Palladium is a precious metal used to make jewellery, providing a luxurious and durable alternative to more traditional metals like gold. Palladium Jewelry has gained popularity in the world over the last couple of years. It is a precious metal that you may have heard about and are interested in.
This guide covers the key features of palladium, its value, its comparison to other metals, the benefits of palladium jewellery, and important maintenance tips.
What is palladium?
Silvery-white in colour, palladium is a precious metal. The platinum group of metals (PGMs) includes palladium as one of its six members. Vehicle catalytic converters are the main application for palladium. Palladium jewellery has gained popularity since jewellers began producing it in 1939, despite the metal being identified in 1803.
South Africa and Russia supply most of the palladium.
What makes palladium so unique?
It is also more expensive because demand is far greater than supply. Due to its inability to react with oxygen, palladium is resistant to corrosion. Because it doesn’t bother your skin, it’s hypoallergenic, which makes it ideal for jewellery.
Is palladium harmful to people?
Yes, but it’s not really harmful. When consumed, it is not well absorbed by the body, but it can irritate the respiratory system and eyes. However, if consumed, palladium compounds such as palladium chloride are extremely toxic and damaging to the body’s organs.
How do other metals compare to palladium?
Now that you know more about palladium, let’s see how it stacks up against other metals.
Is palladium superior to gold?
Palladium is superior to gold because it is more resilient and long-lasting. Palladium is the most costly metal since it is more than 30 times rarer than gold.
Is palladium superior to sterling silver?
Palladium is more expensive than sterling silver, but it is superior. While sterling silver damages when exposed to oxygen, makeup, and moisture, palladium jewellery is resistant to tarnish and does not react with airborne oxygen.
Palladium vs platinum
Despite their similar appearances, these two white metals are very different. Compared to palladium, platinum is just one shade whiter.
Advantages of palladium jewellery
Palladium is a great metal, here are some benefits of this metal:
- Highly durable: It is tough. Scratching causes the metal to change but not lose. Over time, it keeps its colour and will take on a beautiful matte finish or patina appearance.
- Hypoallergenic: Palladium doesn’t contain nickel, so you’re less likely to experience an adverse skin reaction.
- Lightweight: If you prefer light and comfy jewellery, this is a good choice.
- Precious: Common industrial metals are less expensive than precious metals. Their function as investments and a store of value is what drives demand.
Maintenance tips:
- To keep your jewellery shining, clean it once a week.
- A jeweller should polish your jewellery every six months.
- While cleaning, remove any palladium jewellery.
- Palladium jewellery should be kept in its original packaging to maintain its shape and shield it from scratches from other jewellery.