Palladium White Gold
Also: Pd white gold, palladium-containing white gold
Palladium white gold is a gold alloy in which palladium serves as the primary alloying metal, giving gold its characteristic silver-white colour.
Palladium white gold is a gold alloy in which palladium — a metal from the platinum group metals — is used as the primary alloying element. Palladium decolourises gold very effectively, producing a warm silvery tone that is visually appealing even without subsequent rhodium plating. This fundamentally distinguishes it from the older nickel white gold, which frequently triggers allergic reactions and is subject to significant restrictions under the EU jewellery directive.
Composition and Fineness Grades
In practice, palladium white gold is most commonly encountered in fineness grades 585 (14 karat) and 750 (18 karat). The precise palladium content depends on the desired white tone, workability and alloying partners (typically small amounts of silver, copper or zinc to adjust hardness and casting properties).
| Fineness | Gold content | Palladium (typical) | Remaining metals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 585 (14 kt) | 58.5% | 10–15% | Ag, Cu, Zn |
| 750 (18 kt) | 75.0% | 8–13% | Ag, Cu |
The fine gold content is guaranteed by the fineness hallmark and is required by German precious metals marking regulations.
Advantages Over Nickel White Gold
- Hypoallergenic: Palladium does not trigger nickel allergies and is considered dermatologically well-tolerated.
- Stable white tone: The naturally light base tone reduces the need for rhodium plating, although high-gloss pieces in the jewellery trade are frequently rhodium-plated regardless.
- Noble alloying component: Since palladium itself is a precious metal, its market price noticeably influences the material value of the finished piece. The current palladium price can be checked at any time.
Price Influence and Material Value
Since palladium is co-alloyed, the raw material share of a Pd white gold alloy rises when the palladium price or the gold price increases. The melt value of a piece of jewellery can be determined with the melt value calculator — enter the gross weight and fineness to calculate the approximate metal value.
Melt value ≈ Gross weight × Fineness × (Gold price × Au share + Pd price × Pd share)
When buying or selling Pd white gold jewellery through a dealer, the price actually achieved will differ from the pure metal value due to spread and premium. The buying price calculator provides a rough guide.
Note: Tax treatment and investment suitability depend on individual circumstances — this is not tax or investment advice.
Key Takeaway
Palladium white gold combines the prestige of gold with the allergy-free, naturally white appearance of palladium and is today the preferred standard for high-quality white gold jewellery in Europe.