Introduction
Palladium alloys are a strong and lightweight alloy, primarily composed of the elements palladium, silver and gold in certain proportions of combination. They offer an alternative to traditional gold or silver jewellery with a greater resistance to tarnish and oxidation and possess a lesser density than gold, yet with comparable malleability. Palladium alloys are commonly used in jewellery due to their non-corrosive nature, durability and shine.
Composition and Properties
Palladium alloys are commonly composed of 95% palladium, and typically consist of other metals such as silver and gold. Each alloy may differ in its composition and properties, and it is necessary to consult the maker for the particulars of the alloy in order to know its exact composition and characteristics. The most common palladium alloys contain gold. Due to the high melting point of palladium, it has a tendency to oxidise, but by combining it with a gold-based alloy it creates a more stable material with a higher melting point, resisting oxidation.
Palladium alloys are known for their strength and lightweight, even more so than gold. In addition, palladium alloys are resistant to tarnish and oxidation, making them very durable. They also have a natural white colour closest to platinum. However, they can be plated with other metals or coloured to create different effects.
Applications
In general, palladium alloys are used for making jewellery, like rings, earrings, pendants, necklaces, and bracelets. Due to their strength and resistance to tarnish, they are used to create items that may require frequent cleaning or be subject to everyday wear and tear. Because of their ability to replicate the look and feel of gold and silver jewellery, at a lower cost, they are also used in making gold and silver bijouterie. Some watchmakers have also used palladium alloys for watch parts and cases, because of its lightness and resistance to corrosion.
Conclusion
Palladium alloys offer a unique combination of properties – high strength, low density, great resistance to corrosion and a pleasant white colour. Their versatility makes them ideal for use in jewellery, but also for rare cases and watch components. In addition, due to its affordable price, palladium alloys have become increasingly popular in manufacturing jewellery.
