A : There is many different titanium grades and even "sub-grades"
The most common are the commercially pure (about as hard as 14K gold),
Ti 6Al/4V alloy (90% ti, 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium), used in aerospace,
dentistry and for surgical implants.
The other common alloy, Ti 6Al/6V/2Sn contains 2% more vanadium and 2% tin.
It has a bit of an increase in tensile strength and hardness, but has a much greater cost.
It is also more difficult to find in the right dimensions suitable for making rings.
Q2 : Can
you resize a titanium band up or down like gold ?
A : We can resize up a bit... a half size up is the maximum.
Anything beyond that, or sizing down means we need to re-craft a new
ring.
Titanium can't be stretched like gold, so if your ring does not fit,
just return it,
we will make a new ring to the same specifications -with the new sizing-
for $35.
You take care of the shipping.
Q3 : Do
you offer your rings with a comfort fit ?
A : Yes we do. All our rings insides have a small curve to them
(as opposed to a completely straight type 'hole') and the edges are
all rounded comfortably.
Q4 : I
have a very sensitive skin. I can't even wear gold jewelry.
Will my skin react the same with titanium ?
A : Titanium, even in its alloyed state, is more inert than other metals.
People allergic to gold won't have problems with a titanium band.
Q5 : How
do you make your rings ?
A : Our rings are machined from a solid bar of titanium.
Then there is quite a lot of hand finishing to turn the ring into a
beautiful shiny piece !
Q6 : Will
my aircraft titanium ring remain perfect forever?
A : When compared to traditional jewelry metals
(gold, silver and platinum), 6/4 titanium is immensely more durable.
Titanium has a reputation of being stronger than steel. It's not necessarily
so.
It's the high strength to weight ratio that is the reason it is used
in aerospace applications.
While it is very durable, but like any metal, it can be scratched.
The scratches normally will be
only very light superficial ones and can be buffed out easily by most
jewelers or by us.
Q7 : What
if my ring has to be cut off (accident) ?
A: After receiving several questions about this,
we purchased a ring cutting tool that is used by most jewelers and
hospitals.
The test 6Al/4V aircraft grade ring was cut by it in a normal fashion,
in less than 2 minutes.
Q8 : Why
are your prices so good compared to other titanium ring makers ? Are they
as good in quality?
A : First of all, like it is said on our home page, our rings are perfect
! :)
Better Fit, finish, comfort and
grade of titanium than many other titanium ring makers
rings that we have had the chance to see.
But this is an after hours thing for us rather than a high overhead
company with all
the high-tech stuff and related expenses. I take the ring pictures
and did the website design (amateur, I know!),
instead of paying for the services of a professional and having an
expensive dot com domain name and service.
We have no desire to become "serious" and make this our full time work!
We spend only about 1 day a week each on this (or 2 days occasionally
if busy).
Our normal day jobs as machinists let us make these rings in the most
state of the art ways
(in complete awareness and harmony with the boss, don't worry).
Q9 : Can
I pay any other way than by the online form ?
A : Sorry, but no. We are a small operation with no staff other than
ourselves.
This is not how we make our living, but rather just an after hours
hobby that has grown up a bit.
The online purchase form is the most convenient way we have found for
us to operate. We have our day
jobs, and we need to spend the time devoted to the rings on making
rings, not telephones and administrative stuff.
Sorry for any trouble that this may cause !
Q10 : Why
do I have to pay for Fedex shipping for my rings? Can't you send them by
mail?
A : Like question #9, it's a time issue.
We don't usually have time to drive down to the post office and wait
in line to post parcels.
Fedex has a regular run by our place of work and is the simplest way
for us to go.
We also have never lost a ring with Fedex, and love the tracking feature
on their website.
Post has lost rings with us in the past (even registered mail!), it's
just not worth it to us.
Q11 : When
are you coming home for dinner?
A : Something we both hear on occasion.
Q12 : How
long will it take to get my ring ?
A : Upon receiving your online order with all the necessary
information completely filled out,
we will confirm when we can start working on it according to our schedule.
It usually is made and sent within 1 week, which is usually fast enough
for most people.
The shipping time is either 1 or 3 days additional depending on what
you choose.
Q13 : What
other kinds of rings do you offer, or can make ? Can I design my own style?
A : You can always ask, but please don't ask for very complex things.
We are becoming very busy making the rings we currently offer, and
have to occasionally turn down orders as it is.
It is just the way it has become! Sorry!
Q14 : What
happens if I place an order and you are too busy to accept it ? How will
I find out and what can I do?
A : This happens sometimes. "First Come First Served " policy
is what we follow.
We answer all order requests within 24 hours (I check each days e-mail
in the evening) and
confirm each one of you as fast as possible.
If we can't foreseeable make your ring in the usual 1 week time, I
offer a possible later date (2 weeks, at most).
If this is ok, then good, if not and you wish to cancel,
we delete all order and credit card information immediately for your
security.
(for orders we accept, we delete your CC information after shipping
you your ring)
Q15 : How
secure is my online purchase ?
A : We use a HTTPS secure server to take all our online purchases.
The data is encrypted for security. It is the usual method used with
e-commerce.
We have never had a problem with security to date.
Q16 : What
if I don't like my ring when I get it ?
A : Because each ring is custom made for an individual,
you need to be sure about what you want before placing the order.
We do guarantee against defects in materials and craftsmanship
(because it never happens!).
Q17 : Do
you set stones?
A : Settings other than the tension styles we offer? No other designs
yet, but soon I hope!
Q18 : Do
you inlay gold, platinum etc.?
A : Sorry, but not as of yet. If you have time, stay tuned. We are
still experimenting!
Q19 : Are
you guys just thieving deadbeats ? How can I be sure to get what you say
I will?
A : I wrote at the top of the page that every question we have ever
been asked is here, right?
Well, no, we are not deadbeats! And you can never be sure of anything,
I suppose. But read our customer replies for a start.
Credit card purchases are one of the better ways of purchasing online
despite what one might think.
There is usually a built in measure of purchase protection with CC
purchases that other types of payment
(checks, money orders etc.) don't offer.
Of course, if you can only trust a big impressive online business,
definitely go with them.
We are usually very booked up and don't need every order possible!
Q20 : Why
do you not accept orders outside of US and Canada ?
A : In a word: COMPLICATIONS! We have had some experience trying to
do this in the past.
Just like our mail delivery policy, it's just not efficient for us.
Q21 : Why
do you guys not charge more for different sizes and widths ?
A : The titanium cost definitely varies between rings, but it is not
a very big variation.
We chose a price that we could hold to and that was fair and uncomplicated
for you.
Q22 : How
long have you both been doing this ?
A : 3 years now. It started with making titanium rings for our own
weddings.
Friends saw them and wanted rings for themselves. Then friends of friends
wanted rings...
and so on... and so on...
Q23 : Why
don't you post a telephone # on your site ?
A : maybe because we won't be there to answer it! Our employer certainly
won't want to!!
Q24 : Describe
the difference between polished finish and satin finish
A : The polished finish is like chrome or a mirror, very bright and
reflective.
The polish finish is a very high quality level too; absolutely mirror
polished!
Satin is shiny, but less reflective. It is like it has been brushed
and has a very even silky texture.
Q25 : How
do I find my ring size ?
A : Go to a jeweler for a professional fitting. Be very careful because
titanium
rings cannot be adjusted.
Size is normally expressed in American ring sizes just like the jeweler
uses,
but we can work with any other ring sizing system and/or inches or
mm in diameter
as long as you are sure of the exact dimensions.
We make rings in 1/2 and 1/4 sizes as well.
PlEASE don't send us the string you managed to put around her/his finger
when they were sleeping so it would be a surprise! (not accurate
at all)
If you really do want to surprise him or her, you
can send us one of their rings that you know fits them well
and we can measure it to get the exact size.
Q26 : How
do I choose a good width for my ring ?
A : Think about this too while you are at the jeweler.
If the ring is particularly wide or narrow it can affect the size.
If you don't really know how wide you want the
ring, but just want it to look 'normal' write standard in the blank
and we will
decide for you.
In general men's' rings are slightly wider than women's' rings.
Width is usually expressed in mm, but any measuring system you are
comfortable with will work (inches or even how many dimes or nickels
thick!)
Q27 : How
do I send stuff to you ?
A : You can send it to:
Mr.Gagne, 1217 Bernard Ave West #220,
Montreal, Quebec,
Canada, H2V 1V7
Q28 : How
should I return a ring to you ?
A : In the event you wish to return your order for any reason, contact
us first and then follow the
procedure below:
1. Contact us first by e-mail to let us know and also to work out the details.
2. Ship only via the US Postal Service by Registered mail with
a
return receipt or Fedex/UPS
Send all returns to:
Mr.Gagne, 1217 Bernard Ave West #220,
Montreal, Quebec,
Canada, H2V 1V7
Please do not write jewelry, diamonds, or any other identifiable
luxury item word in order to protect the package against possible
theft during transportation. We can not be responsible for return
shipping losses.
Q29 : What
are millimeters, and can I use standard measurements to order my ring ?
A : (copied from Q#26):
Width is usually expressed in mm, but any measuring system you are
comfortable with will work (inches or even how many dimes or nickels
thick!)
Q30 : Do
you offer dual finishes on all your rings ?
A : Some designs lend themselves to this and some do not not.
We have put the dual finish option into the ring order forms that work
well with it.
Q31 : Where
are you located ?
A : We are located in Montreal, Canada.
Q32 : What
sort of hobby is this supposed to be ?
A : I have often wondered this myself!
Q33 : What
color is titanium ?
A : Titanium is a "white" metal with a slight charcoal gray hue. Its
natural color is darker and deeper than silver or white gold. It could
be compared to platinum, but with a tiny bit darker complexion.
Q34 : Why should I buy a titanium ring for my
wedding ring ?
A : I have been asked this! I give the usual benefits about durability,
appearance and cost, but I never said that you "should" have
titanium over gold on this site. Usually people come to this site already
looking for titanium wedding rings, not looking to be sold on the idea!
click on these links to go to the following pages:
see our rings - some
customer feedback - home - email
us
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