The Materials
Not all metals are equal.
A metal is a specification before it is a story. We name each one by its exact designation, and we publish what it does against skin, in water or in medical imaging only once a named reviewer has approved the statement against a document.
01
Grade 23 Titanium
Titanium alloy
Titanium alloyed with aluminum and vanadium, in its Extra Low Interstitial grade — the alloy family used in aerospace structures. About 45% lighter than steel.
02
Niobium
Anodized
A refractory metal, colored by anodizing: the process grows a thin oxide layer on the surface, and that layer is the color — no pigment, no dye, no coating.
03
316L Surgical Steel
Low-carbon stainless
The low-carbon grade of 316 stainless steel — the L in 316L stands for low carbon. It takes a mirror polish.
Side by Side
| Property | Grade 23 Titanium | Niobium | 316L Surgical Steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Designation | Ti-6Al-4V ELI (Grade 23) | Niobium (anodized) | 316L stainless steel |
| Weight | Lightweight | Medium | Medium |
| Standard | Under review | Under review | Under review |
Common Questions
How do these metals behave against skin?
We are not answering this yet, deliberately. Statements about how these metals behave against skin are being reviewed against documentation for the pieces we make, and each will be published here once a named reviewer has approved it. If you have a concern about wearing a particular metal, ask an ambassador or contact us before choosing a piece.
How do I care for these metals?
Rinse with mild soap and warm water. Pat dry. Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals such as bleach or strong solvents.
What about MRI scans?
We do not make statements about medical imaging until a named reviewer has approved them against documentation. Tell your radiologist or medical team about any jewelry or metal you are wearing before a scan, and follow their advice.
Which standards do these metals meet?
Each metal is named here by its exact designation — Ti-6Al-4V ELI (Grade 23), Niobium (anodized), 316L stainless steel. Naming a standard is a certification claim about the actual stock a piece is made from, so we name one only once the documentation for it has been reviewed. None has been yet.