The Differences Between Palladium, Platinum And White Gold

Distinguishing between metals like white gold, platinum, and palladium can be challenging due to their similar colour, but their prices vary significantly. To recognise the difference between these metals, you may need to examine them closely. For instance, while platinum and palladium have a similar white-grey colour, platinum is denser and more substantial in weight. Similarly, white gold is a bit paler than platinum or palladium, with a subtle yellow tone.

What is the value of Platinum
The data from London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) International prices for platinum is €886.62 per ounce as show on the table below: 

International prices for platinum (source: www.lbma.org.uk)

Palladium

Palladium is a rare, silvery-white metal that plays an important role in many manufacturing processes and industrial products. With its high melting point, resistance to corrosion, and excellent catalytic properties, it is used in a variety of applications, including electronics, jewellery, and dental fillings.

However, the production of palladium is not without controversy. The majority of the world’s palladium comes from Russia and South Africa, where mining practices have been criticised for their impact on the environment and local communities. Additionally, because palladium is so rare, its price can be volatile, making it an attractive investment opportunity for some.

Despite these concerns, palladium remains a valuable resource for many industries. Its use in fuel cells and other green technologies has the potential to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change. As demand for these technologies grows, so too does the demand for palladium – making it an important metal to watch in the coming years.

Advantages:

Palladium has excellent catalytic properties and is used in a variety of applications, including electronics, jewellery, and dental fillings.

Palladium is rarer than gold and is therefore more valuable than gold.

Palladium is also used in fuel cells and other green technologies, which have the potential to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change. 

Disadvantages: 

The majority of the world’s palladium comes from Russia and South Africa, where mining practices have been criticised for their environmental impact and labour practices.

Because palladium is so rare, its price can be volatile, making it a risky investment.

There are also concerns about the health risks associated with exposure to palladium, particularly for workers in industries that use the metal.

What is the value of Palladium?   

As of May 2022,  the International price for of palladium is slightly over €1,720.76 per ounce, making it more expensive than gold. The price of palladium has steadily been increasing since the mid-90s.

International prices for palladium. (source: www.lbma.org.uk)

White Gold 

White Gold does not exist naturally, It is made from pure gold mixed with white metal alloys such as silver, zinc, nickel or copper. There is no 24-karat White Gold. This is impossible due to how white Gold is made. If you are searching for purity, then yellow Gold or platinum are better options.   

In some cases, a piece of jewellery will be coated in a platinum-based metal, known as rhodium plating to give the appearance of being completely “white”. It is given a beautiful coating using a rare, silvery-white metal called rhodium. This final rhodium finish gives white Gold its luminous sheen. If you are thinking about purchasing a White Gold ring, here are the pros and cons.   

The Pros Of White Gold

Less expensive than platinum

Lightweight than platinum

The Cons Of White Gold

To retain its white colour and lustre, it should be re-plated every couple of years.

It is not hypoallergenic and some people may react to some of the alloys. 

Conclusion:

The main two differences between Platinum, Palladium and white gold are the composition and price.  While there are key difference between these three precious metals, they look nearly identical to the naked eye and will remain to look the same for many years as long as they are both maintained and cared for properly.   

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