Suzanne Syz, an avid modern art collector, began designing jewelry for herself about 15 years ago out of frustration. She found luxury jewelry by some of the most acclaimed designers to be heavy, uncomfortable and out-of-date. Her mission was to create contemporary jewelry that is light and comfortable.

Titanium fits right in with this mission. She says gems and diamonds really shine in contrast with the metal. She also admires its strength, durability and adaptability. It also is one of the lightest known metals. In addition, titanium can be turned into colors ranging from brown and purple to magenta and yellow-green, through the anodizing process.

“I like it when you don’t see the material too much,” she said. “You can put stones in it without it getting heavy. Jewelry has to be comfortable.”

Syz isn’t alone. Women all over the world are in search of light, comfortable, contemporary jewelry that is casual, elegant and comfortable. And these women are not waiting to receive jewelry as gifts anymore. They are buying their own pieces that match their lifestyle. This should be incentive enough to start producing jewelry for women with materials such as titanium.

For example, the earrings you see below are made out of anodized titanium and 18k yellow gold. The stones used in this rendering are yellow, pink, and brown diamonds, black spinel, and tsavorites rubies and sapphires. The flower petals in rose are anodized in pink and the stem is black. In gold this pair of earrings would weigh 30 grams. In titanium the weight is about half of that.

Gemstone Humming Bird and Flower Earrings

Titanium powder to create 3D jewelry models has been available since at least 2010. The only possible drawback is that, when unpolished, 3D printed titanium is less shiny and greyer in appearance than milled titanium. On the other hand, for very fragile and complex models, there is a decided advantage to using titanium. The designs shown below demonstrate just a few options that would be perfect for titanium

Rose Inspired Engagement Ring

Latis Ring

Syz uses hand drawings that are then hand-crafted by artisans. Despite this approach she has unlocked the possibilities in using titanium in jewelry design. For example, a ring made of titanium is topped with a 55-carat Mozambique Paraiba. The side of the ring features reverse-set diamonds that appear like spikes, giving the piece texture. Titanium strands are twisted and curved in a variety of different ways around large centre stones for rings and earrings. In some cases the strands are paved with diamonds or coloured gems. It also is used for a wide chunky (but lightweight) cuff, enhanced with large sliced diamonds.

Unfortunately, most titanium jewelry on the market is basic, primarily used as wedding bands or crosses or simple earrings. With CAD and 3D printing technology, there is almost no limits on the designs that can made. Women will no doubt love the material for the same reasons that Syz does. It’s light, comfortable and attractive. It can be made in many colours; however, fully mastering the anodising process to create all the hues available is difficult.

Regardless, there are enough positives with this material to be more creative with it.

And here are some examples of a few more really stunning models that would be perfect for titanium.

Filigree Hollow Ball Pendant

Water Inspired Diamond Earrings

Create your own beautiful, custom made titanium jewelry!