Palladium Jewelry

Palladium: Urban Life Magazine Exclusive

2008-10-14T09:27:00.007-04:00

Novell on LuxuryPalladium.com

2008-09-15T13:21:00.003-04:00

The Novell company issued a press release this week about their Palladium wedding rings featured on the official website of Palladium Alliance International.http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

Read the full release here.

PAI Site Launch on NJN & JCK

2008-09-09T09:34:00.002-04:00

The story about PAI's trade site re-launch was picked up by National Jeweler and JCK online!

Stillwater Mining in the News

2008-09-09T09:27:00.005-04:00

A Seeking Alpha article mentioning Stillwater Mining Company (SWC), the main sponsor of Palladium Alliance International.

Read "Seven Montana Stocks"

Comment: New trade website

2008-09-08T18:05:00.004-04:00

"Wow! What a difference it makes to have a clean, easy to navigate website. I love what has been done to make the site user-friendly. Looking forward to getting comments, suggestions on what others would like to see."
- Dawn McCurtain, PAI Director of Marketing

Palladium Alliance Launches New Trade Site

2008-09-08T09:16:00.004-04:00

Palladium Alliance International (PAI) announces the launch of its redesigned trade website, www.luxurypalladium.com. The site provides visitors with fresh content such as downloadable bench manuals and videos for those working in Palladium – The Now Metal™.

The new web portal, whose re-launch kicks off an education-focused phase of PAI’s marketing program, raises the bar for online jewelry marketing with the kind of high-end design and interactivity today’s savvy internet users demand.

The new website includes text-search capabilities, intuitive navigation, multimedia content, new product galleries, community forums, compatibility with various browsers and mobile devices, and a host of new Web 2.0 technologies. PAI’s new blog located at luxurypalladium.blogspot.com and Facebook fan page – called Palladium is Now! – are further connecting a whole new generation of fine jewelry lovers with the metal of choice for the 21st Century.

Users who sign up online for their free membership receive PAI’s White Light newsletter, promotional offers, automatic enrollment in exclusive contests, new retail training modules by Performance Concepts, and interest-focused PAI announcements. From trade events to technical updates, stay connected to Palladium on your own terms with PAI’s new personalized communications platform.

Log on today and learn why Palladium is the metal of choice for fine jewelry and watches. Whether you’re building in Palladium or offering it to your customers, PAI has the world’s best educational and promotional materials for this white, light, natural precious metal.

National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame 2008

2008-09-05T12:37:00.005-04:00

The book is out - NJ's annual roundup of top retailers. Click here to view the online eBook of winners, with photos of top designs.

Seeking Alpha: Of Wars & Strategic Metals

2008-09-03T09:28:00.005-04:00

An excerpt from a new article by Mark Anthony on Seeking Alpha. Anthony is a big proponent of Palladium and Stillwater Mining Co. Read the full article here.

OF WARS AND STRATEGIC METALS
by Mark Anthony

...Platinum is way better than gold, while palladium is better than platinum due to current price disparity. Unfortunately, physical palladium coins and bars are now extremely hard to find. If you like the PGM metals, consider buying the stocks of Stillwater Mining (SWC) and North American Palladium (PAL). They are the ONLY primary PGM metals mining companies outside South Africa and Russia. Russia, being the dominant palladium producer, can cut back export and boost the palladium price at any time, in their own interests. South Africa continues to struggle with a national electricity crisis which greatly impacts the output of its PGM mining industry...

JCK Jewelers Choice Awards

2008-08-29T10:28:00.004-04:00

The 2009 JCK Jewelers Choice Awards are fast approaching. September 19 is the submission deadline, and this year the contest features a Palladium Jewelry category. Anyone designing in Palladium who wants exposure at one of the world's foremost trade summits should get involved. Click here to download the PDF entry form.

Platinum, Palladium Rise Alongside Oil Prices

2008-08-29T10:22:00.007-04:00

(From Forbes.com via AP)

NEW YORK - Platinum and palladium prices rose on Wednesday as gains in the energy markets lured investors back into commodities. The rise in energy prices occurred as traders placed bets that Hurricane Gustav would disrupt oil production in the Gulf of Mexico. Platinum futures for October delivery rose $19.60 to settle at $1,440.70 an ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Palladium futures for December delivery rose $1.30 to settle at $289.60 an ounce. The dollar's mixed performance against other major currencies provided little direction for the precious metals market. Precious metals are often used as a hedge against a weakening dollar.

Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Palladium on CNBC

2008-08-28T12:11:00.010-04:00

The anchorwoman's inability to pronounce "Palladium" aside, Platinum Group Metals received a nod on the national news network. Frank Holmes, CEO of U.S. Global Investors, explains:

Unknown Metals Video on MSN Money
(Windows compatible; MacOSX-Firefox compatible only)

Treat Yourself Tuesday! What's $1 million Get You? Hint: Not the Car

2008-08-26T10:09:00.005-04:00

So TYM! was delayed by one day, sorry about that - it's worth the wait, though. This spectacularly outrageous piece could only come from Italian carmaker Bugatti. It really bends the mind to consider that the Veyron - Bugatti's crowning supercar achievement - rings up at $1.5 million, making it the most expensive CAR in the world. How on earth their Palladium pen can fetch $1 million is anyone's guess. Writing instument ethusiasts, the floor is yours.

Random Monday: Microsoft Palladium?

2008-08-25T12:52:00.004-04:00

I'll keep digging around for a Treat Yourself Monday! bauble or bangle, but in the meantime, some interesting news from a branding perspective: Microsoft is trying to gain support for a next-generation security idea codenamed Palladium. As of today they've ceased using the project code name - it's been outed after all - and now simply call it the much less intriguing Next-Generation Secure Computing Base for Windows.

As a matter of branding, Platinum has a long history of being associated with high-end things: record sales, credit cards, etc. Palladium doesn't have this ground-level brand recognition yet, so it's interesting to see the ideas and situations companies consider the word "Palladium" representative of. For Microsoft, apparently, Palladium spells security.

Modern Jeweler: Private Label Metals

2008-08-22T14:36:00.003-04:00

New article in Modern Jeweler talking about metals for jewelry under $500. Click to view article.

Treat Yourself Monday! Louis Vuitton

2008-08-18T11:47:00.005-04:00

The new Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite manbag (via BagSnob).

Looking for the perfect gift for the man in your life? Look no further than the Damier Graphite from Louis Vuitton-- it's chic yet masculine and boasts a 120 year history in the world of fashion. A decade before the monogram was created, Georges Vuitton patented the checkered patterned design that has launched a thousand imitators but as with all things, there is nothing better than the original. Understated and elegant, the Graphite Damier is finished in smooth black leather and palladium hardware. Available at Louis Vuitton boutiques worldwide this weekend! Louis Vuitton also available online at eLUXURY.com.

New Campaign Pushes Palladium as Right-Now Metal

2008-08-15T09:05:00.007-04:00

LINK TO ARTICLE AT NJN.COM
By Catherine Dayrit

Las Vegas - When designers and high-end retailers gathered poolside at the Wynn Las Vegas to hear pop singer Seal croon his famous line, "We're never gonna survive... unless we get a little crazy," the lyrics weren't the only entreaties aimed at the Couture show crowd.

Signs from Palladium Alliance International's (PAI) new branding campaign lined the stairways, surrounded the pool and flashed on a giant outdoor screen, declaring "Palladium is Now," "White, Light, Natural, Now" and "Do You Have the Metal?". It was all part of the first phase of branding for palladium, a precious member of the platinum metals group that, amid higher metals prices, has been embraced by a host of designers.

PAI, which formed just over two years ago to establish palladium as a distinctive metal, hired market research firm McKinsey to do extensive consumer research and chose DJS Advertising of Miami to create and execute the campaign.

"We know what the consumer reaction is going to be with the terms 'white,' 'light,' 'natural' and 'now' - all of that rich information about the DNA of the product," DJS President Deborah Scarpa says of the research. The result has been to-the-point messaging that has been hitting home.

"The retailer and manufacturer response was very tremendous," PAI Chairman John Stark says.

Scarpa says unique visitors to the PAI Web site multiplied from several thousand to 27,000 during and right after the launch.

Scott Kay began spreading the word on palladium three years ago when he led a JCK Show seminar on the topic. The brand's palladium bridal business in particular is doing phenomenally, he says.

"It's not an alternative, it's an opportunity," Kay says. "When you have something that's natural and is viewed as a precious resource, that's a great opportunity. You're really going to see it carve its way into the marketplace and take a large share from gold."

Designer Barry Kronen, new to palladium, has produced two palladium pieces so far and hopes PAI's messaging will resonate with the brand's customers.

"Direct is good, especially when you're working with consumers," Allison Pellegrino, Barry Kronen director of marketing and advertising, says of the campaign. "A lot of the fluff gets lots in translation anyway, so here there's nothing missing."

At about half the cost of gold, price often comes up as a reason a designer is test-driving the metal. But, PAI says, as with other jewelry products, palladium shouldn't be sold on price or compared to other metals.

"That's the point that we're trying to establish," Stark says. "It's not a metal that's in competition with platinum, or with white gold. Its position in the marketplace is as a luxury white metal."

Among its attributes is its purity and naturalness, Scarpa says, along with the fact that it is white and durable, yet lightweight.

"The main thing is that it's new and it's now," she says. "This is the metal for the 21st century."

PAI has already made an extensive foray into jewelry trade shows, and plans are in the works to hold a press conference and a national tour in conjunction with Conde Nast publications this fall to reach more retailers. In late August, PAI is aiming to launch a PAI membership program, allowing retailers exclusive access to marketing materials. Online initiatives will also be key to the campaign.

On the consumer level, ads that tag manufacturers and play up palladium's attributes are scheduled to run in luxury service magazines.

While the word about palladium is currently diffusing through the industry, insiders say the next step lies at the retail level.

"It's not only about advertising, it's education," says Patrick Hoffman, vice president of Ulysse Nardin, which at the moment produces four watch models in palladium. "It is up to us to educate the people in the stores about how to sell palladium."

PAI Awards Top Palladium Seller

2008-08-15T08:57:00.003-04:00

Billings, Mont. — Palladium Alliance International (PAI) has awarded Ryan Muckelroy an all-expense-paid trip to Stillwater Mining Co. for selling the most palladium jewelry at retail jeweler Robbins Brothers.

Muckelroy clinched first prize after selling nearly $18,000 of palladium jewelry.

"The executives at Robbins Brothers have been behind palladium for years, since Scott Kay introduced it into our product line," Muckelroy said in a media release. "It's easy to sell in my market. It's beautiful, long-lasting, and it just makes sense to our customers."

In early July, Muckelroy and his wife, Amber, toured Stillwater's East Boulder Mine. Stillwater is a Sierra Club-approved "green" mine and home of the world's highest-grade palladium ore.

"It was an incredible experience...the tour helped me appreciate the work that goes into producing enough metal for one little ring," Muckelroy said. "I've told my whole team about the process, and it really increased their passion for selling palladium."

Joseph Schubach Jewelers 'Jewelry of Your Dreams' Design Contest

2008-08-06T10:35:00.003-04:00

(Via MarketWatch)

Click above to read full article or visit Schubach's website for details

Joseph Schubach Jewelers has kicked off voting for the first ever Custom Jewelry Design Contest, and the winning designer will receive a $2,000 prize toward his or her custom jewelry piece. Votes can be cast on the jeweler's website through August 4th.

"We've demonstrated that custom-made jewelry is easily attainable for most individuals, sometimes costing only a few hundred dollars," Joseph Schubach said. "Using natural diamonds -- or diamond alternatives such as clarity enhanced diamonds,
moissanite or Gemesis created diamonds -- and metals such as platinum and palladium -- we are able to create stunning items at a fraction of the cost of most jewelry design houses."

Philip Stein unveils line of Swiss-made watches

2008-08-06T10:00:00.003-04:00

(Via National Jeweler)

Miami—U.S.-based watch brand Philip Stein has created its first-ever line of fine-crafted Swiss-made watches.

Dubbed the "Prestige Collection," the line contains Multiple Frequency Technology, a new technology that the brand says offers wearers benefits such as a better night's sleep, quicker relief from jetlag and workouts, and less stress overall, to name a few.

Since Philip Stein's founding in 2001 by Will Stein, the brand has forged a niche in the area of mind-body wellness through frequency-based technologies in luxury products.

However, the brand says that the Multiple Frequency Technology, combined with the Swiss-made mechanisms in the Prestige Collection, offer up the precision demanded by discriminate watch buyers.

The Prestige Collection is available in stores this month.

Philip Stein Adds Palladium to Harmony Collection

2008-07-31T15:03:00.003-04:00

This one-of-a-king prototype generously lent to PAI is a phenomenal example of Philip Stein's upcoming foray into Palladium. The legendary watchmaker is yet another company embracing The Now Metal™ as the white metal of the future.

Platinum Metals Review (July 08)

2008-07-30T09:50:00.004-04:00

Alright, here it is: the full-text edition of Platinum Metals Review, which you've been awaiting with bated breath! Topics include "A New Palladium-Based Catalyst for Methanol Steam Reforming in a Miniature Fuel Cell Power Source" and the exciting sequel "Practical New Strategies for Immobilising Ruthenium Alkylidene Complexes: Part II"... check it out.

Palladium Demand Up Despite Industry Woes

2008-07-29T09:38:00.004-04:00

iAfrica reports Anglo Platinum's shaky outlook on the Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) market, but continued growth in demand for Palladium for jewelry applications.

Treat Yourself Monday! Swarovski

2008-07-28T09:26:00.000-04:00

The legendary Swarovski brand has several accessories featuring Palladium hardware. Have a look.

"Fancy Bag" $600 (details)

"Signature Flossy Large Wallet" $340 (details)

GFMS Releases Quartery 3-Year Forecast for PGMs

2008-07-25T09:25:00.000-04:00

Click for PDF overview

GFMS, the world's foremost precious metals consultancy, specializing in research into the global gold, silver, platinum and palladium markets, released another report today. They're an excellent resource for anyone interested in the real market mechanics of metals and mining, however their work is pricey: An annual subscription to their 4-volume report package will set you back around £5,000.

Palladium Experts at JA Summer Show

2008-07-25T09:22:00.000-04:00

Via National Jeweler

Palladium Alliance International's (PAI) technical experts will discuss best practices for casting, fabricating and repairing palladium jewelry at the upcoming JA New York Summer Show.

Casting consultant Linus Drogs and bench fabrication consultant Chris Ploof will lead the seminar on Sunday, July 27, from 4:14 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Attendees will learn easy methods for mastering palladium's unique characteristics and ensure that their stores and service departments have the confidence and knowledge to begin profiting from the metal.

The seminar will be held at the JA Retail Learning Center in the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

For more information, call (877) 473-7873 or visit PAI online at LuxuryPalladium.com.

Palladium Alliance User Forum

2008-07-24T09:54:00.001-04:00

Have you visited PAI's User Forum? Check it out for up-to-date discussions on working with Palladium. Don't see your question answered? Just ask!

Stillwater Mining Aids River Weed Project

2008-07-23T11:15:00.000-04:00

Not Palladium news, not jewelry industry news, not even mining... but Stillwater Mining Co., the Sierra Club-approved green mine in Billings, Montana, that supports Palladium Alliance International, was written up in the Billings Gazette today for their support of a cooperative weed control project on the upper Stillwater River.

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Weed effort shows signs of progress
By LINDA HALSTEAD-ACHARYA
Of The Gazette Staff

NYE - What a difference a year makes. That was the report from Noel Keogh, the Nye rancher who along with several others has spearheaded a cooperative weed control project on the upper Stillwater River.

Last summer marked the first year of a three-year grant aimed at controlling noxious weeds from the Woodbine Campground to the Nye School. This summer marked a noticeable difference.

"We covered the same land," Keogh said. "Only this year, there was only about 5 percent of the weeds."

......(Click to read the full article)

NJN: Las Vegas Market Week

2008-07-22T10:15:00.000-04:00

A recap of early June jewelry trade week in Las Vegas, and the industry's demand for Palladium as the white jewelry metal of the future in the face of a rocky economic forecast. Stuller, a major Palladium alloy producer and jewelry manufacturer based in Louisiana, had a phenomenal run this year. (Reprinted from National Jeweler.)

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Amid lighter traffic, Vegas buyers walk a careful line
By Michelle Graff

LAS VEGAS - High metal prices, skyrocketing fuel costs and tightening consumer pocketbooks had jewelers who attended JCK Las Vegas watching their spending.

But they, at least, made it to the show. Though exact attendance figures were not available at press time, attendees and vendors at the show noticed that traffic was slow at what Las Vegas is normally one of the most bustling events of the year.

"It was dead," said retailer Jeff Milstein of Wyatt Austin Jewelers in Schaumburg, Ill., who has been attending JCK Las Vegas since it launched in 1992. "It was absolutely, positively dead."

Exhibitor Amy Han of Honolulu-based manufacturer and retailer Maui Divers Jewelry noticed the same.

"Traffic was really down," she said, noting Maui had booked zero appointments for the last two days of the show, which was held May 30-June 3 at the Sands Expo Center and the Venetian hotel.

According to JCK Events, the show hosted retailers from 72 countries, plus 3,100 manufacturers and suppliers, figures that were comparable to the number of exhibitors who attended in 2007. JCK Events stated that pre-registration also was comparable to 2007.

JCK Events Group Vice President Dave Bonaparte said overall, exhibitors reported "very positive results" from JCK Las Vegas 2008.

"Although retailers and exhibitors arrived at the show with low expectations due to economic conditions, we are thrilled to report that so many of our exhibitors and attendees were able to connect, do business and make this one of the most successful jewelry events of the year," he said.

Retailers walking the show in its first few days told National Jeweler they were prepared to stock up, but were doing so with an air of caution.

"I'm always open to buy product that moves," Milstein said.

He said he replenished his stock of diamond engagement rings and bought men's wedding bands and inexpensive men's stainless steel jewelry.

In total, Milatein said, he spent about 50 percent less than last year, but it wasn't because there was a surplus of inventory from the slow holiday season. The jeweler actually didn't buy heavy going into Christmas because he knew it wasn't going to be a busy season.

"We knew by November of last year that December was not going to be a banner year," he said. "We knew ... things were just not the same."

Art Caldwell at Merhnan's Diamonds and Fine Jewelry in Knoxville, Tenn., said his company was buying the same amount in Las Vegas as last year, but exercising caution. He was sticking to buying loose diamonds and bridal pieces, necessities for a store that is heavily reliant on bridal. It had taken Markman's until the JCK show in June to sell off its excess Christmas inventory, Caldwell said.

"Times are tough," he said. "We're being very, very careful."

If business was slow for some, other exhibitors bucked the trend and said they were doing blockbuster business. Stuller executives reported a record year, citing finished jewelry merchandise mix that is more fashion-forward than ever for the company.

In JCK's Italian pavilion, buyers at Rebecca, which sells jewelry made of goldplated bronze, silver, steel and hydrothermally created colored gemstones, couldn't seem to get enough of the pieces that retail for $200 to $1,800.

"We wrote up orders in one day that surpassed what we did all of last year," said Michael Pucci, director of sales and marketing for distributor Testi USA. "We're the luxury alternative for solid gold right now."

Jeff Guenther, general manager at New England's Springer's Jewelers stores, said his open-to-buy was 50 percent more than last year. He was looking to add another luxury brand to his stores, which carry Kwiat and Roberto Coin, among others.

Springer's has stores in the Maine cities of Portland and Bath, and one in Portsmouth, N.H. Although its clientele, wealthy New Englanders aged 40 to 70, are mostly shielded from the recent economic downturn, the general economic uncertainty prompted cautious buying, Guenther said.

Bowen Jewelry Co. in Lynchburg, Va., had a record day while owner Biff Bowen was strolling the JCK show. He said business is good for him this year, but he is still being conservative with his buying, mimicking consumers.

"Customers are being smart," he said. "They want value. They're not just throwing their money at you."

He said he is focusing on replenishing his stock while making "tentative notes" about new products. One new item Bowen would be willing to invest in is a line of fashion palladium jewelry.

"That's something I've got an eye out for," he said.

Palladium, at a per-ounce price ranging from $363 to $590 from Jan. 1 through mid- June, is a lower-cost alternative to white gold and platinum.

The per-ounce price of gold soared to more than $1,020 in March and, by mid-June, was at $874 an ounce, according to metal price tracker Kitco.com. Platinum peaked at almost $2,300 per ounce in March and was at $2,020 per ounce in mid-June.

Randall Janis of Heart of Gold Jewelers in Redding, Calif., calls paliadium "a great white gold substitute." He and his wife, Zan, both expressed an interest in palladium pieces, as well as micropave diamond jewelry pieces.

"It has a lot of presence to it," Zan Janis said of the tiny diamond-speckled pieces.

Another trend she noticed at JCK was organic-looking designs with a lot of open metalwork and smaller diamonds instead of a lot of "bling."

Randall Janis said the jeweler's open-to-buy is about 30 percent less than last year. His store is fairly well stocked and the owners are expecting an average year.

Randall Janis said he considers the Las Vegas show, which is a short flight from his northern California jewelry store, more of a fact-finding mission for new products and technologies. In addition to palladium and micropave, lab-grown Gemesis colored diamonds also caught his eye this year. He said he plans to buy the stones from Gemesis, which added pink to its color palette during the show.

Han, of Maui Divers, a chain of about 60 stores with locations in Hawaii, Guam and California, said the chain is buying "much less" than in previous years.

"We are really watching our spending," she said, ticking off higher metal prices and rising energy costs as factors slowing consumer spending.

"Everybody's working with tight budgets," she said.

CVSTOS Challenge QP-S

2008-07-21T13:54:00.001-04:00

Sometimes a great Palladium watch design slips by even our watchful eyes. The limited-edition CVSTOS Challenge QP-S is constructed of steel, Palladium and red gold, and retails for around $25,000.
Click here for details

iW: The Other White Metal

2008-07-21T12:04:00.000-04:00

BIG feature on Palladium watches in the most recent International Watch (iW).

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(click each thumbnail to view full spreads)

Parmigiani Pershing Chronograph

2008-07-17T15:45:00.001-04:00

From Europa Star:

Parmigiani and Pershing Yachts have formed a partnership and the result is the creation of the first range of Pershing aquatic sports watches. The Pershing collection comprises two different lines: The limited edition ‘one-one-five’, available in 18 carat rose gold and 950 palladium, created in honour of the biggest and most prestigious Pershing vessel, measuring 115 feet (35 metres), and the non-limited Pershing Chronographs collection, available in steel with four dial variants.

Seeking Alpha: Best Safe-Haven Investments

2008-07-17T11:51:00.000-04:00

Mark Anthony over at Seeking Alpha wrote another (very long) article on his favorite commodities invetments. He's a long-time champion of Palladium and Stillwater Mining Company, and while this one turns into a tome, it's worth reading his analysis of Stillwater.

Read the full-text here

JCK: Alternative Metals Show Their Mettle

2008-07-17T11:40:00.000-04:00

Dawn McCurtain, Director of Marketing at Palladium Alliance International, recently spoke with JCK about Palladium. The article is excellent and covers a lot of ground about this white, light, natural precious metal.

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By Rob Bates, Senior Editor
JCK-Jewelers Circular Keystone, 7/1/2008

It's clear these are good times for alternative metals. It's also clear that not everyone likes that term. “I prefer contemporary metals,” says Ed Rosenberg, the founder of Spectore Corp., in Deerfield Beach, Fla. “The industry's presented these metals wrong. They called them alternative. But alternative to what? You could say gold is an alternative to platinum.”

.....Read the full article

MJSA: The Year in Palladium

2008-07-15T11:51:00.000-04:00

THE YEAR IN PALLADIUM
(Part of a longer a article, read it here)

With a 3.5 percent increase in demand to 6.84 million oz. and a supply increase of 8 percent to 8.59 million oz., the palladium market was in surplus by 1.75 million oz. in 2007, according to Johnson Matthey's Platinum 2008. The following data are from the report:

Palladium supplies rose by 8 percent to 8.59 million oz. in 2007. In South Africa, increased sales from refined stocks augmented mine production to bring supplies to 2.77 million oz., just 5,000 oz. below 2006 levels. Russia's primary production declined slightly to around 3.05 million oz. Johnson Matthey believes 1.29 million oz. of Russian State stock shipped in December 2006 were not sold until 2007 and therefore includes these in its estimates for 2007 supplies. Palladium price climbed 11 percent in 2007, ending the year at $365 per oz. The price increase was driven by movements in the dollar and gold and platinum prices, rather than by market fundamentals. Investor interest remained key to palladium's strength. Overall palladium demand grew by 3.5 percent to 6.84 million oz. in 2007, but global jewelry demand for the metal, excluding purchases of jewelry scrap, fell 25.6 percent, from 995,000 oz. in 2006 to a net figure of 740,000 oz. in 2007. Demand from the Chinese market was 500,000 oz., down from 760,000 oz. in 2006, accounting for much of the worldwide decline in jewelry demand.

In China, the effects of the rapid early introduction of palladium jewelry were still evident in the market. The supply chain may have been overstocked in some places, and large quantities of unsold Pd95O pieces were returned for refining and re-manufactured into higher purity Pd990 in 2007, depressing demand for new metal. The relatively small markets of Eurohttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifpe and North America saw some growth, though: Demand there increased to a combined total of 95,000 oz. The North American market for palladium jewelry remains in its early stages, though manufacturers and retailers are working to develop it. The high price differential between palladium and platinum and gold has encouraged manufacturers to start working with the metal. On the consumer side, substantial price increases for diamonds are pressuring bridal ring budgets, and some couples have moved to less expensive materials, including palladium, to save money on men's rings. These trends helped drive palladium demand higher in North America, to 50,000 oz. in 2007.

A sluggish economy and competition for disposable income pressured jewelry sales in Japan, forcing palladium demand down by 7.7 percent in 2007. Almost no palladium-only jewelry is sold in Japan, but jewelry manufacturers there bought 120,000 oz. of palladium for use as an alloying agent in white gold and platinum alloys.

2008 FORECAST

Palladium supplies from mining are likely to fall in 2008 compared to 2007. Although Russian production isn't expected to change much, South African metal sales will be dented by the countrywide power supply problems experienced in the first quarter and by a range of other challenges racing the mining industry. Johnson Matthey expects overall palladium demand to grow in 2008. The outlook for global palladium jewelry demand suggests some growth following strong manufacturer purchases in the first quarter of 2008. The March 2008 announcement by the major PGM producers of a concerted marketing campaign for palladium jewelry may drive consumer purchasing and demand higher. The supply and demand forecaset for 2008 suggests a tightening of the market and the potential for price increases. If the platinum price performs strongly in the next six months, palladium is likely to benefit and could trade as high as $575 within the same period. However, investor behavior remains absolutely key. With many millions of ounces of palladium in investor hands, any widespread sell-off, whether driven by poor stock market performance or a U.S. recession, would force the price down. Johnson Matthey expects a floor price no lower than $400 in the coming six months.

MJSA: Palladium Plating Solutions

2008-07-15T10:04:00.000-04:00

This comes by way of MJSA Journal. I've reprinted the second half of the article only because it's relevant to Palladium.

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SOLUTIONS
Considering the skyrocketing prices of precious metals, is plating an option for your jewelry line

by Rachel V. Katz

WHITE ON WHITE
As rhodium prices creep ever closer to $10,000 an ounce, rhodium plating has become an expensive endeavor. With the popularity of white metals still in full swing, jewelers have had little wiggle room if they want to continue using rhodium plating to enhance the color and durability of their white gold rings. Enter palladium plating. With this PGM at around $450 an ounce, palladium plating is becoming a way to offset some of the expense.

"Its becoming [more commonly used] because the price of rhodium has increased so much," says Massimo Poliero, president of Legor Group in Bressanvido, Italy, which is offering a palladium plating solution for jewelry.

Palladium plating has been used widely in other industries, but its grayer appearance has kept demand in check among jewelers. However, as the increasing price of rhodium has sparked interest among jewelry makers for a replacement, researchers are developing palladium solutions that offer brighter, whiter finishes and are more user-friendly for the small shop.

"It's something that's pretty new for the bench jeweler to be able to do easily in our studio," says Chris Ploof, owner of Chris Ploof Studio in Rudland, Massachusetts, and a technical consultant to the Palladium Alliance International (PAI).

Rather than replacing rhodium, palladium plating can also be used to pre-plate rings and other items, which can then be finished with a rhodium flash. This cuts a jeweler's rhodium need significantly, says Darrell Warren, vice president of metals at Stuller Inc, in Lafayette, Louisiana: "By using the palladium plating solution, they can reduce their rhodium cost by 50 to 60 percent. They've got a bright, white finish that they start with, and then they can reduce to just a flash of rhodium to get the final high luster."

Warren says that interest in the new tabletop palladium plating kit that Stuller is distributing to jewelry makers, which was developed by Jack Lopez of Technology Without Limits in West Warwick, Rhode Island, has been high since its launch this past winter.

"The greatest percentage of people who are buying the palladium solution are doing it to [save money]," says Warren. "They still may need to rhodium plate, but it's going to drastically reduce their costs."

Demand from jewelry makers is likely to spur continued research. "The industry is starving for a rhodium replacement," says Joseph Lipsitz, co-owner of Cohler Enterprises in Baltimore, which also offers a palladium plating solution designed for jewelers. "Rhodium is very unique, and irreplaceable. Therefore, let's save money on it by using a pre-plate."

Matching the durability of rhodium is also an issue, which is part of the reason why Lipsitz sees the potential for palladium plating outside the bridal jewelry sector. He is currently seeing demand for palladium as a substitute among costume jewelry makers in Thailand and some manufacturers of earrings, which get less wear and tear than rings.

"Another benefit of palladium is that you can apply a thicker layer of plating than you can with rhodium," says Linus Drogs, owner of Au Enterprises in Berkley, Michigan, and the casting consultant to PAI. "You can only apply a layer of rhodium that is less than 1 micron in thickness because if you go over that the rhodium darkens, shifting from white to gray to black. People sometimes falsely attribute this to contaminated rhodium solution; however, it is often the result of too thick of a plate. The advantage of palladium is that you can apply a thickness of several microns without experiencing a color shift. We are currently conducting durability studies for palladium plating."

Just how quickly palladium gains additional traction may depend on where the market goes. But for now, the interest in plating and the quest for new, more cost-effective rhodium substitutes is likely to heat up. "There's an unsettled shift in materials in the U.S. plating industry," Vinson says. "We're getting into all kinds of strategy discussions."

Seeking Alpha: Good Ole Day for Pallladium?

2008-07-15T09:50:00.000-04:00

Interesting article today in Seeking Alpha (links to original). Brad Zigler looks at where Palladium was and how supply may affect its price by next summer. The article also mentions a positive development at Stillwater Mining Co., the main mine behind Palladium Alliance International: Labor negotiations have been settled.

**************

By Brad Zigler

In times of market stress, investors often catch themselves wistfully remembering the "good ole days." That is, between bouts of frantic selling.

I found myself looking backward, too, when a report came over the transom about a new labor contract being forged at Stillwater Mining Co.'s (NYSE: SWC) East Boulder operation.

We'd looked at Stillwater back in December (see "Platinum's Poorer Relation: Palladium"), and again in February (see "Following The Other White Metal") when platinum group metals were on a tear.

Palladium, it turns out, peaked on February 28 at $593.70 an ounce, basis the NYMEX September contract. The September delivery settled at $452 Thursday.

Stillwater's stock took a similar roller coaster ride. Topping out over $22 a share in early March, Stillwater fell below $10 when labor talks stalled.

There'd been no strike at the company's Montana mine, though negotiations between Stillwater and the USW International Union, which represents mine workers, went to the wire. In fact, talks went past the wire. The expiring labor agreement ran out at the end of June, but the two sides agreed to extend talks another couple of weeks.

Stillwater's stock wobbled a lot as talks moved into the terminal phase, first swooning, then finding buyers at ten bucks. Stillwater shares ended Thursday's session at $10.61, after a two-day rally that boosted the stock 8%.

Fundamentals for palladium, says analyst Shawn Hackett of Hackett Financial Advisors, are "very bullish." Recession fears, he admits, have kept the metal's price in check, trumping "the positive implications for a massive shift in substitution demand for catalytic converters and jewelry," says Hackett.

Declines in Russian production and the drawdown in stockpiles should also shape up as bullish factors. Hackett's looking at a target over $800 an ounce by next summer if Russian supplies hold out and stretch to $1,000 an ounce if stocks are completely depleted.

Gee. That'll make these the good ole days.

Palladium Alliance at JA Summer Show

2008-07-14T11:20:00.000-04:00

Casting Consultant Linus Drogs and Bench Consultant Chris Ploof, the tech wizards for Palladium Alliance International, will present at the upcoming JA Summer Show in New York City.

The Palladium Bench 101:
A Jeweler’s Guide to Palladium Processes and Profitability
When: July 27, 2008, 4:15 – 5:30 PM
Where: JA Retail Learning Center, Javitz Convention Center

From the program:
"Palladium, now more than ever, is the right white metal choice for jewelers looking to increase profitability and open a new world of products to their customers. For the bench jeweler, palladium presents some unique challenges, and knowledge of how to work with palladium is critical to customer satisfaction and increased sales.

Attend this seminar and you’ll learn about Palladium’s unique characteristics and discover how easy it is to begin fabricating, casting and repairing palladium jewelry at your bench. The processes, procedures and tips from this seminar will ensure that your store and service department have the confidence and knowledge to begin profiting from Palladium."

Click for PDF program of all JA New York Seminars

Johnson Matthey Platinum Metals Review (July 2008)

2008-07-14T10:46:00.000-04:00

A bit nerdy, but it is Monday. A new issue of Johnson Matthey's Platinum Metals Review is up on the web. JM is the world's largest assayer & refiner; they're the guys who make those beautiful Palladium alloy blocks that jewelers turn into Palladium rings, watches, necklaces, cuffs and more.

Some of the topics are the company's new sustainability initiatives, new Palladium-based catalysts, and other fun stuff. Full text available soon, so for now you'll have to do with a summary.

Palladium Alloy Used in New Membrane

2008-07-11T09:51:00.001-04:00

From Platinum Today, a publication by assayer & refiner Johnson Matthey, is an interesting little science tidbit about Palladium:

"Nippon Seisen has developed a separation membrane, made from palladium, for extracting high-purity hydrogen from natural gas.

The membrane is constructed from a 15-micron-thick film of a palladium alloy that is welded into a smooth cylinder shape.

When it comes into contact with hydrogen, the molecule splits into separate hydrogen atoms which can then pass through the spaces between the alloy.

As a result, the new technology is able to achieve a yield of more than 99.9999 per cent pure hydrogen.

No special equipment is necessary because hydrogen is the only substance that can pass through the membrane, allowing machinery using hydrogen to be designed cheaper and smaller.

The technology could be used in a range of devices that could hit the market in 2009.

Nippon Seisen is expected to develop it for use in fuel cells for cars and homes."

Link to original source via PT

Palladium: One Hot Commodity

2008-07-10T09:13:00.000-04:00

A little business, a little pleasure is what you get this morning. On the business end, demand for Palladium and Stillwater Mining Company (the Montana mine that supports Palladium Alliance International) are discussed in a Seeking Alpha series called "The Brightest Stars in the Commodities Boom" ... Mark Anthony is one of those writers heavily invested in the companies under discussion, so he's very enthusiastic, but I think he's usually on point.

Dozens of newspapers this week carried an AP article on catalytic convertor theft. The traces of Palladium and Platinum they contain are valuable at the scrap yard. More interesting, however, are the measures some buyers are taking to insulate themselves from trouble.

And now for the pleasure... the beautiful Ulysse Nardin Macho Palladium 950, made completely of pure Palladium. On the wrist it feels formidable, and its shine is outrageous - just a stunning watch. Worth every penny of its $30,000 retail price.

Platinum, Palladium Set to Skyrocket

2008-07-09T10:10:00.000-04:00

Good article this morning on the demand for Palladium and global supply, via Seeking Alpha. A lot of the investment bankers writing for SA have monetary interests in their topics, but Mr. Roseman has no disclosures here so we can take it as a fairly untainted outlook on the metals market.

********

By Eric Roseman

No other precious metal has a tighter supply than platinum.

Though platinum prices have remained high over the last few years, supplies are getting thinner by the day as South African production draws to a standstill. Lately, these tight supplies have helped platinum prices shoot up north of US$2,000.

In fact, platinum has climbed so high that its sister metal, palladium is becoming the new exciting speculation. Right now, palladium is sitting at 56% off its all-time high in 2001 of US$1,100 an ounce. The platinum-to-palladium differential hit its widest level in history in late May as platinum prices rocketed to new highs.

So the question is: Has the price of platinum climbed so high that industries will start switching to palladium?

......Read the full article

WSJ / A New Craze: Platinum ETFs

2008-07-08T09:20:00.000-04:00

This isn't about Palladium jewelry - in fact it's mostly about Platinum! But part of understanding the jewelry market is looking into the economics behind the metals. Today's Wall Street Journal has a good article on Platinum Group Metals and their rising popularity in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).

********

By CAROLYN CUI
July 8, 2008; Page C14

Gold and silver bugs, move over.

Investors are flocking to a new class of precious metals: the kind that actually do things, rather than end up in vaults or on fingers.

Platinum prices have soared 30% this year and its cheaper cousin, palladium, has risen 19%, largely on demand for cleaner cars. A flood of new investment vehicles -- including exchange-traded funds -- that allow investors to bet on these metals' trajectory also are fueling the market.
[Metals]

The two metals are called "precious" because of their scarcity. Platinum jewelry has long been a higher-end alternative to gold. But unlike gold, platinum isn't viewed as a prime refuge for investors in times of uncertainty.

.... Read the full article

It's Monday: Don't Worry, Bee Happy!

2008-07-07T11:00:00.000-04:00

One of the world's 10 priciest watches is also one of its most unique - the Queen Bee by Zadora features a bee crafted from oxidized Palladium and micro pave diamonds. Want one? It'll run you a cool $150,000.

Innovative timepieces deserve an innovative metal like Palladium - as long as your luxury time-keeping doesn't slip off the creative deep end.

Titanium-Jewelry.com Announces Availability of Palladium Wedding Bands

2008-07-01T11:07:00.000-04:00

Retailer of mens wedding bands offers additional metals for contemporary jewelry selections

(Modesto, CA) June 30, 2008 – Titanium-Jewelry.com, a leading online retailer of titanium rings, tungsten rings and unique contemporary jewelry designs for men and women, today announced the arrival of the newest lines of mens wedding bands in stunning palladium designs.

Titanium-jewelry.com has been providing mens wedding bands and titanium and tungsten jewelry constructed from the highest quality materials and manufacturing techniques, for several years. The online retailer has an unmatched tap on market drivers and fashion sense, keeping tabs on the latest trends in wedding rings, wedding bands and contemporary jewelry designs. The new palladium rings offer customers even more of a selection pleasing those with even the most discerning of tastes.

The palladium rings are an ideal solution in today’s weakening economy, particularly for those who like the look of white gold and platinum. Similar in appearance, palladium offers the sheen, luster and shine of platinum or white gold, without the added cost, thus ensuring beautiful and quality jewelry for less expense.

Palladium is a pure white precious metal that never yellows like white gold and has hypo-allergenic benefits like titanium rings. Rich and luxurious, palladium rings offer class and a bit of elegance that can often be shared by men or women with matching bands.

"We understand that ring buying is one of the most important purchasing decisions couples face" stated Ron Yates founder of Titanium-Jewelry.com. "For young couples purchasing mens wedding bands or wedding rings for the first time, we offer customers confidence in quality, style, price and selection" Yates concluded.

In addition to the numerous styles of titanium rings, tungsten wedding bands and black titanium rings, Titanium-Jewelry.com has a variety of palladium wedding bands ranging from the simplistic to intricate. For more information or to begin shopping for palladium wedding bands, please visit the company’s website at http://www.Titanium-Jewelry.com.

About Titanium-Jewelry.com
Titanium-Jewelry.com provides a wide selection of tungsten wedding bands, titanium wedding bands and black titanium jewelry uniquely styled for men and women. Experts in modern mens wedding bands and fashionable metals jewelry, Titanium-Jewelry.com leads the industry in contemporary jewelry fashions. For more information, please visit http://www.Titanium-Jewelry.com.

Wedding jewelry reflects couple's personalities

2008-06-28T16:01:00.000-04:00

It seems that nearly all of Hollywood's celebrities are either getting married or engaged these days. Since celebrities have the ability to effect and drive trends, it should come as no surprise that engagement ring trends are being shaped by what these celebrities are saying "I Do" to.

While celebrities can be trend influencers, the true personality of the brides and grooms-to-be become apparent with the fine jewelry and watches they select for their big day. The three main style and personality trends include fashion-forward design, romantic glamour, and modern sophistication.

Prices surge for platinum metals in 2007

2008-06-26T14:51:00.000-04:00

Another report is out about Platinum Group Metals in the market. Commodities prices were all over the map earlier in the year, with white metals making big gains amidst power supply problems in South Africa and increased above-ground supply issues projected in the coming years. Palladium and platinum supplies are indeed tightening, and coupled with rising demand in the industrial sector, prices are projected to continue rising.

As the Palladium jewelry marketing campaign gathers speed for its fall launch, the market is expressing its desire for a precious white metal that can offer for maufacturers and retailers true margin. This is clearly reflected in global jewelry demand trends. Palladium's introduction to fine jewlery could not come soon enough! At a quarter the price of platinum and half that of karated gold, 95% pure, natural Palladium is going to be the white metal of choice for fine fashion jewelry comsumers in the very near future. See the article below (reprinted from National Jeweler, originally generated by CPM Group press release) click for the original article.

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June 25, 2008

New York—Prices for the three major platinum group metals—platinum, palladium and rhodium—continued to rise in 2007 and into early 2008, according to CPM Group's 2008 Platinum Group Metals Yearbook.

Platinum prices, which averaged $1,314.46 in 2007, rose to record levels in 2006, 2007 and 2008, spurred by a combination of strong fabrication demand worldwide, declining supplies and a surge in investor interest.

Palladium prices climbed to an average of $359.21 in 2007, up 10.7 percent from 2006, and rhodium prices averaged a record $6,051 in 2007, up 38.8 percent from the previous year.

Putting a damper on supply levels in 2007 were disruptions in platinum group metals production in South Africa. Total platinum supply declined to 7,418,000 ounces in 2007, down 4.6 percent from 2006. Total palladium supply declined 0.8 percent and rhodium supply declined 2.4 percent.

According to the report, the disruptions continued on into early 2008, with power shortages in South Africa a leading culprit. The country now continues to grapple with a tight electrical power supply and demand balance.

Total platinum supply could decline 1.4 percent this year to 7,317,000 ounces, the report says.

Total fabrication demand for platinum rose 0.8 percent to 7,060,000 ounces in 2007. High platinum prices affected demand in the jewelry sector, and that could continue on into 2008, the CPM Group predicts. However, total fabrication demand for 2008 could actually rise 3.2 percent.

Total fabrication demand for palladium rose 7 percent from 2007, while demand for rhodium fell 2 percent.

The 2007 platinum surplus—measured as total new supply less fabrication demand—was reduced by more than half last year to 358,000 ounces in 2007. It is expected to decline even more sharply this year to 32,000 ounces.

CPM Group produces annual Yearbooks on gold, silver and platinum group metals.

The reports are priced at $75 each plus shipping and handling, and are available by calling (212) 785-8320 or online at CPM Group's Web site, Cpmgroup.com.

Editor's note: For the most recent metals prices, visit National Jeweler Network's Wholesale Material Pricing Tools.

Treat Yourself Monday! Luxury Palladium Accessories

2008-06-23T16:21:00.000-04:00

Whether it's a small indulgence or a luxury splash, you can start your week off with a smile with Palladium. As the world's most revered brands continue unveiling newer and more exciting Palladium designs, the newly renovated LuxuryPalladium.com will soon be online to connect you with a universe of breathtaking items available in Palladium, the Now Metal™.

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Belt with Palladium Initials

Pink Hermes Palladium Cuff

Dolce & Gabbana Palladium Chain Belt

This Hermes Birkin Croc Bag with Pave Diamonds set in Palladium would be the perfect cure for the Mondays if there wasn't a two-year waiting list to get your hands on one.

But there's hope: Console yourself over the Birkin with a stunning Parmigiani Kalpagraph Palladium Timepiece

As white as they come

2008-06-22T19:04:00.000-04:00

As white as they come

White gold is not silver. People often times refer to white gold as silver since it appear and feel like the latter. Partly it is true, since in reality white gold is an alloy of gold and another white metal usually silver or palladium.

The combination of silver or palladium eliminates the yellow gold look and creates the rather white silver appearance. But even if it is an alloy, white gold is still measured in Karats just like ordinary gold. Other white metals used to combine with gold include nickel and platinum.

Each metal used to combine with gold yield varying properties. A nickel based gold alloy, for example, creates a strong and hard metal which makes it ideal to be used for rings and pins.

While, white gold-palladium alloys are relatively softer and flexible which make them great for gemstone settings. However, the disadvantage of using white gold-nickel alloy in body jewelry is that is could cause various skin reactions since nickel is not bio-compatible. Some may have very mild reactions to the metal with only mild itchiness and skin rashes. However, these reactions might turn uglier if they lead to infections. It is therefore best to consider your body chemistry first before buying any type of body jewelry.

Now when hear a higher karat white gold, it doesn’t mean the gold is whiter. White gold is a combination of gold and other metals. The color is affected by the properties of the metals we add to gold and not the amount of gold. Basically, white gold can be either nickel-whites or palladium-whites.

The main difference of which is that nickel-white gold have a colder white color wherein the palladium whites’ color is a little warmer. Also it is very hard to achieve a good nickel white unlike with palladium whites which tends to be softer thus easier to process. Because of the price of palladium, however, palladium whites are a little more expensive.

Palladium Branding Campaign Heats Up Jewelry Tradeshows in Las Vegas

2008-06-19T10:35:00.000-04:00

At the luxurious poolside opening fête for jewelry trade show Couture 2008 in Las Vegas, one word rippled through a gathering of fine jewelry’s elite – Palladium. Elegant, oversized displays lining the stairways and pool deck of the Wynn Las Vegas declared “Palladium is Now,” “White, Light, Natural, Now,” and “Do You Have the Metal?” – messages of a Palladium jewelry revolution. Conceived for Palladium Alliance International (PAI) by DJS Marketing Group, the first phase of branding for Palladium – a white, light, natural precious metal whose fans include the world’s top designers – was unveiled at the most celebrated jewelry tradeshow in Vegas. From JCK to Couture, jewelry tradeshow week was dominated by Palladium’s much-anticipated demand and introduction to the market.

A striking teaser video for PAI’s forthcoming 2008/2009 global consumer campaign turned up the jewelry tradeshow’s energy before an intimate, two-hour live performance in Las Vegas by Grammy®-award winning artist Seal. A crowd of more than 1,200 roared with applause for songs from his latest album, System, and career staples such as “Kiss from a Rose.” In the VIP pavilion sponsored by PAI, exclusive guests like Scott Kay, Paul Morelli, Barry Kronen, Michael Bondanza, and executives from Bailey Banks & Biddle and Tivol Jewelers enjoyed a gourmet, organic banquet and white lychee martinis from the best seats on the pool deck.

PAI Chairman John Stark, Stillwater Mining Co. CEO Frank McCallister and others joined Seal backstage after the show to present him with a special piece of Palladium jewelry. The Nautilus necklace was designed by Lloyd Pasach for R&R Grosbard and specially produced for Seal by Carrera Casting.

Used in jewelry since the 1940s, Palladium is a platinum group metal that is mined naturally white – directly from the earth. It is slated as the last major development in precious metals. A beautiful, light element that is truly precious, Palladium shines white forever with no need for plating. This isn’t a new metal, it’s the Now Metal™, and growing demand for fine Palladium jewelry is pushing the industry toward a historic turning point.

Palladium’s new brand image reflects the ideals of 21st-century consumers, radiating beauty and social awareness from the mine to the marketplace. This stunning, natural element is becoming the metal of choice for a forward-thinking market. Stillwater Mining Co., North America’s largest Palladium producer and the chief sponsor of PAI, is a Sierra Club-endorsed green mine.

Palladium has already become an in-demand material muse to the biggest names in fine jewelry and couture fashion. Trendsetting brands like Cartier, Bvlgari, Ulysse Nardin, Chopard, Parmigiani, Armani, Louis Vuitton and more, who recognize the metal’s power to creatively stand out, have eagerly embraced Palladium in their jewelry. A surge in consumer awareness and Palladium’s increasing international demand are making it the chic, must-have Now Metal™.

Analysis: Investors could warm again to palladium

2008-06-15T21:06:00.000-04:00

According to this article on palladium, investors could warm again to the precious metal:

Lured by a relatively low price and cheaper investment costs, investors could warm again to palladium, which was left in the cold after market restrictions and price volatility in the early 2000s.

Palladium rose in March to its highest level since 2001, renewing investor confidence in the precious metal, and analysts said a bullish outlook for its sister metal, platinum, could help spark another rally.

Cash-rich investment funds could see palladium, used in car exhausts, jewellery and dental equipment, as an alternative to gold or platinum, as both metals had hit lifetime highs.

"I see potential in palladium,'' said Akira Doi, a director at Daiichi Commodities. ''It is still far behind the value of platinum and gold."As long as platinum is strong, palladium will be supported. Considering that it is well below its record highs, palladium could jump with fresh fundamentals," he added.

The precious metal fixed at $446 (R3 401) an ounce yesterday afternoon in London, up more than 20 percent from the beginning of the year, after rising 10 percent in value last year.

Palladium's surge had been given a boost and would continue to be well supported by platinum's strength, traders said. Platinum hit record highs this year after a power crisis stopped mining in South Africa, the world's biggest producer, raising fears of a widening supply deficit and sparking speculative buying.

Platinum demand to climb despite high oil price

2008-06-08T21:39:00.000-04:00

According to this article on platinum and palladium, Investec Asset Management believes autocatalyst demand for platinum metal will increase this year, despite the strong oil price that could have a lagged effect on diesel vehicle sales.

Analyst Cara Geffen told Mineweb today there was no evidence yet of a slowdown in demand for autocatalysts or metal for autocatalysts resulting from lower demand for vehicles as the oil price hovers around $130 a barrel.

This comes as higher demand for vehicles in the East, in particular India and China, is exceeding a reduction in demand for vehicles in the United States and Europe.

"We still expect to see growth in autocatalyst demand out of the East," Geffen said.

The analyst said they were bullish on the platinum price as it was driven by legislation in the United States and Europe that is increasingly trying to deal with vehicle emissions.

The palladium price was expected to remain at current levels as long as the platinum price remained high. Although the supply demand balance was improving in support of the palladium price, there was a huge amount of above ground palladium stocks that could provide a constant feed of metal to the market.

"If the palladium price reaches too high, those that are sitting on the metal will sell it off," she said.

Palladium was also produced as a byproduct of platinum and nickel, which implied that increased supply of palladium to the market was not always met by demand growth.

The price differential between platinum and palladium was currently at an all-time high, but platinum could only be substituted in gasoline autocatalysts and not in autocatalysts for diesel vehicles.

"If platinum holds at high levels, the palladium price will remain in the same band over the next six to eight months," Geffen said.

Palladium rings, for the bride on a budget

2008-05-30T15:11:00.000-04:00

From a recent article on palladium rings in the London Telegraph online:

Couples are turning to palladium for their wedding rings because of the rising cost of platinum.
As many as half of all engagement and wedding rings being sold now are made out of palladium, according to the jewellery industry. The metal looks identical to platinum and is due to be given hallmark status later this year.

It has been used for years by the automotive industry and mobile phone manufacturers. Its growth in popularity for jewellery is remarkable; three years ago no mainstream jeweller was using the metal.

A standard 6mm platinum wedding band costs £1,250 ($2 468), according to John Lilley, a leading jeweller in Hertfordshire, compared with £356 ($698) for an identical palladium design.

Martin McSorley, who owns one of the biggest jewellery shops in Leeds, says that he will sell about 1,800 palladium rings this year, compared with 600 last year. "Precious metal prices have gone through the roof this year, especially platinum," he said. "But with palladium, you've got all the qualities of platinum for a fraction of the cost."

It is mostly the groom that pushes for a palladium ring, said Mr McSorley. "Once a girl gets a platinum engagement ring, they want a platinum wedding band to match. But a gent doesn't seem to be too concerned. It can save them a lot of money on their wedding budget," he added.

Mokume Gane & Anticlastic Twist Earrings

2008-05-28T10:52:00.000-04:00

Fashion Newsweek had an interesting article about Stephen LeBlanc Art Jewelry and some of the work he has done using the old Japanese art of Mokume Gane. He forges Gold and Palladium together to create a very interesting wood grain metal.

Stephen LeBlanc is a Metal Smith who is now making art jewelry and I am glad that he has made the transition. His work is stunning and the industry is starting to take notice. As Palladium becomes more focused in the jewelry world, we should see more innovations in it use. The Mokume Gane look is the tip of the artistic iceberg in Luxury Palladium use.

Check out the new look of the Palladium Alliance International website for more stunning developments in Palladium jewelry.

LuxuryPalladium.com gets a long-anticipated update

2008-05-24T16:48:00.000-04:00

DJS Marketing Group, Palladium Alliance International's Miami-based branding agency of record, has been hard at work to give www.luxurypalladium.com a new look and an accessible, organized style for professionals in the Palladium industries. The newly redesigned trade site is nearing completion just in time for the JCK Las Vegas 2008 and Couture expos and promises to offer a private user forum in addition to easy access to Palladium suppliers and manufacturers and printable bench guides and videos offering training and demonstrations of best practices when working with Palladium in the watches, accessories, and jewelry manufacturing industries.

Following completion of the Palladium trade portion of the website, DJS will be working to complete the much anticipated consumer side of the website and completing the whole website overhaul by offering the website in both Spanish and Chinese.

Long Awaited FEM Casting Study results posted

2008-05-24T16:41:00.000-04:00

PAI posted the FEM Palladium Casting Study Results Summary May 19, 2008 on their site, www.luxurypalladium.com. The press release for this landmark study can be seen here, and the report itself can be downloaded here.

Palladium: The other white metal

2008-05-23T15:48:00.000-04:00

Over the past few years the demand for fine jewelry in white precious metals continues to rise. Traditionally the consumer has had two choices; Platinum or White Gold. While the demand for platinum jewelry remains strong, it can be price prohibitive with a current cost hovering around $1000.00 an ounce.

White gold has become the popular alternative. Although white gold is priced more agreeably, it has several drawbacks. First and foremost, white gold is not truly white, it has a slight yellow tint. Plating a white gold ring with rhodium (a relative of Platinum) has been the technique used to make the jewelry appear white. The problem is that the plating wears off in a short period of time, which often leads to consumer complaints that their jewelry is changing color. White gold is also not hypoallergenic like platinum.

The jewelry industry has been experimenting with several alternative white precious metal alloys, none of which in my opinion have not been all that desirable, until now. Palladium is 95% pure. Due to the purityof the metal, it is considered hypoallergenic and is resistant to skin irritations and allergies.

Palladium is naturally strong and durable. Even in its pure state. Palladium is as strong as platinum and more durable than white gold. Palladium can support intricate designs yet is easy to size and repair. Palladium, a member of the same group of metals as platinum and rhodium, has been around for a while. Palladium’s history is tightly linked to that of platinum, as they are found together.

Today, 73% of 18-24 year old adults and 40% of consumers in the 25+ age group prefer white metals for jewelry. As the popularity for white metals continues to grow, Palladium has become an excellant option. It offers many of Platinum's good qualities without the high price; it is a whiter metal than white gold but just as affordable. It demands less maintenance as it never needs to be plated. With a radiance that does not fade, a comfortable weight, and characteristics of dtrength, Palladium is a great choice for both jewelers and cosumers.

A brief primer on palladium

2008-05-16T12:19:00.000-04:00

For over a hundred years, palladium was fairly rare. It had been produced in limited quantities from various sources. The Ural Mountains of Russia provided the vast bulk of the ores from which palladium was produced. Then in 1924, the great stores of South Africa were found.

Still, palladium could only be obtained from platinum ore by methods similar to Wollaston’s, or else by electrolytic refining of copper. But in 1930, the International Nickel Company of Canada began producing palladium in significant quantities from its rich ores, and the metal became more widely available.

For the first time, industry had affordable palladium, and was able to put its unusual properties to work. In 1931, a German company named Heraeus developed and patented alloys of palladium with silver and gold. These alloys were excellent materials in dentistry, and today are still used in bridges and crowns.

Modern catalytic converters rely heavily on palladium and its sister metal, platinum. These devices convert up to 90% of harmful gases in auto exhausts (hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide) into less harmful substances (nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor).

Today, each car or light truck sold in the USA must have a catalytic converter.

Since the 1970s, demand for palladium has skyrocketed in other industries as well. Modern electronic circuitry uses palladium in electrical switches and contacts, for its superior conductivity and resistance to oxidation. Palladium pastes are also used in electronic components such as capacitors.

Today, palladium is in a unique situation. The metal is in demand from a wide range of global industries, yet is supplied by only a few mines across the world. Thus, any interruption to supply can have a dramatic impact on prices.

Today, scientists are studying even more uses for palladium. The white metal is playing an especially key role in fuel cell research. The fuel cell is an exciting new technology: a device that combines hydrogen and oxygen, producing electricity, heat, and water, with virtually no pollution. The fuel cell promises to completely transform modern society, and palladium plays an important role in current research.

Truly, palladium is a metal for the 21st century!

legendary watchmakers sell out of Palladium designs before they even hit the market

2008-05-10T09:31:00.001-04:00

According to a recent press release on palladium jewelry, consumer demand for luxury Palladium timepieces is so strong that legendary watchmakers from Paris to Geneva can’t keep up. Cartier is now sold out of the Pasha de Cartier 950 Palladium watch, and the entire run of Cartier’s other Palladium model, the Santos, has been spoken for before the line even hits the market.

Likewise, Switzerland’s Parmigiani is showing strong sales for all their stunning, gemstone-accented Palladium models, while robust lines and Palladium’s natural white shine have made Ulysse Nardin’s “Macho” series an instant success in stores and in the media. Chopard recently unveiled the LUC, the most elegant addition yet to the company’s esteemed men’s collection.

With surging interest from watch and jewelry manufacturers set to continue, Palladium is poised to break into the marketplace as a true luxury product. Further fueling interest is the fact that Palladium and Platinum are now among the world’s top-performing commodities this year due to a weak U.S. dollar, with each metal gaining roughly 50% since January.

Selecting The Right Ring

2008-05-06T13:38:00.000-04:00

Choosing the right metal for your special day can be tough. Novell put together a great video helping the average consumer decide which metal will be the best choice for their wedding or engagement ring. These rings are meant to be a symbol of love and last forever.

Casting Jewelry in 950 Palladium - An Overview

2008-04-07T15:35:00.002-04:00

With the jewelry industry’s acceptance and increased use of new 950 Palladium and its alloys for jewelry design and manufacturing, you need at least a general understanding of casting procedures. Here's an overview of 950 Palladium casting procedures and some insight into the scientific approach for better results.

Luxury Palladium Wedding Rings

2008-04-07T13:07:00.000-04:00

Palladium wedding rings have become very popular among couples today. At almost half the cost of white gold and few differences between platinum and palladium, young couples are seeking alternatives to expensive metals.

It's Time For Palladium Jewlery; Watches, Rings and Wedding Rings

2008-04-07T12:59:00.000-04:00

Fashion jewelry designers such as Cartier, Parmigiani and Chopard have been implementing Palladium in their high end jewelry such as watches, cocktail rings and wedding rings for the consumer. In fact, the differences between platinum and palladium have show both metals to be in high demand and included in several high end collections.

Palladium is a Platinum Group Metal mined naturally white and comes directly from the earth. There are rarely any differences between Platinum and Palladium beyond price and weight, and unlike unnatural “white gold,” 950 Palladium shines naturally white forever without rhodium plating. For more information about this brilliant metal, visit www.luxurypalladium.com.