How to Select a Palladium Engagement Ring?

If you're looking for the gleaming white appearance of white gold or platinum in your engagement ring but without the expense of platinum or the re-plating of white gold, palladium may be your answer. Palladium is a low-maintenance precious metal that delivers luster, 

strength and malleability for a fraction of the cost of platinum. This allows a more elaborate design that could be too costly or heavy if made with a different metal. Because of the lower price for the setting, choosing palladium allows buyers to focus on other aspects of the ring, such as the diamond.

Compare palladium's light weight and malleability to that of a precious metal like platinum. You can opt for a more intricate design or choose a wider band without having to sacrifice light weight. 

Then, choose between vintage palladium engagement rings or more contemporary designs. Find antique and estate palladium engagement rings at jewelers or antique vendors. Palladium will last 15 percent longer than white gold and your bride-to-be will be able to wear it without worrying about the band becoming marred through daily use. 

Next, use the lower cost of the palladium setting about one-quarter the price of platinum to allow you then to buy a higher quality diamond. Choose from solitaire, three stone or channel-set diamonds, just as you would for an engagement ring setting made from other metals. 

Finally, choose a designer that specializes in palladium as a medium. Search for palladium on engagement jewelry websites. Palladium has been used in jewelry since 1939 and many companies specialize in using this metal.