Black zirconium rings

Jewelry Discussion
1

I have seen designs online of black zirconium rings. I am very
curious about this metal. Is it a metal that you can cast with? Also
is it pure black and not a coating? The pictures make it look
jet-black, and from what I have read it says its inherently black.
If it is castable does anyone know of where I can get something
casted? If it is not, how do I get my hands on some of this metal, or
is there someone who can custom make me some pieces?

Thank you for any help,
HB

2 
I have seen designs online of black zirconium rings. I am very
curious about this metal. Is it a metal that you can cast with?

Not without very special equipment, it is highly reactive with
oxygen, and will burn with great intensity if heated too hot in air.
It is melted and cast in a high vacuum.

Also is it pure black and not a coating? The pictures make it look
jet-black, and from what I have read it says its inherently black.

Nope silver grey, looks a lot like titanium. The black is zirconia
(Zirconium oxide) very tough ceramic coating that forms from heating
in the presence of oxygen.

If it is castable does anyone know of where I can get something
casted? If it is not, how do I get my hands on some of this metal,
or is there someone who can custom make me some pieces?

It is not easy to get in small quantities. A small order is several
thousand dollars and is about 20 lbs of metal.

James Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts

3

Hi Vikas. I make rings in black zirconium and would be happy to see
what you have in mind. I machine them from solid bar rather than
casting, so that may place some constraints on shapes possible
compared to a casting metal like gold. The black is a trick of optics
that works similar to the anodizing on titanium and has to do with
interference of light waves. It gets a pretty good glossy jet black
color when it gets colored. It is slippery and feels like Hematite.

Please check my site to see possibilities in black zirconium.

Thanks,
Bruce Boone
Boone Titanium Rings