Many people choose palladium, whether they’re purchasing it in a jewelry store or selling it for their business, because it’s scratch resistant and visually appealing. When determining if palladium is a good investment for you, it’s advisable to learn as much about its features as possible, including what it looks like, how to keep it in good shape, and what can increase its value. The precious metals experts from First National Bullion, the palladium, silver, and gold dealers San Diego collectors rely on for outstanding quality and service, offer this guide to understanding the visual appearance of palladium.

Shape, Size, & Color

As with most precious metals, palladium is available in different forms. Therefore, the size and shape of palladium will vary depending on the seller, buyer preferences, and availability. With palladium sheets, the color is more like a gray powder than shiny silver. However, palladium coins, rings, earrings, and bars have a soft silver-white color.

The silvery-white hue of palladium makes it very attractive and popular with buyers. It’s typically whiter than platinum. Although there’s a difference, many people confuse platinum and palladium, but there are ways to tell the difference between the two. 

Other precious metals require regular replating. This includes white gold, which could develop a yellow tinge due to normal wear and tear. In some instances, palladium is mixed with gold to make it more workable. These mixtures are found more often in rings than other pieces.

Determining if Palladium Is Real

Before purchasing palladium, you can take steps to check its authenticity, such as weighing it and examining its appearance. For example, palladium weighs less than platinum. The marking should be in a format such as PD950, as opposed to 999, which typically applies to gold pieces. If you cannot find a marking on the piece, it may be older, or it could be fake and require additional testing. You can also test palladium with a magnet. This precious metal doesn’t contain iron, but forged metals do, so if the metal you’re testing attracts the magnet, it’s not pure palladium.

Wear & Tear

When it comes to the upkeep of palladium, you can expect normal wear and tear issues to affect its appearance. For example, if you have a ring made of this precious metal, its color can change from light silver to a darker gray. This occurs for various reasons, such as being exposed to the natural oils in your skin or coming into contact with sharp objects that cause marks. Although palladium is typically scratch resistant, tiny scratches can occur. One of the best ways to care for palladium jewelry is to have it refinished regularly—at least every few years—to help it maintain its brightness. 

Whether they’re veteran palladium collectors or investors looking to buy silver bars, San Diego residents should reach out to the experts at First National Bullion. We offer a huge selection of palladium, gold, platinum, and silver items. San Diego collectors who are looking for the finest-quality coins, bars, and bullion should give us a call at (858) 304-7580 to speak with one of our precious metals experts. 

The statements made in this blog are opinions, and past performance is not indicative of future returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same in cash value depending on a variety of factors. First National Bullion does not guarantee, and its website and employees make no representation, that any metals for sale will appreciate sufficiently to earn the customers a profit. The decision to buy, sell, or borrow precious metals and which precious metals to purchase, borrow, or sell are made at the customer’s sole discretion.