The palladium jewelry They have gained popularity in recent years, especially as they are very rare material. Similar in characteristics to platinum, but more affordable, palladium has many benefits that make it an excellent choice. So it is not surprising that in recent years, it has become the favorite of many young couples who are increasingly looking for alternatives to traditional engagement and wedding bands.
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If you are considering buying jewelry made of this metal, you should know its pros and cons. So we bring you the main features that you should consider before making a decision.
What is palladium?
Palladium is a precious metal and is part of the platinum group metals (PGM) in the periodic table. PGMs are known for their anti-corrosion and antioxidant properties that make them strong and durable metals. As a result, PGMs are also called Noble Metals.
Palladium (atomic number 46) is very similar in appearance to platinum, but it is much less expensive and dense. It is also extremely rare and is about 15 times rarer than platinum. In the past, palladium was considered a worthless by-product of platinum mining, but today it is one of the most valuable metals on the market.
Of the world’s supply of palladium, about 4% is used for jewelry, with the rest used in the automobile and technology industries. Most of the palladium comes from Russia and South Africa.
What does palladium mean?
The word palladium comes from Greek and Roman mythology, named for the statue of Pallas, Athena, on which the safety of Rome was believed to depend.
The metal is named after the second largest asteroid, which is named after Pallas. At that time, the term palladium it was used to refer to anything that provided security and protection.
As a result, many believe that palladium is a good luck metal and provides security to the wearer.
Pros of palladium jewelry and why to choose it
Now that we know what this metal is, let’s take a look at the advantages of choosing palladium jewelry.
Palladium is a precious metal
Palladium began to be used in jewelry in the 1930s, but it was only in 2010 that palladium became a mandatory requirement. This meant that a piece of jewelry needed the special identification hallmarks that distinguished this metal from others.
To put this into perspective, only four metals in total are required to bear hallmarks: gold, platinum, silver, and palladium. This fact made palladium a precious metal and increased its value in jewelry.
The recognized palladium hallmarks are 500, 950, and 999, denoting the purity levels of the metal. A piece of palladium jewelry marked 500, for example, simply means that 50% of the alloy is made up of palladium, while 999 has a much higher purity level than 99%.
To distinguish palladium from platinum, the numbers are set within three connected ovals, while platinum hallmarks have a trapezoid-shaped background.
Palladium Affordability
Palladium is known to be less expensive than platinum, but how much cheaper is it? This varies depending on several factors, including the quality of the craftsmanship and the product, as well as the brand.
However, palladium is less expensive than platinum, but this should not be taken for granted. It is important to note that palladium is more expensive than white gold and is in the middle between white gold and platinum. Although in the recent past, the value of palladium has sometimes exceeded that of platinum.
palladium appearance
If it’s a white metal you’re after, palladium fits the bill. Platinum is somewhat whiter than palladium, but the difference is minimal. In general, palladium can be easily confused with platinum.
This bright white look is natural, meaning it won’t tarnish over time or need to be repositioned to maintain the look. By comparison, while white gold is less expensive, the cost of periodic rhodium plating can add up. This makes palladium appear more attractive as an engagement or wedding ring choice for everyday wear.
It is a hypoallergenic metal
Due to the high purity levels of palladium used in jewelry, the metal tends to be hypoallergenic. Typical palladium alloys contain 95% palladium and 5% ruthenium, with some trace amounts of other elements.
There are no common allergens for sensitivities and allergies to metals like nickel, zinc, or cobalt, making palladium a safe metal to use.
Hardness and Durability of Palladium Jewelry
Platinum is known to be one of the hardest precious metals used in jewelry, but in fact, palladium is harder than platinum. Both are strong and durable metals to choose from, but palladium may be a bit more scratch resistant.
palladium is light
Because palladium is not as dense as platinum, it feels a bit lighter. This makes it comfortable to wear, especially for people who are not used to feeling rings on their fingers. It’s so light you may not feel it on your finger, so keep that in mind, especially if you like heavier rings.
It is easy to maintainment
Three main reasons make palladium easy to maintain:
- Naturally shiny so no need to reposition
- tarnish resistant
- Hard and scratch resistant
What this means is that palladium requires minimal maintenance, unlike platinum or white gold. Over time, a patina will develop on the surface, but this often won’t affect its gloss or color.
It will be enough to wash the ring with soap and water to maintain its shine. If the ring has gemstones, you may want to take it to a professional jeweler for periodic inspection when necessary, just to maintain the integrity of the setting.
Cons of palladium jewelry
These are the main reasons that can make palladium an ideal choice if you are looking for a ring.
palladium is rare
But this is a good thing, right? Yes, we are often attracted to weird things and this can be seen as an advantage. As we mentioned earlier, the downside is that due to its rarity, palladium jewelry can be difficult to find. There are often fewer options compared to other metals.
Palladium jewelry is less viable than platinum
Because palladium is harder than platinum, it can be less workable than platinum. As a result, jewelers may have a more difficult time polishing or crafting palladium jewelry.