Palladium Hallmarks: What Do These Stamps Mean?

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Palladium hallmarks are stamps on palladium jewelry and bullion that verify the metal’s purity and origin.

These markings show you palladium content as 500, 950, or 999 parts per thousand, typically placed in a pentagonal shape.

Not all palladium items are hallmarked. For example, investment-grade bullion often lacks marks, and jewelry may be exempt if very small or made before hallmarking became mandatory (such as pre-2010 in the UK).

The “Pd999” hallmark represents 99.9% pure palladium used in investment products, “Pd950” indicates 95% purity common in fine jewelry, and “Pd500” denotes 50% purity used in wedding bands and intricate designs.

Greek goddess of wisdom Athena is often seen on modern palladium as an optional hallmark added to help distinguish palladium hallmarks from platinum hallmarks.

Because the two hallmark types are nearly identical, especially to novices to precious metal hallmarking practices.

These are the palladium hallmarks you’ll encounter most often in the US, UK and most of the world.

Take this quiz and test your knowledge on palladium hallmarks. Read my guide first for your best results.

Palladium Hallmarks: What Do These Stamps Mean?

Table of Contents

What are Palladium Hallmarks?

Palladium hallmarks are stamps on palladium jewelry and bullion that guarantee the metal’s purity and origin.

These hallmarks are applied by assay offices after independent testing and they indicate the palladium content (500, 950, or 999 parts per thousand) as well as the assay office and sponsor’s mark.

The common palladium hallmark is usually a five-sided (pentagonal) shape with a curved base. But it’s not the only one.

International palladium convention marks

Does All Palladium Bullion Have a Hallmark?

No, not all palladium bullion has a hallmark, especially in the context of investment-grade bars and coins.

Investment-grade palladium bars are often considered raw material and aren’t subject to the same hallmarking requirements as palladium jewelry, where the rules are much stricter.

Does All Palladium Jewelry Have a Hallmark?

No, not all palladium jewelry is hallmarked.

It’s common for palladium jewelry to be hallmarked, especially in the UK and other countries with established hallmarking regulations.

However, not all palladium jewelry will have a hallmark, and this applies to jewelry made in UK and other countries with established hallmarking regulations.

For example, older jewelry pieces might not be hallmarked as it wasn’t an established practice back then.

For example, in the UK up until 2010 there’s was no obligation to to hallmark palladium items.

Or perhaps the stamp existed, but it disappeared with the passage of time (see example image below). Or maybe the hallmark still exists and is visible, but it’s a stamp not recognized as an official palladium hallmark.

Also, very small palladium items or those below a certain weight threshold may be exempt from hallmarking requirements.

How To Check Palladium for Hallmarks and Purity?

To check the purity and authenticity of palladium, look for hallmarks and stamps on the palladium pieces’ surface.

You can find palladium hallmarks on the inside or underside of the item (on clasps, bands, or handles) in inconspicuous places so as not to take away from the aesthetics of the jewelry piece.

See the perfect example right below.

Palladium hallmarks are found on the inside or underside of the item

What is 999 Hallmark on Palladium?

A “999” hallmark on palladium indicates palladium is 99.9% pure (999 parts per thousand).

999 palladium is also known as 24 karat palladium and it’s the highest purity palladium form available and the one used for making IRA-approved palladium bullion.

Meaning people wishing to open a palladium IRA account would be able to add 999 palladium coins and bars to their account.

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IRA-approved palladium bullion requirements and specifications

What is the 950 Hallmark on Palladium?

A “950” hallmark on palladium indicates that the jewelry item is made of 95% pure palladium (950 parts per thousand) and 5% other metals (50 parts per thousand).

950 palladium is primarily used in jewelry making, specifically for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. It is also used in some dental work, such as fillings and crowns, and in catalytic converters for automobiles.

What is 500 Hallmark on Palladium?

A “500” hallmark on palladium indicates that the jewelry item is made of 50% pure palladium (500 parts per thousand) and 50% other metals (500 parts per thousand).

Palladium 500 is primarily used in jewelry, particularly for wedding bands and diamond rings with intricate designs.

It is also used in some dental work and can be alloyed with other metals to create white gold.

While most of the palladium supply goes to automotive catalytic converters, palladium 500’s hardness makes it suitable for jewelry requiring more durability.