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Plain Zirconium differs from black Zirconium, which has a black oxide layer on the outer surface and is more prone to damage. At the same time, a brushed satin finish will show visible marks that appear from knocks and scrapes.
Both metals vary in appearance. Plain polished Zirconium resembles Titanium in colour, whereas Black Zirconium provides a dark, black-coloured metal with a shiny or matte appearance.
Furthermore, Zirconium provides a traditional colour for wedding rings, while Black Zirconium introduces the black wedding ring option, which is growing in popularity.
Which is best for daily wear and tear
When we consider plain polished Zirconium vs Black Zirconium for wear, the latter will scratch over time. Most Titanium and Zirconium wedding rings wear to a natural patina in the same way as most metals. To keep a Black Zirconium wedding ring black, rings require occasional re-finishing to maintain the even black surface.
Engraving on plain and black Zirconium wedding rings
| Feature | Black Zirconium | Regular Zirconium |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Highly durable, scratch-resistant | Durable, but can scratch over time |
| Appearance | Dark, sleek, matte finish | Shiny, silver-grey appearance |
| Cost | Moderate to high cost | Moderate cost |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, resists tarnish | Requires regular cleaning to maintain shine |
| Common Applications | Popular in modern and unique designs | Classic and traditional designs |
Laser engraving on Black Zirconium results in a lighter engraved effect. By comparison, a regular Zirconium surface produces a darker ‘regular’ engraved effect on a ring.
Colourful choices for wedding rings
Unlike black Zirconium, regular Zirconium allows colour to be added through a process of anodising the surface of the metal. As a result, many vibrant combinations are possible with colour added to detail.
Since the coloured effect is only microns thick, this effect does not suit the surface. Instead, we add this into patterns machined into rings. Colours include pinks, purples, blues, greens and yellows.
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