Jewelry Education

Palladium

Palladium is a platinum group metal. This metal group includes: platinum, ruthenium, osmium, iridium, and rhodium. These metals are found together in nature and have similar qualities. They are rare, white in color, extremely durable, and unaffected by elements in the air which make other metals tarnish.

Palladium used for making jewelry products is typically 95% pure palladium and 5% of other platinum group metals such as iridium and ruthenium. The palladium alloys are white, hypo-allergenic, lightweight and durable. These alloys have a specific gravity close to that of 14K white gold and are close to half the weight by volume of platinum. 950 palladium is more durable than white gold. It is similar to how platinum wears versus white gold. The natural white color of palladium is permanent and unlike white gold, does not require rhodium plating making it an excellent choice for jewelry.

Palladium versus White Gold and Platinum: