In the midst of skyrocketing precious metal prices and disrupted supplies, jewelers are celebrating palladium as the “now metal,” says Palladium Alliance International (PAI).

According to the organization, the light, white precious metal “stole the show” among 2,000 exhibitors at BaselWorld 2008, where the most recognized fine-jewelry and watch designers embraced its use in their new collections.

Cartier sold every limited-edition palladium Pasha de Cartier timepiece at the fair, and its successor, the Santos, sold out before its official release, PAI reported.

Parmigiani said it too is using palladium in 32 percent of its collections.

In addition, William Goldberg President Saul Goldberg, Vhernier Vice President Emanuelle Aliotti Visdomini and Ulysse Nardin President Rolf Schnyder are among those praising palladium's precious and versatile qualities, and the possibilities it poses for fine jewelry.

“I'm in the moment. I say 'let's do it now' and let's be the first on our block to buy palladium,” Trabert and Hoeffer Jewels Vice President Kathleen Breski said in a media release.

PAI and DJS Marketing Group have produced three videos of designers' and retailers' reactions to palladium at BaselWorld as follows:

What Is Palladium? featuring Breski, Schnyder and Laura Bicego of Nanis.

What Are the Differences Between Platinum and Palladium? featuring Goldberg and Fope Vice President Julia Cazzola.

How Durable Is Palladium Jewelry? featuring Breski and Goldberg.

To view the videos, click the links above or visit PAI's Web site: www.luxurypalladium.com

Formed in 2006 with offices in the United States, United Kingdom and China, PAI provides education, marketing, technical support and a vision for promoting palladium fine jewelry. PAI's 2008-2009 campaign, designed and executed by DJS Marketing Group, will aggressively market palladium to consumers and the trade.

Source: Nationaljeweler.com
www.nationaljeweler.com