Durability. As you may have already figured out, palladium is stronger and more durable than white gold given its internal chemical makeup. "This is really where the metal alloys matter most," shares So.
On the other hand, palladium is a naturally occurring white metal making it purer than white gold. It does not fade and will not need to be re-plated, best of all, it does not loose metal when scratched or being buffed. Pricewise, palladium is valued higher than gold.
In fact, palladium is currently the most expensive among the four major precious metals (platinum, gold, and silver).
Platinum and palladium are similar in appearance, and both are hardwearing white precious metals. Still, platinum is our preferred choice as its greater weight gives it a more luxurious feel, and it is also a much better metal to work with.
Relatively hard: Palladium is considered to be a softer metal, but it is still much harder and more durable than gold, which lends more protection against impact and a greater resistance to denting. Compared to gold's knoop hardness of 200, Palladium has a knoop hardness of 400.
Palladium is Rare
Plus, restrictive environmental policies limiting the extraction and mining of the metal have further constricted global supplies. Palladium's relative rarity makes it a valuable investment option when used to strategically diversify a Precious Metals portfolio.
Palladium Is More Valuable than Gold & Silver
It also tops platinum when it comes to current market value. On average, prices for palladium rings today are around $2,000, according to Brides.com.
Palladium will not tarnish and is great for filigree work, allowing for a broad spectrum of designs. Palladium rings are also 12% harder than Platinum, which translates into less signs of wear than Platinum. Rings made of palladium can be up to 40% lighter than platinum.
Palladium is a very rare metal and is slightly whiter in appearance than platinum and white gold. This, along with its durability makes it a great choice for wedding and engagement rings and it is now offered as a metal selection for many of the rings available from jewelers like Ben Garelick in Buffalo, NY.
What Is Palladium Used for? Palladium is used in catalytic converters for automobiles, in fuel cells to generate power, in jewelry, dental fillings, and electronic components. Catalytic converters convert the toxic gases from automobiles into less harmful substances.
Palladium's most incredible ability is that it can absorb up to 900 times its volume of hydrogen, according to the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. Because of this ability, palladium is used to store and filter hydrogen.
Palladium White Gold – An Attractive New Alternative
Part of the platinum group of metals, Palladium is a durable and lightweight precious metal that does not tarnish.
Platinum is now the more affordable choice, and comes with a lot of benefits. Historically, it has always been the most expensive out of all the white metals used in jewellery, but now white gold comes at the highest premium. In terms of durability, platinum also is a great choice.
White Gold vs Platinum Durability
Platinum is more durable and requires less repolishing. But that doesn't mean you only need to re-polish your white gold engagement ring every so often to keep it shining. White gold is finished with a rhodium plating to give it a pure white shine and improve durability.
Platinum and white gold are both shiny, but platinum is shinier because it reflects more visible light than gold. Most white gold alloys used for jewelry contain at least 58.3% gold content, which makes them less shiny than platinum. However, keep in mind that polished metals shine more than unpolished metals.
If your jewelry is gold, silver, platinum, palladium, stainless steel, or titanium, you're safe to shower with it. Other metals like copper, brass, bronze, or other base metals shouldn't go in the shower as they can turn your skin green.
Palladium is 30 times rarer than gold and nearly 15 times rare than platinum. That makes it a unique option for wedding bands and engagement rings. That means it'll be challenging to find a variety of styles and choices at the jewelers because of a low supply.
If the metal has palladium content, it will very slowly turn a yellowish green color.
Nitric acid can be used to perform a quick test to differentiate between palladium and silver. Palladium won't react to nitric acid, whereas silver will oxidize and turn a light brown color. It's important to remember to always use protective gloves and eyewear when working with any type of acid.
As with other precious metals, it can be dangerous when used or worn incorrectly. However, palladium is safe enough to wear in most situations. Although it's low in toxicity, it's best to verify if you have an allergy to this precious metal to avoid skin irritation.
It is perfect in all types of jewellery, and makes an ideal substitute for white gold and platinum. Palladium is a sophisticated, precious metal in its own right and is even more elegant, when set with diamonds or precious gemstones.
According to the latest long-term forecast, Palladium price will hit $1,500 by the middle of 2023 and then $2,000 by the end of 2024. Palladium will rise to $2,500 within the year of 2026, $3,000 in 2027, $3,500 in 2028, $4,000 in 2029 and $5,000 in 2031.
Jewelry makers are especially keen on palladium because it does not tarnish like other metals such as silver or gold. In recent years, however, the price of palladium has surged due to increased demand from the automotive and. electronics industries. Palladium is becoming one of the most expensive metals on earth.