What is Palladium?
A member of the group of elements known as “platinum group metals,” palladium is a silvery-white metal that is similar in color and finish to platinum. Although not as dense or as valuable as its rarer counterpart, palladium is still considered a precious metal in its own right.
Discovered in 1803 in South America, palladium has been utilized for a wide variety of applications. More than 50% of today’s supply of the metal is used to make catalytic converters for automobiles. The metal is also used as a component in many electronic products, dental and medical applications, and heat and water production.
Since 1939, palladium has been widely used for fine jewelry, engagement rings, and wedding bands and is preferred by budget-conscious consumers as a more economical alternative to platinum. One of the most commonly chosen alloy metals, palladium is often combined with yellow gold to form white gold.
Benefits of Palladium
Palladium offers jewelry consumers an array of advantages:
Serves as an economical alternative to platinum, while still providing the desired silvery matte finish
Maintains its color naturally over time; never requires rhodium re-plating. Resists tarnishing, chemical erosion, and extremes of temperature
Durable surface (12% harder than platinum) resists scratches and dings. Develops a handsome patina over time, similar to platinum
Hypoallergenic and color-retaining properties make it an ideal choice for use as an alloy metal
With many desirable advantages, including a close resemblance to its pricier platinum counterpart, palladium has become a prominent fixture in today’s fine jewelry market. At Brilliance, we’re pleased to offer a premium assortment of palladium diamond jewelry pieces, each crafted to rigorous standards of quality, longevity, and beauty.
