What is palladium in jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Palladium is a rare, naturally white precious metal that belongs to the platinum group of elements and is found mainly in Russia and South Africa. In jewellery it is valued for its naturally white colour, which needs no rhodium plating to maintain, its low density, which makes it lighter than platinum, and its hypoallergenic properties. It is commonly used as an alloy in white gold and has also been offered as a standalone metal for rings and settings, though it remains less widely available than platinum.
Frequently asked questions
- Is palladium the same as platinum?
- They are related metals in the same chemical family and share a naturally white colour and a precious metal status, but they are distinct. Palladium is lighter and generally less dense than platinum, and the two have different working properties, though both are used in fine jewellery.
- Why is palladium used in white gold?
- White gold gets its colour from the alloy metals blended with pure yellow gold. Palladium is one of the metals used because it effectively whitens the gold without adding excessive weight, and it is less likely to cause skin reactions than nickel-based white gold alloys.
- Does palladium tarnish or need plating?
- Palladium is naturally white and holds its colour without rhodium plating, which is a practical advantage over nickel white gold. It does not tarnish in the same way silver does, and it is quite resistant to everyday wear and chemical exposure.
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