[Jewelry making - Article 00289] - [Orchid] Genral Tips for Working with Palladium

[Daniel Ballard]

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Hi,

    I just caught this thread. Several companies make 950 Palladium,
    including my employer PMWest. I'm very curious to hear what folks
    have to say about working with palladium. We have "Alabaster 950 Pd"
    and will be developing further "specialty" versions that are heat
    treatable. Pure palladium is unsuitable for most common jewelry uses.
    Too soft. I have spent quite a few hours working and developing
    variations of 950Pd. 

    You must use eye protection of the same level as you would for
    soldering platinum given the flow point of about 1350 or hotter
    (depending on which 950 Pd you like). I suggest either a plumb 950Pd
    solder or in a pinch for time use 1100 or 1200 platinum repair
    solder. Also, when soldering be careful that there is no oxide
    coating to interfere with the quality of the joint. If you are making
    bars or casting palladium be very careful about your eyes. 

    As a technical resource I set up 950pd.com where I am adding all the
    tech data and jewelers tricks for using any kind of palladium. 

    We have sold enough to know that customers are very pleased with the
    look and the price, setters are very pleased with the malleability,
    and any competent platinum caster can easily handle palladium too.
    Not just "mine" but from any of the several makers. Hoover & Strong
    has TruPd, we have Alabaster and they are alloyed differently. 

    I think 950 palladium is a wonderful option for anyone unhappy with
    white gold for any reason at all. It's light specific gravity and
    white/gray color makes it a very good option for men's rings. 

    Platinum customers will stay platinum customers I'm sure. 


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