Titanium & Exotic Metals Jewelry

Since 2018 • 4,800+ sales • 1,500+ reviews

Studio handbook

A compact guide to the brand and the pieces: materials, care instructions, sizing tips, warranty, stores, and contact. Pick a section to learn more.


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About

I’m Oleksii (Alex), an independent jeweler from Ukraine, now based in the USA. I’ve been making jewelry since 2018—starting with copper electroforming and crystal pieces—and later focusing on titanium and other exotic materials such as zirconium, mokume, and damascus. My work centers on these metals for their unique color and structure, but I’m not limited to them: I continue to explore new combinations and finishes.

Materials

  • Titanium (anodized) — color comes from an oxide layer (not paint/dye). Lightweight, strong, hypoallergenic and nickel-free. Available in matte, brushed, or polished finishes; various textures (e.g., hammered, satin).

  • Zirconium — heat-treated surface forms a deep charcoal/black oxide. Durable, skin-friendly, nickel-free. Works well for subtle contrast lines and dark accents.

  • Mokume (copper-based) — layered copper alloys (typically copper, brass, bronze) forged and patterned to reveal woodgrain-like lines. Warm tones that can gently patinate (darken) over time; each pattern is unique.

  • Damascus (stainless only) — layered stainless steels etched to show a flowing pattern. Corrosion-resistant and lower maintenance than carbon damascus; suitable for daily wear.

  • Copper, Bronze & Brass — warm, characterful metals that naturally develop patina. Can be kept bright with simple care or allowed to age; minor skin coloration is possible for some wearers (details in Care).

  • Finishes & textures — matte, brushed, polished; select textures by piece. I also combine metals for contrast where design allows.

  • Allergy note — titanium and zirconium are hypoallergenic and nickel-free; copper-based alloys are generally skin-safe but can patinate in contact with skin and environment.

Сare

General

  • Clean with warm water + mild soap; dry with a soft microfiber cloth.

  • Avoid abrasives (scouring powders, rough pads), bleach/chlorine, strong acids/alkalis.

  • After pools/sea or cleaning chemicals, rinse and dry.

  • Store pieces separately (pouch/box) to reduce friction and color wear.

  • If a piece has inlays/adhesives, avoid ultrasonic cleaners and solvents.

Titanium

  • The color is an oxide film (not paint). It’s hard and corrosion-resistant, but can wear from constant rubbing (stacked rings, gritty dust, pockets with keys).

  • To prolong the finish: avoid abrasive polishing, minimize friction (remove for gym/manual work), keep clean and dry, store singly.

  • Light dulling: wash, then gently buff with a clean soft cloth (no polishing pastes).

  • I offer refinishing/re-anodizing if you ever want the color refreshed.

Copper, Bronze & Brass (copper-based alloys)

  • These naturally develop a warm patina over time; moisture, salt, lotions speed this.

  • To keep brighter: wash and dry after wear; use a treated jewelry polishing cloth lightly; store dry.

  • Temporary skin coloration (green/tan) is normal and harmless—wash with soap; keeping skin and piece dry reduces it.

Sizing

  • Best accuracy: use a proper ring sizer at a jeweler or a calibrated metal ring set. Avoid paper/string or printable charts—they’re unreliable.

  • How to measure: do it at the end of the day with warm hands; the ring should pass the knuckle with a little twist and sit snug (not tight).

  • Fit types: comfort-fit (rounded inside) can feel slightly looser than flat-inside at the same size.

Wide rings (9–10 mm and wider)

  • Wide bands contact more skin and feel tighter than narrow ones.

  • Use a wide-band sizer (8–10 mm sample) if possible.

  • If you only have a narrow sizer (2–3 mm): as a rule of thumb choose ~½ size up for 9–10 mm bands and ~½–¾ size up for 11–12+ mm bands (tolerance varies by hand/knuckle).

  • If you’re between sizes, most people prefer the larger size for wide, flat-inside bands.

Resizing & notes

  • Resizing depends on design and inlays; some pieces can’t be adjusted or have limits—ask before ordering changes.

  • Finger size can fluctuate ~¼–½ size with temperature, salt, exercise, or time of day; measuring twice on different days is ideal.

Warranty

  • Coverage: manufacturing defects in materials/workmanship for 3 months from delivery.

  • Not covered: normal wear and tear; anodized color wearing from friction; natural patina on copper/bronze/brass; scratches, dents, deformation; chemical/thermal damage; loss or theft.

  • Service: repairs, refinishing, re-anodizing, and polishing are available case-by-case (quoted before work).

  • How to request: contact via Etsy Messages (order number + short description + clear photos). I’ll confirm options, any costs, and timing.

  • Typical timeline: ~1–2 weeks in studio plus shipping.

  • Shipping: use secure packaging; shipping/insurance arrangements are confirmed per case. International service is welcome (buyer handles any customs paperwork).

Stores

Why there are two Etsy shops (and why the names differ from the brand).
KovalStudio is the brand. In 2018 I opened my first Etsy shop in Ukraine (CrystalStudioStore) with copper electroforming and crystal pieces among other early collections. After relocating to the USA in 2024, I created a second storefront (CrystalStudioStoreUS) to publish current work and handle logistics from the USA. I kept the original shop online so its earlier collections and review history remain accessible. The Etsy shop names are legacy to that history.

What’s the difference today.

  • CrystalStudioStoreUS — New Work — current designs, mostly titanium, zirconium, mokume, and stainless damascus; updated regularly; custom sizing available.

  • CrystalStudioStore — Archive — earlier collections from previous years (including copper/brass/bronze and electroformed crystal pieces); many are limited or discontinued.

Same maker & support.
Both shops are mine; quality standards, care, warranty, and service are the same.

Contact

For now, I handle all communication exclusively via Etsy Messages (please write from your order page or any listing).
Typical response time: a few hours on weekdays (Central Time, USA).
On weekends, replies may take up to 24 hours.
Email and social DMs aren’t monitored for support.