Wes Glebe Rings

Wes Glebe Rings

The metals used in Wes Glebe rings are primarily titanium and 24K (pure) gold. Both metals are pure forms of a naturally occurring metal.

The titanium is light, strong and hypoallergenic - its weight to strength relationship is startling. The metals are both chemical-resistant, with pure gold resistant to all chemicals except acqua regia.

Glebe uses titanium that is not polished. That creates the the interesting color contrasts you see in his rings. If there is gold in your ring, the contrast will chahage over time as the gold becomes burnished by your unique patterns of wear in a way different to any other metal.

Can a Wes Glebe ring be polished once it is completed? ::: No
Can a titanium ring be re-sized after completion? ::: No
How can a Wes Glebe ring be cleaned?
Clean with a toothbrush and liquid dish detergent
If the ring has stones in it, a small ultra-sonic cleaner that is available for under $50 will do an excellent job.

Is it true that a titanium ring cannot be cut off in an emergency? ::: No.

Wes Glebe has actually tested a number of titanium rings with the cutting tools usually used by jewelry stores, hospitals or emergency crews. There is no problem with cutting the metal. Two cuts will have to be made as the metal will not bend easily.

Are the diamonds in my Wes Glebe ring "conflict free"? ::: Yes.
"The diamonds have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations resolutions. "

Care Suggestions:

As with all rings: rings should not be worn while participating in sports or heavy work. Wearing any ring under in thhis kind of activity may jeopardize the health and well being of the wearer and the artwork.

If cleaning is necessary, a soft-bristle toothbrush can be used with a liquid soap. If the jewelry is oily or greasy a solvent can be used.

"The challenge of the ancient and modern metals is to use the important characteristics of both to enhance the qualities unique in each."-- Wes Glebe

Interesting details about the Gold & Titanium used by Wes Glebe

TITANIUM

• Titanium was discovered in 1791
• Its name derives from the Greek "Titanes" , "sons of Earth".
• It is believed to be the ninth most abundant metal in the earth's crust.
• The largest deposits are found in the U.S.A., Canada and Australia.
• It is lightweight - a little more than a fifth the weight of gold and has the tensile strength equal to mild steel and it is also non-magnetic.
• Titanium has become fashionable and sought after for many modern applications It has become synonamous with High Tech, exteme functionality and the highest levels of art & design
• Used a hi-tech building material for the aircraft industry, space exploration, Top of the line fashion accessories, golf clubs, tennis raquets, and Surgical implant.

GOLD

• Unlike titanium, gold has been known and used for more than 6,000 years
• Jewelers and metalworkers since antiquity have been aware of the ease with which gold can be worked.
• It can be hammered to the thickness of gold leaf (from 1/8000 to 1/10,000 mm.), and drawn to wire of hair-fine gauge but which retains its high tensile strength.
• Pure gold (24 karat) is soft and extremely malleable.
• It is unaffected by any corrosive except aqua regia ( Aqua Regia is a highly corrosive, fuming yellow or red solution, also called nitro-hydrochloric acid. It's name comes from it being able to dissolve the so-called royal metals, gold and platinum.
• Since ancient times gold has been symbolically associated with the sun because of the color and luster which does not oxidize over time.
• The purity of gold is measured in Karats. 100% pure gold is 24 karat gold.
• Pure gold is expensive and soft, so it is often alloyed with harder & less expensive metals such as silver, copper nickle or zinc. So 12 karat gold is 12/24 or 50% gold; 18 K gold would be 75% gold.
• A Carat, on the other hand, is a weight measurement for precious gemstones such as Diamonds, Sapphires & Rubies. Many people think a carat refers to the size of the gemstones, however, it is simply a measurement of weight.