: Black zirconium rings are incredibly lightweight and highly scratch-resistant. The black layer is super durable and won't fade or tarnish. They're also completely hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for sensitive skin. 

Cons: While very tough, a really deep scratch on a super hard surface could potentially show the lighter metal underneath.

• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Mohs Rank: 6 (Rhodium)
• Availability: Limited
• Cost: Medium

What is Black Tungsten? Black tungsten rings get their dark color when tiny, black-colored particles (often a titanium zirconium alloy) are shot at high speed onto the tungsten surface, embedding themselves to create the black finish.

Pros: Tungsten carbide is extremely hard and scratch-resistant, making these heavy-duty black rings very durable. They also have a satisfying, substantial weight.

Cons: The black outer layer can be more prone to scratches than the super-hard tungsten underneath. Also, whether black tungsten rings are hypoallergenic depends on the binder metal used; some can cause allergic reactions if they contain cobalt.

• Hypoallergenic: No 
• Mohs Rank: 7
• Availability: Limited
• Cost: Medium

What is Black Gold? In the jewelry world, black gold rings are usually white gold that's been electroplated with black rhodium. Think of it as a dark, shiny layer over the white gold.

Pros: Since it's gold underneath, these luxury black rings can be re-plated if the black surface gets scratched or chips, bringing back that dark look. 

Cons: Black gold rings are high-maintenance because the plating is prone to scratches and chips, meaning you'll need to re-plate them regularly. They are also quite expensive. If the plating wears off, and the white gold contains nickel, it could cause an allergic reaction for sensitive skin.

• Hypoallergenic: No
• Mohs Rank: 6 (Rhodium)
• Availability: Limited
• Cost: High 

What are Elysium Rings? Elysium rings are truly unique black diamond rings from Lashbrook. They're made by compressing real crushed lab-grown diamond crystals under extreme heat and pressure, creating a solid black diamond material.

Pros: These are the ultimate black rings, boasting a Mohs hardness of 10 – meaning they're entirely scratch-resistant and incredibly durable. They're also lightweight, hypoallergenic, and their black color is solid throughout, so it never changes or fades. These high-end black engagement rings can even become future heirlooms.

Cons: They are very expensive, reflecting their unique material and advanced creation process. Like other super hard materials, they cannot be resized once made. 

• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Mohs Rank: 10
• Availability: Very Limited
• Cost: High