What is Argentium silver and why should you try it?
Argentium Silver is a superior, high performance silver that contains a greater amount of pure silver (93.5% or 96%), than Sterling (92.5%), with the remainder being made up of other alloys including a small amount of germanium. Argentium Silver is the whitest metal with the longest-lasting shine. Tests conducted using a colorimeter and the CIELAB colour measurement system showed Argentium Silver to be approximately 4.5 times brighter and twice as white as traditional sterling silver. Sulphur, UV and perspiration tests indicate that Argentium 935 is about 7 times more tarnish resistant than Sterling (which is often combined with copper) while Argentium 960 is nearly 8 times more resistant.
It’s antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties make it an appealing choice of Silver for the end wearer. it is nickel free and is especially suited for jewellery intended to be worn every day, due to its resistance to scratches, dents, and deformation. As a low-maintenance metal it is very easy to care for and keep clean. Since fewer chemicals are used in production of jewellery created from Argentium Silver, it is also much kinder to the environment.
The addition of germanium improves durability and provides a number of beneficial attributes for manufacturing. Although easily manipulated in its softened state, Argentium Silver can be work hardened just like traditional Sterling Silver, and additionally by simple heat treatment that is possible to do in a kiln or even a domestic oven. This results in excellent durability and greater scratch resistance, without any negative side effects: no need for prolonged heating and hammering or removal of fire stain (which is an oxide resulting from oxygen in the flame attacking copper alloy, and is exacerbated by prolonged heating and hammering).
Casting with a “clean” Silver negates the need for harsh abrasives and minimises labour and production costs as well as workplace health concerns associated with removing fire stain, making Argentium Silver ideally suited for bulk manufacturers in particular. It produces a cast with an inherently brighter, whiter and more desirable colour and there is no need to plate. Argentium Silver can also be recycled in the casting process in the same way as traditional Sterling (50% old material to 50% new material). Additionally, it can be fused to itself and to other precious metals, so unsightly solder joins are avoided, further reducing production and clean up time.
Don’t be intimidated by the thought of working with Argentium Silver. The process is different to working with Sterling but it’s no more difficult, and beginner silversmiths should find it faster and less problematic than using traditional Silvers. It is recommended that once you take the plunge, you make a complete transition away from working with forms of standard Silver since Argentum’s benefits will be lost even through cross-contamination with small amounts via your working area or tools. Even your polishing buffs for use with Argentium should be kept separate to those that you use with other alloys.
Argentium Silver is a brand name patented and trademarked by the Argentium Silver Company in the United Kingdom, and you can find a range of guides on how to use it on their website. Only recycled silver us used to make this alloy, and they guarantee traceability, making it a highly ethical choice of Silver. CPM would love to see what you make with this beautiful and versatile metal. Contact your regional sales executive if you have any questions, or experiences with Argentium Silver that you’d like to share