1. Remember Your Budget:

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of shopping and end up paying more than you intended to. It’s best to write down the maximum price you want to pay and keep that in front of you as you’re browsing through websites. Fortunately, palladium rings are typically less expensive than other precious metals, which should make it somewhat easier to stay within a certain price range.

2. Choose A Reputable Jewelry Retailer:

This is particularly important when you’re shopping online and can’t talk to the retailer face-to-face. Be sure the company has been in business for some time. Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure that no one has filed a complaint against the company.

3. Be Certain That Palladium Is The Right Metal Choice For You:

Palladium is one of the PGMs (platinum group metals), which means it shares many of the same characteristics as platinum. It’s quite durable and has a beautiful, rich luster that is comparable to platinum or white gold. However, it doesn’t require recoating like white gold often does and it’s much less expensive than platinum. Palladium rings are lighter weight than other precious metals, which can be a drawback if you prefer a heavier feel to your jewelry. Unlike other precious metals, palladium is hypoallergenic. It’s also somewhat malleable and can be inscribed and resized, although resizing is somewhat more difficult than with other precious metals.

4. Buy Only Quality Merchandise:

A high quality palladium ring is typically grade 950, which indicates that the metal is 95% palladium and 5% some other alloy (typically ruthenium).  Verify that the palladium ring is grade 950 before you purchase it. If you’re buying a palladium ring that includes a gemstone, be sure to find out as much as you can about the quality of the gem as well before you buy the ring. This is another reason to make sure that you deal with reputable retailers, whom will normally only carry quality merchandise.

5. Pay Attention To The Guarantee:

Good online retailers often offer lifetime guarantees on their merchandise. Be sure the retailer you do business with offers the same.

6. Choose The Right Fit:

Palladium rings and other jewelry come in two types of fits: comfort fit and traditional fit. A comfort fit band features more metal on the interior of the ring, which makes it a bit more rounded and puts less pressure on the finger. A traditional fit band has less metal on the inside of the ring for a more squared-off shape. Traditional fit rings are often a bit less expensive than comfort fit bands.

7. Make Sure To Select The Right Size Ring:

It’s always a good idea to have your ring size measured at a local jewelry store before deciding which size is right for you. Many online retailers provide the added convenience of a sizing chart for their customers. Although palladium rings can be resized, it’s a somewhat difficult task for a jeweler due to the density of the metal.

8. Choose A Style You’ll Be Happy With For Years To Come:

When choosing a wedding band, it’s important to select a style you’ll want to wear each and every day for many years. Whatever type of design you select, be sure it’s one you can live with for the long run. Two fine examples in men’s palladium rings include one with a satin finish and rivet coin edging and another with a polished finish and milgrain bands. A beautiful choice in a woman’s ring would be something similar to a palladium ring with diamonds in a floral pattern.