Tiny Billet of 18k Yellow Gold and Palladium

Last month I took a deep breath and ordered the precious metal to create this tiny billet. It is made from 18k yellow gold and palladium 500. This was my first time fusing a gold billet that did not contain silver layers. Not having the silver layers was notable for two reasons - first the cost. This billet, although it was tinier than usual ring billets (12.5mm x 25mm x 17m), the materials were almost twice the price. Second, fusing is tricky - each metal type requires a different temperature. If it isn't just exactly right for the types of metals being joined, the layers can delaminate. When the materials are expensive, this becomes even more something you really want to avoid! But, I'd really been wanting to try this combination, and I had a customer ready to buy if it was successful. I did all the steps as carefully as I could, from the cleaning to the stacking to the pressing. Everything worked out great, no issues at all, and I love the colors! Rings shown are the first two created with this billet - I've got enough material for two more ...