A leading jewellery retailer unveiled its first-ever palladium piece at a special exhibition in Moscow last week, Retail Jeweller confirmed today (18th December).

Stephen Webster has produced a palladium brooch featuring two interlocked fishes and put it on display at the Global Luxury Forum in Russia's capital.

The precious metal is particularly useful for such larger items as it is lighter and more durable than its competitors, while it also does not change colour.

Assia Webster, who was representing the designer at the event, told the news provider: "Stephen Webster is very adventurous and was happy to work with palladium. Palladium is a very universal metal, you can use it in more cases than gold.

"We couldn't have made this with gold or platinum as it would be too heavy."

Palladium is currently struggling to achieve recognised precious metal status in the UK, although the Assay Office has been reviewing the situation and it could begin to be hallmarked from April.

Nvertheless, palladium has found favour with watchmakers and is also being used regularly by earring designers.

"Palladium has a good future, not only in the watch industry but in all industries," added Richemont Russian general manager Dmitry Yeremeev in an interview with Retail Jeweller.

Source:

Stephen Webster creates first palladium jewellery (18/12/08)
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