Reasons to Choose Palladium Wedding Rings Over other Metals
By Emma Harvey
What is Palladium?
Palladium is a metal which is naturally white in color. It is of the same groups of metals as rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, osmium and platinum. They are known as the platinum group metals (PGM), although palladium is the least dense and has the lowest melting point.
With the chemical symbol Pd and atomic number of 46, palladium makes a good alternative material to use for rings.
It has a natural color with no need for bleaching, is harder than white gold and cheaper than platinum. A perfect base for a wedding ring.
A Very Brief History...
Palladium was first discovered in July 1803 by William Hyde Wollaston. In August 1803 he named the discovery palladium, after the asteroid Pallas.
Naturally Occurring Metals
Usually, wedding rings are made of precious metals, although other materials can be incorporated (such as wood).
Examples of metals used for rings:
- Yellow gold
Yellow gold is a traditional choice for wedding rings and tends to be available in 9ct, 14ct and 18ct alloys. The harder the gold depends on the alloy formed. There are other alloys in the metal which change the appearance and property. The percentage of gold in the piece of jewelry are verified by the hallmark.
- Rose gold
This is an alternative to the yellow gold. It has the same amount of gold, but is a pinkish color due to added copper to change the pigment.
- White gold
White gold is gold plated with rhodium, a white metal. This gives it a silver (white) appearance.
- Silver
Silver is a softer metal and a less popular choice for rings.
- Platinum
Platinum is a hard wearing, rare metal which is long lasting.
- Titanium
Titanium is hard and resistant. It is a darker metal making it look grey in color rather than white.
If you like the appearance of a white metal over gold and want to go for a natural metal over man made, you have the choices of:
- White gold
- Silver
- Platinum
- Palladium
Choosing Palladium
The disadvantages of Silver
Silver is probably not the best choice of material for a wedding ring, which is supposed to last you a lifetime.
Silver is soft and durable, and although is the most affordable choice, it is cheap, which means it won't keep it's shape.
When you are wearing your wedding band day after day, you need something to rely on and will look good year after year.
Silver also tarnishes over time, darkening the exterior. Harsh elements and being by the coast can take it's toll on your silver ring. Keeping it polished regularly will bring back the shine.
The disadvantages of White Gold
In some white gold alloys nickel is found, which some people are allergic to.
White gold is less rare than metals such as platinum and palladium and not as strong. This doesn't make a great base for setting diamonds, if you want a ring with stones.
As white gold is not the strongest metal, it is prone to being worn down over time. It also becomes duller in appearance.
The disadvantages of Platinum
With platinum being three times stronger than gold, naturally brighter, heavier and beautiful in appearance, it is difficult to find any faults in choosing a platinum wedding ring.
However, because of this rare durable substance, there comes a price. A platinum ring tends to be about $800 more than white gold.
It also may be stronger than white gold and won't wear out, but it can still bend and scratch easier.
So, Why Palladium?
Palladium is a precious metal, naturally white in color. It is 95% pure, and does not contain nickel (a white metal alloy). There is also no need to plate it in rhodium, which is used on white gold to give a platinum look.
Palladium will stay white forever and because it is natural, it is hypoallergenic and therefore suitable for all skin types.
Palladium is durable and hard wearing and also tarnish proof, unlike white gold, which is soft and will fade in color.
30 times rarer than gold and cheaper than platinum, palladium is the perfect choice. It can support intricate designs and stones and can also be alloyed with other metals for a different look.
It is resistant to corrosion and is 12% harder than platinum. It is whiter than white, light and naturally beautiful.
Everything and more you want in your wedding ring.
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Comments
Thanks jenubouka (I'm sure one day you'll get an awesome ring?). I actually tried on a palladium ring yesterday for a future purchase.
I compared it to a white gold, which to me looked just as gorgeous. We are going for palladium rings though for our wedding because of the research we've done on them. Before that, I had never heard of palladium wedding rings!
Wow how interesting... now I'm worried about my white gold wedding ring, lol!
Jamie
Hi ForLoveofCupcakes, even when I was trying on wedding rings, I was toying with the idea of getting the white gold one because it looked so pretty. My parents have white gold which is why I thought about having that.
I shall save up a little more money though for palladium. I'm starting to get excited...
eh, looks like a no but I see why saving the money for a palladium ring I will love to read all about the big day, 2012?
Haha, I'm sure I will be writing (or blogging) about the big day. I'm already wedding obsessed. The more you learn, the more you sure want to share - but then the people who have been there and done that are probably yawning!
Or, or they are thinking crap, why didn't I think of that? Who knows you may inspire people to have a second wedding...As for me, it the time ever comes, I think I will be to old to have a big production, I see my self running off to Hawaii, and spend a week in my bare feet. I think planning this big day is quite a feat, for you are the star but are required to produce an entertaining party as well.
I considered a few options (running away to get married was one), but we're doing something a little different. If it's good enough to write about then watch this space!
Thanks jenubouka
I will have to share this to my daughter as she has one of these rings and I can't remember which one. I had no idea there was such variety.
Thanks for sharing this info.
Hi molometer, I was recently 'introduced' to palladium rings when we started looking. I then did some research on it and settled on getting my wedding ring in palladium.
Thanks for the comment, and thank you for sharing my hub :)
I'm more attractive to silver rather than gold colors, so it's good to know that palladium is available in this option. Voting this Up and Interesting.
Hi alocsin, yes I like white or silver rather than gold. It's all down to preference and there are a lot of options out there.
Palladium jewelry is relatively new but it's the perfect metal to use.
Awesome information on all the varieties of precious metals.I personally prefer only yellow gold, but my husband has been considering the option of buying a his and her platinum ring set. But now you say Palladium; gotta check it out
Yes Dr Kavita Shaikh, palladium was something I was introduced to recently as a metal used for rings. After researching it I made the decision to go with it.
My partner and I are both having palladium wedding rings.
Very informative. I don't like the way yellow gold looks on me so I tend to wear silver or white gold. I am thrilled to learn about palladium. Now only if I was getting married! :)
I am not so keen on yellow gold so searched for alternatives to silver. White gold looks pretty but is not as wearing. Palladium is a happy medium price wise and quality wise too.
jenubouka 4 months ago
What an informative hub! I did not know much about which golds or metals were considered to be more pure. While I most likely will never see any kind of metal on my finger this was awesome!