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Increasingly sought after, palladium is the most recent addition to the list of precious metals, yet it remains relatively unfamiliar in the jewelry world. Palladium has a striking, naturally lustrous white color. Its light weight makes it especially comfortable to wear. Sometimes called the new platinum, it belongs to the same family but offers distinct advantages.
Exceptionally rare, palladium is an excellent alternative to platinum in both quality and price. It is especially popular for engagement rings and men's palladium wedding rings. Growing demand reflects its quality, appearance, more accessible price and wide range of finishes. Keep in mind, though, that palladium is rare and may not be available at every jeweler. Discover what this emerging precious metal has to offer.
The word “palladium” has roots in Greek and Roman mythology: Athena, the goddess of wisdom, was also known as “Pallas Athena.” Pallas is the name of one of the largest asteroids in the solar system, discovered on March 28, 1802, by German astronomer Heinrich W.M. Olbers.
Palladium was first observed in 1803 by English physician and chemist William Hyde Wollaston, who named it after the asteroid. He noticed that dissolving platinum in aqua regia, a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids, left a residue. He extracted palladium from that residue.
Soon after its discovery, palladium was used to treat people with tuberculosis. This use was quickly abandoned because of the adverse side effects it caused.
In 1939, during World War II, demand for platinum for the war effort made palladium an alternative, and it began to be used in jewelry making.
Besides its use in jewelry, palladium became widely used in the automotive industry starting in 1990, particularly in the manufacture of catalytic converters.
Today, palladium is one of the rarest and most valuable metals on the market. It is used in electronics, chemistry, medical and dental care, catalytic converters, bullion and, of course, jewelry. Its primary use, however, remains industrial.
Palladium is a rare metal found in very few deposits on Earth.
Most palladium is mined in Russia and South Africa. A few other countries produce it as well, including Canada and the United States.
Palladium is a precious metal with the chemical symbol “Pd.” It belongs to the platinum group metals (“PGMs”), which also include rhodium, iridium and ruthenium.
Although palladium looks very similar to platinum, it is much less dense, making it far lighter and less expensive. It is a soft, malleable, silvery-white metal with a face-centered cubic crystal structure.
Palladium has a hardness of 4.75 on the Mohs scale and a density of approximately 12.02. It does not tarnish when exposed to air and is highly resistant to corrosion, oxidation and very high temperatures. Industry also values its mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. It is an excellent catalyst for chemical reactions.
Like other precious metals, palladium must be combined with another metal to be used in jewelry making. The price of a piece of jewelry varies with its palladium content. The purity of palladium jewelry is classified as follows:
Officially recognized as a precious metal since 2010, palladium must be hallmarked. A hallmark is a government guarantee required for all precious metal jewelry weighing more than one gram. This official recognition has significantly increased palladium's value in the jewelry industry. Hallmarking identifies the palladium content of a piece of jewelry, a key factor in its value. Palladium hallmarks are shaped like rectangles with cut corners, bear the letters “Pd” and display the number 500, 950 or 999.
Palladium is a white metal that looks remarkably like platinum. Like platinum, it is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for even the most sensitive skin. Its natural shine lasts for years without tarnishing. Palladium is also a hard metal that resists scratches exceptionally well, yet it is lightweight, unlike platinum. That makes it comfortable to wear every day, especially if you are not used to wearing jewelry often.
Price is another advantage of palladium: it is much more affordable than platinum. While it costs more than white gold, it does not require rhodium plating, other plating or special maintenance. It is a dependable choice that will keep its shine for years to come.
Another benefit of palladium is that it needs little maintenance. Occasional cleaning can help preserve its shine and beauty. To clean palladium, simply wash the jewelry with warm water and soap, gently scrub it with a soft brush, then dry it with a soft cloth, such as chamois.
Explore a selection of beautiful precious metal jewelry at our online store. If you are looking for a palladium ring, necklace or bracelet, Ocarat offers a wide range of high-quality pieces. Whether you are treating yourself or shopping for a gift, explore our online store and discover leading palladium jewelry brands. Our specialists are here to answer your questions about palladium and help you choose.
Palladium is a naturally silvery-white metal that looks remarkably like platinum. The difference can be hard to see, but palladium is much lighter. To confirm that a piece of jewelry is made of palladium, check its hallmarks: rectangles with cut corners bearing the letters “Pd” and indicating the palladium content.
Exceptionally strong and durable, palladium requires little maintenance. Occasional cleaning is all it takes to keep your palladium jewelry looking its best. Use warm water, soap, a soft brush and a soft cloth.
Like other precious metal jewelry, palladium jewelry is made to last a lifetime. Its strength and durability help it keep its shape and stand up to years of wear.
You can count on Ocarat to help you choose quality palladium jewelry. Our online jewelry store is a trusted destination for exceptional designs. Browse our wide selection to find the right palladium jewelry for you.
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