White gold vs. palladium

[dncdnc]

I''m curious to get some opinions on designing a band. I want a brushed silver metal color. Any thoughts on palladium vs 14k white gold (non-nickel alloy)?

 

[stone-cold11]

I would say depends on your design and what your jeweler is comfortable working with.

Pd is also prone to porosity from what I understand and too fine a detail will be unsuitable.

 

[Ellen]

Here''s a thread (and another within) that might help.

 

[tallchickbarbara]

Hi Dnc -

Palladium is a naturally white metal that does not require a rhodium plating, but does develop a patina over time, similar to how platinum does. It''s a metal both loved and hated by jewelers, casters, and wearers, so the key to buying or designing a palladium ring is doing your research and asking loads of questions to the jewelers that you''re thinking about getting it from. Not everyone works with palladium, is familiar with it, or has taken the time to research it, so you may find it difficult to get someone to help you if you''re looking at local places. BUT, if you do get someone who knows how to successfully manufacturer it, I think you''ll find that it''s a metal that will require less upkeep than 14K white gold.

With regard to Stone''s comment on porosity, I don''t agree that palladium is more prone to it if casted properly. It does indeed have a reputation as having porosity, but speaking personally about the metal, if a customer that receives a piece of palladium jewelry that contained porosity, that simply means that the company or jeweler that delivered the piece needs better quality control. A porous piece of any jewelry in any metal should be remade and re-casted immediately. Palladium can indeed be successfully made in any type of style and in even the finest of details successfully.

I suggest putting the word "palladium" in the search bar here and taking a peek at the threads that come up. There are several of both - positive and negative - from consumers and trade members alike.

Good luck to you!