Should you buy jewelry made of palladium if you have sensitive skin? And is palladium hypoallergenic?
Well, this article explores the world of hypoallergenic jewelry, and we’ll take you through everything you need to know about palladium jewelry. So, let’s get into it!
What is Palladium?
Before we look at the properties of palladium, did you know that palladium is not a new metal and it has been around for decades and that it became very popular during WWII when the use of platinum in jewelry was reduced and only reserved for military use? Since platinum and palladium belong in the same metal family.
Palladium took the place of platinum, and it was used in jewelry making.
The palladium jewelry and rings made at the time were high-quality pieces made of 95% palladium alloyed with 5% ruthenium (also belongs in the platinum metal group), and the result is called 950 palladium.
Palladium is, therefore, a precious metal that belongs in the Platinum Group of Metals (PGM), as classified on the periodic table. All the metals in the PGM group are known for their high anti-oxidation and anti-corrosion properties and also the fact that these metals are durable and hardy. The PGM metals are, therefore, also known as Noble Metals.
Palladium, atomic number 46, looks just like platinum, but it’s denser and cheaper than platinum. Palladium is also quite rare, and it’s up to 15x rarer than platinum. It’s interesting to note that platinum was previously regarded as a worthless product obtained from platinum mining, but it’s now regarded as one of the most valuable metals on the market. Out of the total world palladium supply, only 4% is used to make jewelry, while the rest is used in the technology and automobile industries.
So, why palladium?
Palladium is a word with roots in Roman and Greek mythology. It’s named after Athena, the statue of Pallas, on which Rome’s safety is believed to depend. The metal was then named after the 2nd largest asteroid named after Pallas, and at the time, palladium would refer to anything that was believed to provide security and safety. Palladium is believed to bring in good luck and keep the wearer safe.
Is Palladium Hypoallergenic?
Generally, palladium is one of the top-recommended metals for anyone looking for jewelry that will not irritate the skin.
It is a hypoallergenic metal, and this is made possible by the fact that palladium jewelry contains a high palladium content at 95%, while the remaining 5% is ruthenium, which is alloyed with palladium to make 950 palladium that is skin safe.
Although it may have trace amounts of other metal elements, it is free of allergens that would cause skin allergies and other kinds of sensitivity reactions.
Palladium is free of metals like cobalt, zinc, and nickel, which means that you can trust the jewelry if you have sensitive skin.
want to read more jewelry metals, please read this post!
Why Palladium jewelry is Hypoallergenic?
If you have sensitive skin or struggle with metal allergies, you will be happy to know that you can wear jewelry made of palladium comfortably because palladium is a hypoallergenic metal that makes the best of hypoallergenic jewelry. If you want to know more, you can read this post: is palladium is a good metal for a wedding ring?
Essentially, palladium is free of nickel or any other metal that would cause or trigger skin allergies, which is why it is ideal for anyone struggling with skin sensitivities.
Detailed pros and cons of Palladium jewelry?
Pros
- Palladium is a precious metal that has a 950 Palladium hallmark, pointing to its high purity level and the fact that palladium is a fine metal that makes the best quality metal.
- Palladium is an affordable precious metal that is cheaper than platinum. Of course, it might be a tad expensive depending on the brand and the quality of craftsmanship, and in most cases, there isn’t much of a difference between the palladium and platinum jewelry prices.
- Palladium jewelry offers a very comfortable fit, and the rings made of palladium are great for men and women.
- Palladium is an elegantly designed white metal. Though it is not as white as platinum, it boasts a nice, lustrous finish and is an ideal option for you if you are looking for good-quality white jewelry.
- The bright white finish of palladium is tarnish-resistant, the metal is durable, and it will not get tarnished.
- Affordable and low maintenance overall, and you won’t have to replate it after a few years, unlike white gold that has to be replated after some years.
- Palladium is safe on sensitive skin since it is hypoallergenic and has no trace metals added
- It is durable, hard, and long-lasting. It is also corrosion and scratch-resistant.
- Palladium is lightweight, comfortable to wear, and feels good on your skin
Cons
- Given the rarity of palladium, you don’t always find the jewelry in most jewelry stores. It is 15X rarer than platinum and up to 30x more rare than gold, meaning there is a limited supply of the palladium rings you may like
- Palladium is not easy to cut or resize, and it’s generally hard to work with
- Some people find it too light, and it’s not everyone’s best match
Should you buy Palladium jewelry?
Palladium is durable, lightweight, corrosion, and tarnish resistant. It is also hypoallergenic and safe for your skin if you have sensitive skin.
Palladium is free of nickel, and as a precious metal that is easy to maintain, it is a great option for you if you are looking for the best quality, affordable or lustrous jewelry to invest in.
Conclusion
Palladium is affordable, durable, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and also boasts a permanent white color finish that never changes – it doesn’t have to be rhodium-plated after some years or months.
Read more jewelry metal posts here or here!
Tiger is a fashion&jewelry lover. He is also a fashion jewelry manufacturer that help thousands of small business to grow and also do business with some big fashion jewelry brands. He is a truly metal expert and he will share some information you are looking for.