White Gray Diamond
Palladium – the obvious choice for diamond jewelry
The need for replacing the gold with more suitable metal came up together with the preference of white metal over yellow. Gold is still Gold has been the metal of choice for fine jewellery for millennia and is perceived as symbol of rarity status and wealth. It is still enjoying great popularity making roughly 90% of the jewellery on the market. So why change it with anything else?
the only precious metal with yellow color and the only option for the few, who prefer yellow lewellery, but when it comes to white is definitely not the best option. Currently the trend is white, very white, especially when we talk diamond jewellery and it makes sense to use white metal for white jewellery instead of yellow. What about white gold? Well, white gold is not exactly white, that’s why it has to be rhodium plated. White gold is pure yellow gold “forced” into white color by alloying it with whitening metals and the most popular whitening metal is – Yes that’s right palladium
What are the characteristics of the ideal metal for white diamond jewellery?
- It must have the right color. It be as white as possible without gray or yellow overtone
- It must be rare and precious
- It must have the right mechanical properties making it suitable for stone setting and high polish
- It must be hypoallergenic and scratch resistant
I have been designing and making fine jewellery for many years, working with different precious metals. First it was gold (yellow, white and rose) in 9, 14 and 18k, then platinum and recently palladium. My hands on experience with most of the metals in the jewellery industry give me the capacity to compare and professionally assess them. Here is my view of 18k white gold, Platinum and Palladium based on the four characteristics above:
Color – While palladium and platinum are undistinguishable by color, gold is easy to single out. The higher the gold content (karat) the more difficult is to “bleach” gold’s rich yellowness. Gold possesses unique precious metal qualities and if the gold content is decreased in order to achieve whiter color the resulted alloy ceases to resemble the initial precious metal properties. High purities white gold are impossible (there is no 22k white gold) with 75% (18k) being the highest. Even the best white gold alloy is not white enough and has to be rhodium plated. Rhodium plating is a surface treatment and it wears off.
Purity – Platinum and palladium have naturally the best clean of overtone white color and thus they are used in almost pure form (95%). The alloying 5% are usually also metals from the PGM’s (Platinum Group Metals) Ruthenium and Iridium being the first choice. This leaves us with 100% noble metal content in the ready item. The highest purity white gold alloy has 75 % gold and often this is the only precious metal involved. Palladium gold alloys bring this percentage to about 87.5, but still very far from 100% noble metal content.
Jewelry with 100% noble metal content possesses some very important qualities: It never tarnishes, changes color and it is totally hypoallergenic. Many white gold alloys content nickel , a metal known to cause allergy reactions.
Rare and precious – Any one of the three metals compared in this article is rare and precious. Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium are the only metals with ISO (International Organization of Standardization) currency code. The price of any of these metals is determined by many factors connected mainly to their availability and demand and is subject of daily change. At the time of the writing their price order is: Platinum, Gold, Palladium and Silver. This order was different just few years ago. In the beginning of 2001 Palladium was right at the top preceding gold and platinum. Platinum is statistically 15 times rarer than gold. Palladium is even rarer.
Mechanical Properties – I have to take the risk of infusing my article with technical information, but I will try to keep it at the possible minimum. Besides the achieving of desired color as in the case of karat gold the precious metals are alloyed with other metals in order to achieve some mechanical properties that make them suitable for jewelry manufacturing. The ideal jewelry metal should be tough, abrasion resistant and suitable for high polish. Palladium fits perfectly all the criteria.
Now strait to the price issue: Palladium finished item is priced per gram in the vicinity of 14k gold and sometimes lower. Compared to platinum which is the closest rival in appearance and quality its cost is between 1/3 and 1/4 of the price per gram finished item. Because of its lower density however it comes much cheaper if compared with identical platinum item. The current low price of palladium is set to explode soon and is wise to take advantage of it.
The next question comes naturally: What are the drawbacks? As there is nothing ideal, palladium also have a weak point. It is more difficult to manufacture and highly demanding in terms of technology and materials used in the process. The good news however, is that in no way this difficulties affect the customer nor the maintenance of the item after the purchase. From the customer’s point of view palladium just has all the right qualities.
The last point is the availability. Palladium jewelry is still very new as solo jewelry media. It is closely related to popularity and price. As the popularity grows, which is inevitable considering the advantages of this meta, so will grow the availability and unfortunately its price.
About the Author
Vasco Kirov is an experienced designer and master goldsmith with vast knowledge in every aspect concerning fine jewelry. He has been awarded many prestigious design awards for excellence in diamond jewelry design. Vasco’s web site Kirov Jewellery Studio contains plenty of visual information about diamond engagement rings and offers you the opportunity to have one designed and made up by Vasco himself
White and Blue Diamond Necklace by Invisible Set-Ins
|
|
Dunhill Tie Diamond Check Gray-White Heavy Silk England $19.99 |
|
|
Vintage Diamond J Justin Cowboy Boots White & Gray Exotic Vamps Men 9.5 EE $49.99 |
|
|
White Gold gp lab Diamond Gray Pearl Bridal Wedding Party Pendant Necklace New $19.99 |
|
|
Ann Taylor Black/Gray/White Diamond Print Button Front 3/4 Sleeve Shirt sz M $9.99 |
|
|
Ladies 18K White Gold Diamond Tahitian Pearl 14mm Ring $1,150.00 |
|
|
CHEVY GMC GM TRUCK DOOR HANDLES DIAMOND WHITE 4 SET $175.00 |
|
|
6.15ct. NATURAL REAL WHITE GREY & BLACK DIAMOND EARRINGS BEADS $0.99 |
|
|
Nike Diamond Elite V 5 Batting Gloves XL White/grey Rare NWT $75.00 |
|
|
6.07ct. NATURAL REAL WHITE GREY DIAMOND EARRINGS BEADS $0.99 |
|
|
11.51 ct NATURAL WHITE GREY DIAMOND BRACELET BEADS $0.99 |
|
|
VAN HEUSEN Mens Designer Silk Neck Tie PLAID DIAMOND Black/Silver/Grey/White EUC $12.99 |
|
|
3.06tcw 2.8-3.8 mm Gray & White Natural Loose Diamonds Lot $20.50 |
|
|
FIERY 2.49 Cts WOW SPARKLING TINTED WHITE GRAY NATURAL DIAMOND $1,825.00 |
|
|
6.07ct. NATURAL REAL WHITE GREY DIAMOND EARRINGS BEADS $34.00 |
|
|
0.66cts,5.5mm~ROUND GREY WHITE NATURAL LOOSE DIAMOND $99.99 |
|
|
0.61cts,5.3mm~ROUND GREY WHITE NATURAL LOOSE DIAMOND $88.99 |
|
|
0.72cts,5.7mm~ROUND GREY WHITE NATURAL LOOSE DIAMOND $111.99 |
|
|
0.514 CARAT NATURAL WHITE LIGHT GRAY DIAMOND WITH ELEGANT LOOK VERY BEAUTIFUL $299.00 |
|
|
NIKE DIAMOND TURF 2 (TD) Cool Grey/White-Soar -488297 003- TODDLERS ATHLETIC $41.99 |
|
|
NIKE DIAMOND TURF 2 (TD) Cool Grey/White-Soar -488297 003- TODDLERS ATHLETIC $41.99 |
|
|
NIKE DIAMOND TURF 2 (TD) Cool Grey/White-Soar -488297 003- TODDLERS ATHLETIC $41.99 |
|
|
NIKE DIAMOND TURF 2 (TD) Cool Grey/White-Soar -488297 003- TODDLERS ATHLETIC $41.99 |
|
|
NIKE DIAMOND TURF 2 (TD) Cool Grey/White-Soar -488297 003- TODDLERS ATHLETIC $41.99 |
|
|
NIKE DIAMOND TURF 2 (TD) Cool Grey/White-Soar -488297 003- TODDLERS ATHLETIC $41.99 |
|
|
NIKE DIAMOND TURF 2 (TD) Cool Grey/White-Soar -488297 003- TODDLERS ATHLETIC $41.99 |
|
|
0.597 CARAT NATURAL WHITE LIGHT GRAY DIAMOND for quality Ring $319.00 |
|
|
White & Greenish Grey Diamond – 57″ W Tablecloth Fabric $1.99 |
|
|
14K WHITE GOLD GREY PEARLS & DIAMONDS EARRINGS $775.00 |
|
|
VAN HEUSEN Mens Designer Neck Tie SILK Geometric Diamonds Nvy/Burg/Gry/White NEW $14.99 |
|
|
White Diamonds iPhone 4/4S Case Rainbow Grey made with Swarovski Elements $22.00 |
|
|
EXTRA LONG XL BACHRACH RED BLUE GREY WHITE CIRCLE DIAMOND MENS SILK NECK TIE $5.99 |
|
|
1.24 CT BLACK & WHITE GREY REAL ROUGH DIAMOND .925 SILVER RING ( SEE VIDEO ) $0.99 |
|
|
0.49 ct BLACK & WHITE GREY REAL NATURAL DIAMOND .925 STERLING SILVER RING $35.64 |
|
|
98.68ct. NATURAL REAL WHITE GREY ROUGH DIAMOND NECKLACE BEADS .925 SILVER CLAPS $265.48 |
|
|
66.07ct NATURAL REAL GREY WHITE DIAMOND NECKLACE BEADS $153.68 |
|
|
14K WHITE GOLD BLACK AKOYA PEARL DIAMOND PENDANT CHARM $335.00 |
|
|
98.68ct. NATURAL REAL WHITE GREY ROUGH DIAMOND NECKLACE BEADS .925 SILVER CLAPS $450.00 |
|
|
47.24ct NATURAL GREY WHITE ROUGH DIAMOND NECKLACE BEADS WITH PENDANT (20 inch ) $199.00 |
|
|
66.07ct NATURAL REAL GREY WHITE DIAMOND NECKLACE BEADS .925 Silver Claps $280.00 |
|
|
35.35 ct. NATURAL REAL BLACK & GREY WHITE DIAMOND NECKLACE BEADS 18 INCHES $150.00 |
|
|
27.73ct NATURAL REAL BLACK & WHITE GREY DIAMOND BRACELETS BEADS $130.00 |
|
|
29.20ct NATURAL REAL BLACK & WHITE GREY DIAMOND BRACELETS BEADS $150.00 |
|
|
22.84ct NATURAL REAL BLACK & WHITE GREY DIAMOND BRACELETS BEADS $130.00 |
|
|
29.75 ct NATURAL WHITE GREY DIAMOND BRACELET BEADS $150.00 |
|
|
35.95 ct NATURAL REAL BLACK & WHITE GREY DIAMOND BRACELETS BEADS $160.00 |
|
|
Granite Tile WALLPAPER BORDER LOT Black White Grey Geometric Diamond 90′ 6 rolls $74.00 |
|
|
0.49 CT BLACK & WHITE GREY REAL NATURAL DIAMOND .925 SILVER RING ( SEE VIDEO ) $0.99 |
|
|
[487658-010] Nike Air Diamond Turf II 2 Cool Grey White Soar Black $125.00 |
|
|
[487658-010] Nike Air Diamond Turf II 2 Cool Grey White Soar Black $125.00 |
|
|
37 CT AU BLACK OPAL 14K WHITE GOLD PENDANT, DIAMOND ACCENT $295.00 |
|
|
Tahitian Pearl And Diamond 14k White Gold Bracelet $550.00 |
|
|
1.80ct REAL ROUGH WHITE GREY & GOLDEN DIAMOND .925 SILVER RING( see video ) $100.00 |
|
|
18K WHITE GOLD 5.56ct NATURAL ROUGH DIAMOND PENDANT $1,270.75 |
|
|
18K WHITE GOLD 4.95ct NATURAL ROUGH DIAMOND PENDANT $938.74 |
|
|
0.49 CT BLACK & WHITE GREY REAL NATURAL DIAMOND .925 SILVER RING ( SEE VIDEO ) $110.00 |
|
|
*10KT White Gold 5.00CT Gray Quartz Cabochon & .15CTW Diamond Accent Pendant $124.50 |
|
|
Invicta Watch 10676 Women’s Wildflower White Diamond Grey Dial Stainless Steel $124.88 |
|
|
Invicta Watch 10676 Women’s Wildflower White Diamond Grey Dial Stainless Steel $124.88 |
|
|
Huge 18K White Grey Tahitian Pearl Diamond Earrings & Box $699.00 |
|
|
Invicta Watch 10676 Women’s Wildflower White Diamond Grey Dial Stainless Steel $118.75 |
|
|
White Gold gp lab Diamond Elegant Gray Pearl Pendant Necklace Wedding Party New $30.99 |
|
|
Four Row Natural .75ct Gray White Diamond Cross Over Band Ring White Gold 14kt $890.10 |
|
|
Natural 0.65ct Gray White Diamond Criss Cross Wedding Band Ring White Gold 14kt $944.10 |
|
|
BOYS NWOT 7 DIAMONDS BUTTON DOWN LONG SLEEVE WHITE/GRAY SHIRT SIZE L $12.00 |
|
|
0.514 CARAT NATURAL WHITE LIGHT GRAY DIAMOND BEAUTIFUL look GD531 WATCH VIDEO $299.00 |
|
|
0.597 CARAT NATURAL WHITE LIGHT GRAY DIAMOND for quality Ring GD534 SEE VIDEO $319.00 |
|
|
14k white gold gray pearl & diamond ring sz 6 1/2 $179.99 |
|
|
5 Hue Womens Tights Size 1 Ribbed Diamond Greens Grey Brown White Control Top $34.99 |
|
|
“RON WHITE” Graphic Tee Size-M Diamonds $9.99 |
|
|
1.80ct REAL ROUGH WHITE GREY & GOLDEN DIAMOND .925 SILVER RING( see video ) $0.99 |
|
|
**UnTreated .54 Diamond – 5.35 x 3.00mm, Round Brilliant Cut White /Grey (J-K)** $47.62 |
|
|
0.60 ct WHITE GREY ROUGH DIAMOND MANS .925 SILVER RING- SEE VIDEO $0.99 |
|
|
NEW SUI GENERIS Gray White Diamond Canvas Print Round Toe Pumps Heels Size 6 $159.00 |
|
|
0.49 CT BLACK & WHITE GREY REAL NATURAL DIAMOND .925 SILVER RING ( SEE VIDEO ) $0.99 |
|
|
22.84ct NATURAL REAL BLACK & WHITE GREY DIAMOND BRACELETS BEADS $53.07 |
|
|
6.07ct. NATURAL REAL WHITE GREY DIAMOND EARRINGS BEADS $75.00 |
|
|
66.07ct NATURAL REAL GREY WHITE DIAMOND NECKLACE BEADS $152.95 |
|
|
BEN SHERMAN Gray/White w/ Diamonds L/S Button Front Shirt Sz 3 or L $9.99 |
|
|
0.60 ct WHITE GREY ROUGH DIAMOND MANS .925 SILVER RING- SEE VIDEO $99.00 |
|
|
1.24 CT BLACK & WHITE GREY REAL ROUGH DIAMOND .925 SILVER RING ( SEE VIDEO ) $99.00 |
|
|
11.25 ct NATURAL WHITE GREY DIAMOND BRACELET BEADS $99.00 |
|
|
18KGP Diamond Swarovski Crystal Necklace Black, Grey n Crystal AB White Pendant $80.00 |
|
|
6.15ct. NATURAL REAL WHITE GREY & BLACK DIAMOND EARRINGS BEADS $99.00 |
|
|
Beautiful cotton blend fabric gray with white diamond detail – NEW $18.00 |
|
|
Nike Diamond Elite Pro Baseball Gloves Adult Mens Red, Grey & White Size Large $19.99 |
|
|
gray Loyal Army blue pink white vampire smiley diamond & crossbones hoodie 2X 3X $11.00 |
|
|
10.9MM Dark Gray Tahitian Pearl Diamond 0.34ct. Heart Earrings 18K White Gold $710.54 |
|
|
9.7MM Dark Gray Tahitian Pearl Diamond Slide on Chain 16in 14K White Gold, NEW $249.50 |
|
|
Gray and Golden South Sea Pearl Lariat Necklace w/0.23 Ct. Diamonds; 18K White G $1,402.50 |
|
|
9.7X10.2MM Gray Tahitian Pearl Lariat Necklace w/Diamonds; 18K White Gold 17-18″ $439.94 |
|
|
Vintage Navajo Rug ☀ Red/white/grey/black wool ☀ Diamond Design ☀ $299.00 |
|
|
1.20ctw Black White &Grey Rough Diamond Ring & Paved Diamond Accent Bracelet Set $128.00 |
|
|
Vintage Navajo Rug ♠ brown/red/white/black/grey ♠ Four large diamonds … $249.00 |
|
|
MEN’S WHITE 10K GOLD RING,GREY TIGER EYE DIAMOND CHIPS $175.50 |
|
|
11.25 ct NATURAL WHITE GREY DIAMOND BRACELET BEADS $28.11 |
|
|
11.25 ct NATURAL WHITE GREY DIAMOND BRACELET BEADS $28.11 |
|
|
23.81ct. NATURAL REAL WHITE GREY DIAMOND EARRINGS BEADS $125.00 |
|
|
15.24 ct. NATURAL REAL WHITE GREY DIAMOND EARRINGS BEADS $90.00 |
|
|
Terry Velour Bathrobe with Diamond Details in Pure White and Gracious Grey $85.00 |
|
|
Terry Velour Bathrobe with Diamond Details in Pure White and Gracious Grey $85.00 |
|
|
The Gray Line New York Eat and Play Card $24.99 The Gray Line New York Eat and Play Card |
|
|
14k White Gold Fashionable Diamond Necklace $390 This beautiful necklace is crafted of 14k white gold resembling a branch with diamond leaves. Look Exquisitely beautiful with this 14k White Gold Fashionable Diamond Necklace. |
|
|
14k White Gold Diamond Large Key Pendant $290 This amazing key pendant has been crafted of fine 14k white gold with one sparkling white diamond at the bottom. Unlock your loved ones heart with this 14k White Gold Diamond Large Key Pendant. |
|
|
14k White Gold Diamond Medium Key Pendant $200 This amazing key pendant has been crafted of fine 14k white gold with one sparkling white diamond at the bottom. Unlock your loved ones heart with this 14k White Gold Diamond Medium Key Pendant. |
|
|
14k White Gold 1/2 Carat Diamond Necklace $890 This necklace has been beautified with 14k white gold and one 1/2Carat sparkling white diamond iide a circle. Look graceful with this 14k White Gold 1/2Carat Diamond Necklace. |
|
|
14k White Gold Diamond Rope Huggie Earrings $420 These stylish diamond huggie earrings are crafted of fine 14k White Gold with 1/2Carat beautiful white diamonds. You will feel confident when you wear these 14k White Gold Diamond Rope Huggie Earrings. |
|
|
1/8 Carat Diamond 14k White Gold Diamond Shape Earrings $295 These stunning button earrings have been crafted of fine 14k white gold in a diamond shape with 0.15Carat round white diamonds. You are sure to receive many compliments when you wear these 1/8Carat Diamond 14k White Gold Diamond Shape Earrings. |
|
|
14k White Gold Elegant Diamond Necklace $260 This gorgeous necklace has been crafted of 14k white dolg with sparkling white diamonds. Look glamourous with this 14k White Gold Elegant Diamond Necklace. |
|
|
14k White Gold Diamond Fashion Ring $435 This beautiful ring is finely crafted of 14k White Gold and gorgeous white diamonds. You will be the envy of everyone with this 14k White Gold Diamond Fashion Ring. |
|
|
14k White Gold Diamond Teardrop Necklace $240 This gorgeous teardrop necklace is crafted of fine 14k white gold with sparkling white diamonds. Graceful is the word for this 14k White Gold Diamond Teardrop Necklace. |
|
|
14k White Gold 1/4 Carat Diamond Earrings $390 These beautiful earrings have been finely crafted in a diamond shape of 14k white gold with 0.25Carat sparkling white dimaonds. You are sure to receive many compliments when you wear these 1/4Carat Diamond 14k White gold Diamond Shape Button Earrings. |
|
|
14k White Gold 1/2 Carat Diamond Earrings $850 14k White Gold is exquisitely used in these stylish tiny three layered diamond studded earrings. Enhance your eyes with these 14k White Gold 1/2Carat Diamond Huggie Earrings. |
|
|
14k White Gold .85ct Elegant Diamond Bracelet $2400 This artistically carved bracelet is crafted of 14k white gold with 1/3ct diamonds adorning the diamond shapes. Treat yourself to this amazing 14k White Gold .85ct Elegant Diamond Bracelet. |
|
|
14k White Gold Sleek Diamond Huggie Earrings $225 These finely sleek round cut diamond earrings are finely crafted in 14k White Gold. Enhance your beauty with these 14k White Gold Sleek Diamond Huggie Earrings. |
|
|
Diamond Baguette White Bracelet $1299 This 14k diamond gold ribbon design bracelet delicately wraps her wrist with radiant shine & brilliance. Meticulously made from our jewele, this is a splendid work of art that is meant to be cherished for a lifetime! Luxurious high polished 14k white gold, with an array of baguette-cut diamonds that are channel set to perfeCaration with a near colorless grade of G-H and a fine clarity of S12. Complementing this bracelet, you’ll receive free gift packaging. Treat youelf or your special someone with these diamonds … you won’t regret it! |
|
|
14k White Gold Diamond-cut Cross Pendant $75 This fine polished cross is made of exquisite white gold. Let your faith enlighten othe with this 14k White Gold Diamond-cut Cross Pendant. |
|
|
14k White Gold Black & White Diamond Flower Ring $425 This ring is carefully crafted of 14k White Gold with stunning black and white diamonds. You will be setting the next trend in this gorgeous 14k White Gold Black & White Diamond Flower Ring. |
|
|
14k White Gold Prong White Topaz Diamond Stackable Ring $325 This fine ring is prong set with round cut White Topaz and diamonds in 14k white gold. You are captivating when you wear this 14k White Gold Prong White Topaz Diamond Stackable Ring. |
|
|
14kt White Gold Black & White Diamond Flower Earrings $1064.95 These earrings are carefully crafted of 14kt White Gold with stunning black and white diamonds. You will be setting the next trend in these beautiful 14kt White Gold Black & White Diamond Flower Earrings. |
|
|
14k White Gold Cloverleaf Diamond By The Yard Necklace $400 Ipired by the popular By-The-Yard style, this diamond necklace has its diamond nestled in the center of a striking, milgrain detailed clover leaf made of white gold. You’ll feel lucky – undetandably – wearing this 14k White Gold Cloverleaf Diamond By-The-Yard Necklace. |
|
|
14k White Gold White Topaz Rolo Chain Diamond Anklet $499 This alluring anklet has a White Gold rolo chain with diamond and pear shaped white topaz charms. You can bring a little extra-cool beauty to your legs with this 14k White Gold White Topaz Rolo Chain Diamond Anklet. |
|
|
14k White Gold Diamond Mother and Child Pendant $494.95 Sparkling white diamonds adorn this beautifully crafted pendant of 14k White Gold. Keep the love for your child next to your heart with this 14k White Gold Diamond Mother and Child Pendant. |
|
|
14k White Gold Star Diamond Necklace $260 This charming necklace has been crafted of a star shaped 14k white gold pendant adorned with sparkling white diamonds. Enlighten your beauty with this 14k White Gold Star Diamond Necklace. |
|
|
14k White Gold Diamond Twisted Fashion Ring $260 This beautiful ring has been crafted of fine 14k White Gold and 0.05ct sparkling white diamonds. Put a smile on her face when you give her this 14k White Gold Diamond Twisted Fashion Ring. |
|
|
14k White Gold Stylish Heart Diamond Ring $515 This gorgeous triple row rope ring is crafted of 14k White Gold and a heart of white diamonds. You are sure to receive many compliments with this 14k White Gold Stylish Heart Diamond Ring. |