Almost 5,000 articles have been hallmarked by one of the four UK Assay Offices over the last two-and-a-half weeks, it has been revealed.

The palladium hallmark was introduced on a voluntary basis on July 22nd, with the mark set to become mandatory on December 31st this year.

However, with the mark being seen by the jewellery industry as a way of reassuring consumers over the quality of their products, the palladium hallmark is being embraced at an early stage.

This also ties in with a general trend which has seen the appeal of gold dwindle, while silver, "white gold" and platinum have increased in popularity.

According to Michael Allchin, chief executive of the Birmingham Assay Office, this can be put down to the rising price of gold and a greater choice of alternatives to the precious metal.

"We are very encouraged by the positive response to palladium hallmarking," he commented.

"So far most of the items we have seen have been wedding rings, but there is some men's jewellery around and we expect to see designers experimenting widely with this 'new' metal now that consumers have the additional reassurance of a hallmark."

Robert Organ, The Deputy Warden of Assay Office London, concurred adding "The surge in interest seems to be confirm the long held belief that palladium alloys were waiting for hallmarking to establish their reputation and put them on a par with the traditional precious metal alloys containing gold, silver and platinum."
  
Like platinum, palladium is tarnish resistant and hardy, making it an attractive prospect for jewellers.

Source:

Palladium makes its mark (08/09)

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