Andrew Nyce Designs is now offering a new, lower cost version of our Ashes and Snow Mokume. Ashes and Snow Mokume comprises alternating layers of precious metals; specifically, layers of 950 platinum, 14K palladium white gold, and platinum-enhanced sterling silver. The new version substitutes 950 palladium for 950 platinum and 3% palladium sterling silver for platinum-enhanced sterling silver.

Normally, Ashes and Snow Mokume requires more time to make because of the number of steps and time involved in bonding the platinum layers to the platinum-enhanced sterling silver layers. Platinum has a much lower thermal expansion than sterling silver and if the Mokume is cooled too rapidly, the bonds break. Therefore, it is necessary to cool this Mokume composition very slowly after each annealing and forging step (Binnion, Nyce and Grice, Santa Fe Symposium, 2006). Bonding 950 palladium to sterling silver is not at all difficult and has been done by other Mokume artists so this is a logical extension of the prior art and lowers the cost of our Ashes and Snow Mokume.

We will continue to offer both versions of Ashes and Snow Mokume. Both versions will be available in all of our Twist (pictured above), Contour, and Banded pattern Mokume wedding and engagement rings.

Platinum is a luxury metal and has been extensively marketed by the Platinum Guild as the metal to use in engagement and wedding rings. In recent years, it has become the metal of choice for couples getting married. However, in 2008, when the price of platinum topped $2200 per troy ounce, a number of precious metal companies began developing and marketing palladium alloys to replace platinum as the metal of choice for wedding rings; they have been very successful.

Platinum has a higher density than any other precious metal, does not tarnish, and has a beautiful luster. Palladium is in the Platinum Group metals and it’s color, luster, and mechanical properties are similar to platinum. The main difference between platinum and palladium is their respective densities (21.46 grams per cubic centimeter for platinum vs 12.023 grams per cubic centimeter for palladium). Platinum rings feel much heavier than palladium rings. But, in our Mokume compositions, these density differences are not quite as noticeable.

Price is another divergent factor. For reference, the spot price of platinum on August 19, 2009 was nearly fives times higher than palladium ($1221 vs. $268). The price difference between the two versions of Ashes and Snow Mokume, now known as Ashes and Snow – Platinum and Ashes and Snow – Palladium, is significant. So, for those watching their wedding and engagement budgets, this new composition makes economic sense. Request a quote on both Ashes and Snow compositions and compare for yourself.