ARGENTIUM™ SILVER

What is the Difference Between Sterling Silver and Argentium in Settings?

The most important difference is that Argentium can be hardened, which should increase the durability of the setting. One hardening procedure is to use soft sheet and then heat it in an oven for 4 hrs. at 400º F of 1 hr. at 580° F. Argentium is harder than standard sterling when it is work hardened as well.

ARGENTIUM

• The silver of the 21st century – stays bright and beautiful and is ready to go when you are.
• Argentium silver, the way silver was meant to be; forever bright and beautiful
• What is Argentium silver and where did it come from?
• Peter Johns, a professor of silversmithing at Middlesex University in England invented it in 1996 and  labeled it AS.
• Argentium is .925 or 97% silver and qualifies to carry that trademark.

GERMANIUM

• Germanium is the element that makes it tarnish resistant and firescale free.
• Germanium is not found as a free element in nature. But is mined from zinc ores, coal and germanite.  It is a metalloid, as are silicon, manganese, boron and sulfur.  It borders between metallic elements and non-metallic elements and is found on the periodic table as GE.  It replaces 1.2% of the copper and seems to have a bleaching characteristic when alloyed.

• As a transistor element – as a phosphor in fluorescent lamps, infrared spectroscopes – lenses and flutes.
• Fire Scale is prevented when Germanium constantly diffuses to the surface where it combines with oxygen and forms a thin layer of germanium oxide – GeO2 that is impervious to oxygen.
• Technical Data Sheet
• Melt Temperature is 60° F lower than standard sterling silver.  If it looks light yellow or orange, it’s too hot!

Harder and More Durable – Argentium Silver can be made nearly twice has hard as annealed standard sterling silver by simple heat treatment - even in a domestic oven at 450° F for 2 hours.  Typical hardness of rapidly quenched pieces is 70 DPH.  Flasks cooled to room temperature can approach 110 DPH and heat treated castings can approach 125 DPH! (Approximately twice the hardness of standard Sterling silver!)   To obtain this hardness, place the castings in the over at 580 F for 45 minutes.

• Laser Weldable – Unlike ordinary sterling silver, Argentium Sterling Silver can be laser welded, opening up new avenues in application and design.
• Casting:  It is very important not to over heat.  Use a separate crucible to avoid contamination from other metals.  PLEASE DON’T MIX SILVERS.  We use a very “happy” pink sticker which says, “ARGENTIUM – DO NOT MIX”.  Do not use silicon carbide.

There is a learning curve to casting Argentium:  a lower temp. to adjust to.

• Sterling Silver: Melt Temp  - 1475°F   Flow  - 1650°F

• Argentium Silver .925:  Melt Temp – 1410°F   Flow 1610°F
• Argentium Silver 97%:  Melt Temp – 1724°F   Flow 1724°F

• When investment casting, a pour temperature of 1780-1880°F (971-1027°C) and a flask temperature below 1250 F (677 C) is recommended.  If casting without a protective atmosphere, the use of boric acid flux or graphite powder is effective.  After casting the metal, a minimum of 15 minutes air cooling is required before quenching, says Peter.  However, many of our customers recommend letting it cool until you can pick it up and then quenching it for best results.
• Polishing: To avoid contamination from other alloyw in the workshop, a separate wheel should be used for Argentium sterling only.  If this is not possible, thoroughly rake wheels before using.
• Soldering – Argentium Sterling displays a lighter color when heated.  If the metal looks yellow or light orange, it is too hot.  It is important to avoid overheating this metal.  Use Argentium silver solders for best compatibility.
• Price – Yes it’s more expensive 15% - 18% higher than standard sterling silver.  But all those who are already using it, tell us it’s well worth the extra money.  The cost savings is in the finishing.
• Fabrication:  Easier to work with.
• Enameling: NOT KNOWN
• Antiquing: Use hydrochloric or muratic acid.
• Remelting scrap may result in brittle castings.  There is no need to keep your silver scrap separate for refining.
• AS Logo – if you are interested in the AS stamp, visit the Argentium web site to read about licensing.
• Cost:  Averages approximately 15% to 18% more than Standard Silver.

  	But will reduce your costs due to:
  		No cyanide needed for stripping
  		Cost of managing the toxic waste of the cyanide processes
  		Healthier working environment.
  		Less deep polishing
  		No need for plating or lacquering to prevent tarnish
  		Less labor costs associated with reduced finishing and polishing times.
  		Thus increased profitability for silver products.

The ability to harden Argentium Sterling makes certain designs possible that may have been with regular silver.

• The Future: Argentium is predicted to comprise 50% of the AG market within the next 5 years – it fits our life style.
• G&S has all sizes available for same day deliver.

All Argentium Silver Jewelry Findings, Casting Grain
and Mill Products prices in our shopping cart
are based on the London PM Fix and CHANGED DAILY.
Prices are subject to change without notice.

ARGENTIUM SILVER IN STOCK AND READY FOR
IMMEDIATE SHIPPING !!

ALL PURCHASES MADE ON OUR SHOPPING CART ARE SECURE

Gallatin & Socha Metals
gs@gsgold.com