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Palladium patina…
What is it? Is it dangerous to palladium jewelry and can it be removed and reversed?
Learn it below in my guide.
- What is Palladium Patina (Definition and Meaning)? Is it Reversible?
- Is Palladium Patina the Same as Palladium Tarnish?
- What are Some Examples of Palladium Patina?
- How to Remove Patina off Palladium Jewelry?
- Does Palladium Coating Prevent Gold from Patinating?
Table of Contents
What is Palladium Patina (Definition and Meaning)? Is it Reversible?
Palladium patina is the subtle change in appearance that palladium jewelry develops over time due to wear and tear.
Palladium patination is a natural process where scratches and contact with skin oils cause the metal to shift and create a matte, slightly darker, and softer finish.
This process occurs naturally as palladium jewelry is worn and experiences minor abrasions from everyday activities. These scratches don’t damage the metal but overtime cause palladium to noticeable patinate.
Patinated palladium jewelry has a softer, slightly darker, and sometimes even a grayed-out appearance compared to its initial shiny state.
Some people love it as it gives the jewelry a unique, vintage, or antique look. Others hate it.
Is Palladium Patina the Same as Palladium Tarnish?
No, palladium patina and palladium tarnish aren’t the same. Patina on palladium is the subtle change in color and texture that occurs naturally over time due to wear and tear, resulting in a slightly darker, matte finish.
Palladium tarnish is actually palladium patina. Palladium is a noble metal that doesn’t tarnish, but it does patinate and many novices to palladium jewelry mistake the two processes.
What are Some Examples of Palladium Patina?
Here are some example of palladium patina on palladium jewelry (mostly rings).
How to Remove Patina off Palladium Jewelry?
To remove patina off palladium jewelry mix mild dish soap with warm water, soak the jewelry for a few minutes, and gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
After cleaning, use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry and polish the jewelry. Some people add a few drops of ammonia to the soapy water for extra cleaning power, but use caution and ensure thorough rinsing as you don’t want ammonia to discolor your palladium jewelry.
Note: palladium is a dense metal, so removing deep scratches or significant patina will require professional intervention. I suggest you try to remove patina from your palladium jewelry manually, and then go to professional jewelry if you fail.
Does Palladium Coating Prevent Gold from Patinating?
Yes, a palladium coating helps prevent gold from patinating. Palladium is a tarnish-resistant metal that is often used as a protective layer on gold jewelry, especially white gold, to maintain its shine and prevent discoloration.
When applied as a coating, palladium acts as a barrier, preventing the underlying gold or other metals from coming into direct contact with the air and other potential tarnishing agents.
Palladium is a durable metal but it’s not invincible. Meaning the palladium coating over gold will eventually crack and/or wear off. This will lead to eventually patination of your gold item.
My advice for you is to take your pallidum-covered gold jewelry item to a professional jewelry as soon as you notice a crack.
Palladium Patina: What is it and Reversible? Conclusion
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.
