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What are palladium hallmarks?
Is all palladium hallmarked or not? What about palladium-made jewelry and bullion?
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 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.
Does All Palladium Bullion Have a Hallmark?
No, not all palladium bullion has a hallmark, especially in the context of investment-grade bars. Palladium hallmarks are common on palladium jewelry to indicate purity and authenticity. But, they’re not always present on bullion bars, especially those produced for investment purposes.
Investment-grade palladium bars, especially those produced for large-scale investment purposes, are often considered raw material and not subject to the same hallmarking requirements as palladium jewelry.
Does All Palladium Jewelry Have a Hallmark?
No, not all palladium jewelry is hallmarked.
While it’s typical for palladium jewelry to be hallmarked, especially in the UK and other countries with hallmarking regulations, not all palladium jewelry will have a hallmark. For example, older pieces or jewelry from certain countries might not be hallmarked. Also, very small 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.
Palladium hallmarks are typically found 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.
What is 999 Hallmark on Palladium?
A “999” hallmark on palladium indicates that the palladium is 99.9% pure (999 parts per thousand). 999 palladium is also known as 24 karat palladium and it’s the highest purity form of palladium available and the one used for 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.
What is 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 900 Hallmark on Palladium?
A “900” hallmark on palladium indicates that the jewelry item is made of 90% pure palladium (900 parts per thousand) and 10% other metals (100 parts per thousand).
900 palladium, is primarily used in catalytic converters for vehicles to reduce harmful emissions. It’s also used in jewelry, dentistry, and electronics.
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.
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.