Part 1 - Ancient Civilizations

The history of palladium begins with the history of platinum and the platinum group metals of which palladium is a member. Traces of platinum have been found among artifacts from ancient Egypt, dated to the seventh century B.C. and from Thebes, where craftsmen most likely mistaking it for silver, hammered and formed it in much the same manner.

Centuries before the arrival of the Spanish in the Americas, the Esmeraldas of the coastal region of Northern Ecuador fashioned small pieces of jewelry, rings and pendants of platinum or platinum and gold combined , which displayed significant and sophisticated metallurgical skill.