[Jewelry making - Article 00291] - Re: [Orchid] Experience working with 950 palladium

[Rick Hamilton]

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    In August, I made my first ring entirely from palladium 950. I
    needed a cluster head for a 5.5mm pearl and .0075 ct. diamonds and
    heads for 2 5.5 mm tapered baguettes. I decided to cast the heads
    from waxes that I machined with my CNC system, and fabricate the
    shank from 1.5 mm square wire. 

    I contacted Hoover and Strong about their contract casting in
    palladium, and to purchase the solders and shank wire needed for the
    project. They suggested that I send them a second wax of the setting
    components (the three heads were on a common sprue. They cast the
    first wax sucessfully. 

    The castings came back clean and bright. The fabrication of the ring
    went smoothly using medium palladium solder and a platinum post that
    served for both the pearl post and located the cluster head on the
    shank. I found that it worked easily, and was similar to fabrication
    with platinum. The tiny little diamonds (18 of them) set easily, and
    securely. I have another palladium ring coming up, setting a radiant
    emerald cut diamond with 6mm trillions. I'll probably fabricate all
    three stone settings.... 

Rick Hamilton
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