Susan A. sent an email saying, “I wanted a platinum ring but platinum is very expensive. I’ve heard of Palladium—what is it? How is it like platinum? How is it different? Is it less expensive?”

This is the answer:

Palladium is a metal in the Platinum family and therefore it is a white metal. It is slightlydarker than platinum but most people do not see much of a difference.

Palladium like platinum is hypoallergenic so no one should be allergic to it.

Palladium is also 10% harder making it more scratch resistant than platinum so it will stay shinier longer.

Palladium also costs less than Platinum. It is a little harder to work with so labor is a bit more but the total cost is about the same as a 14k gold jewelry piece.  If piece of jewelry made in Platinum were to cost $2,000 then the same piece made in Palladium will cost about $800.

Palladium is a great choice.  It is whiter than white gold and harder and much less expensive than Platinum.

Russell Oshita, the diamonddude

The Diamond Specialists, Inc.

Diamonds Hawaii