By Robert Weiler
A local jeweler wants students to 'choose the right' by choosing titanium.
Stacy Daw, owner of Funcrest Jewelers in Provo, works with the only ring vendor/designer with a license from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to use titanium for CTR rings.
'He was just at the right place at the right time,' Daw said of his vendor, who asked to remain anonymous.
Roger K. Petersen, manager of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Copyright and Permissions Office, said the license to make titanium CTR rings is not exclusive, and any vendor seeking one may apply.
Petersen said the metals approved for CTR ring use are silver, gold and titanium.
Daw said several other vendors had unsuccessfully sought church approval of titanium rings for two years, but the church was impressed with his vendor''s unique and different design.
Petersen, on the other hand, said he had never seen titanium CTR rings before Daw''s vendor presented his designs. Petersen has only worked as manager for 6 months.
'The titanium rings presented to me were so beautiful and well representative of the church,' Petersen said. 'I simply decided to approve them.'
Daw said the titanium rings he sells are made of 100 percent commercially pure titanium.
'For guys that aren''t used to wearing a ring, the titanium is so soft and light that they won''t even realize they have it on,' Daw said.
Christian Hansen, a self-employed jeweler in Provo, said the best thing about a titanium ring is the low maintenance.
'It''s nearly scratch resistant, so you rarely have to buff it.' Hansen said.
Hansen also said many customers are concerned that titanium rings are unbreakable in case of an emergency.
'If you were ever to break your finger, and it swelled up so bad that you couldn''t slide the ring off, the titanium can be broken,' Hansen said. 'But it''s not easy to do.'
Daw said any jeweler or hospital should be able to break the rings if needed, especially the commercially pure designs.
The titanium CTR rings range from $99-$139. Each of the rings is custom fit and made to the customer''s needs.
Daw has been working in the jewelry business for 10 years and working on his own for two years.
Daw can be contacted at 787-9577 for questions or to schedule an appointment. Funcrest Jewelers is located at 1987 N. and 550 W. in Provo.