The following suggestions address the specific care and cleaning of Palladium jewelry. Gemstones such as diamonds, colored stones or cultured pearls, if set in your palladium pieces, may require other cleaning considerations.
Palladium, long used as a luxury jewelry metal has experienced renewed interest appropriately due to its purity, natural white color, relative weight and affordable pricing. Palladium is a noble metal, part of the platinum group of metals (PGM). It is comfortable to wear, having a weight similar to gold. It is strong and boasts a superior natural white color that does not rely upon coating or plated surfaces for its bright whiteness as is required for most white gold jewelry.
Palladium is rare (even more rare than gold), durable and resistant to tarnishing or discoloration due to exposure to chemicals or other elements. Like other precious possessions your Palladium jewelry needs proper care to maintain its unique beauty.
Palladium jewelry is precious and will last a lifetime or longer when properly cared for. When any article of jewelry including Palladium jewelry is worn around the clock, you should consider the following:
As Palladium jewelry is worn, it may acquire a diminished luster or patina. This is due to the metal coming in contact with other harder materials and this is a normal result of wear in all jewelry metal. Just as shoes or automobiles need to be routinely cleaned and re-polished, your Palladium jewelry will require it, too. The best source for this service is a professional jeweler.
Lotions, powders, soaps, hair spray, perfume and natural skin oils will create a film over Palladium jewelry which will ultimately diminish its luster and brightness. Put your jewelry on after application of makeup and skin products has been completed.
The most effective way to clean your Palladium jewelry is to wash it in a solution made up of mild liquid detergent and warm water. Soak the piece for a few minutes in a small container of the solution. Make sure the sink drain is closed to prevent loss--a clean, wet washcloth or layers of paper towels will not only help cover the drain, but also provide protection if the piece should be dropped during cleaning. Gently cleanse it with a very soft small brush while holding it under running warm water. Dry the piece with a soft lint-free cloth or paper towel.
You can also clean your pieces using a commercial jewelry cleaner. Dip the jewelry into the solution and working over a cloth or paper towels, use a soft brush to dislodge the debris from crevices and inaccessible areas. A professional cleaning from a retail jeweler every six months is advisable and will give the jeweler an opportunity to inspect the item for wear and possible problems that could arise.
Your Palladium jewelry should not come in contact with other pieces when it is stored. To protect it, you can keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry case with individual compartments or in a soft, lint free pouch with a closure. Alternatively, carefully wrap your jewelry in tissue and stored in individual clear plastic sealable bags large enough for the pieces to lay flat. Avoid the abrasion and tangling of your jewelry pieces—never toss them together in a drawer or jewelry case “treasure chest” style without separating them and laying them flat.
See a professional retail jeweler every six months or at least once a year to have your Palladium jewelry cleaned and checked for loose gemstones, worn settings, and general or specific wear.