The authorities at Treasure Hunters Roadshow see a broad assortment of precious metals throughout their adventures around the world. Even though gold and silver may well be worth good money, there are three other precious metal heavy hitters which the THR industry experts want the public to know more about: platinum, palladium and rhodium.

Platinum has been called the “choice precious metal of the stars” due to its hefty value. Its expense is double that of 18kt white gold of the exact same weight. It is largely used in men’s and women’s wedding rings as well as women’s engagement rings. The steep price keeps it from becoming utilized in a wider array of jewelry, the exception being the bling of the rich and famous. Platinum is a white metal that, in contrast to gold, is used in jewelry in an nearly pure form (around 95%). Its capability to retain its luster over time enables it to forgo the rhodium plating that other metals like white gold need to go through. And Treasure Hunters Roadshow specialists enjoy jewelry with shine.

Palladium is another metal that strays from the spotlight. This precious metal is comparable to white gold in pricing but carries the long-lasting attractiveness of platinum. At one-third the price tag of platinum, palladium is produced with the exact same purity level (close to 95%) and keeps its shiny white coloring for a life span. Since it is a naturally white precious metal, there is no need for palladium jewelry to be rhodium-plated.

So what is this rhodium?

Rhodium is not found in its pure form. Instead, it must be derived from platinum or nickel ores. About 20 tons of rhodium are generated a year, 80% of which is sourced from South Africa. The cost of rhodium is close to 50% more than gold by weight. Its primary use is as a strengthening agent against tarnish, specifically for jewelry created from white gold. When electroplated onto other precious metals, a coat of rhodium provides a reflective white surface known in the business as “rhodium flashing.”

Its high melting point, very poor malleability and significant price tag make rhodium a weak selection from which to create entire items of jewelry; it is best applied as an addition to other metals. The clinical field is a major buyer of rhodium-plated devices, such as filters for mammography devices and optical instruments.

The pricey metal is also employed in commemorating distinctive honors. In 1979, Paul McCartney was awarded a rhodium-plated disc by the Guinness Book of World Records for becoming the highest-selling songwriter and recording artist of all time.

Though platinum, palladium and rhodium may well not be sitting about the home, the THR professionals think that information is power and knowing much more about precious metals keeps customers and sellers on an even playing field, keeping the world of jewelry purchasing enjoyable and fascinating. THR is constantly on the hunt for new jewelry of all types throughout their weekly trips across the U.S., Canada and Europe and they pay out on the spot for any items they purchase. Check out out the Treasure Hunters Roadshow site for more details and a full listing of approaching cities.

Doug Fraser is an enthusiast of all things that glitter and gold at Treasure Hunters Roadshow, a top purchaser of musical instruments, antiques, collectibles and precious metals.