The color of our titanium rings is not a paint, plate or pigment. The color in our titanium rings is caused by oxidisation. Titanium is a type of refractory metal that has an interesting relationship with oxygen. Oxygen causes a structural change in the metal's surface crystals creating an oxide. The oxide is as hypoallergenic as titanium, but has a unique light refractory property that causes the titanium to appear in various colors to the human eye. The oxidisation is produced by a heating process that causes the titanium to change color. The color will not fade or chip though it can be scratched off. The titanium in not colored through the entire depth of the metal. Although titanium is a very strong metal, as with any metal it can, and will scratch, and with scratching, the titanium color can be removed. See below for further information.