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Platinum - Gold - Palladium - Mokume Gane

Palladium is a member of the platinum family of metals and has become widely available only in the last year due to a sharp drop in price as compared to platinum. It was used for jewelry in the 1940's when platinum was unavailable for jewelry use.

Palladium has a similar weight as silver and whiter color than either platinum or white gold. It is also harder than white gold, more scratch-resistant, and holds a terrific polish. It is hypo-allergenic.

While palladium is most similar to platinum, it is easier to work with and much less expensive. It is most commonly known for and used alloyed with gold to form high-quality white gold.

Despite that palladium is nearly unheard of outside jewelry circles, it is an excellent precious metal.