Is Argentium silver more expensive?

Is Argentium silver more expensive?

As you would expect, Argentium is more expensive than standard sterling silver and, because the benefits are largely technical rather than visual, it takes a deeper level of understanding from buying customers to fully appreciate the product – to all intents and purposes, a display of Argentium jewellery will look very …

How do you soften Argentium silver?

Lay the Argentium® sheet on a flat soldering surface, bring it to annealing temperature with a torch flame, keep it at that temperature for about 15 seconds and then allow it to air-cool.

Can I fuse Argentium to sterling silver?

Argentium Sterling is wonderfully easy to fuse. My understanding of why AS is easier to fuse than Fine Silver is that because FS is a pure metal, it has a specific temperature point at which it melts and fuses. The large temperature range makes AS “forgiving” for fusing, compared to most other silver alloys.

Do you need to flux Argentium?

Argentium silver glows a paler color than traditional SS at “red-hot”—it is difficult to see, even when dark. Flux is not needed if not using charcoal, so I use a Sharpie as a temperature indicator when annealing. Do not over anneal (over-annealing makes a metal brittle.)

Can you work harden Argentium?

Argentium® Sterling Silver is highly tarnish-resistant. Argentium® Sterling is more malleable and ductile than regular sterling silver. Argentium® Sterling can be hardened using a kitchen oven or toaster oven. Argentium® Sterling fuses, granulates, and welds well.

How do you harden Argentium?

How to Harden Argentium Silver

1. Heat Argentium® Silver in an oven or kiln to 580ºF (304ºC) for 45–60 minutes. Larger pieces will require longer heating times. Lower temperatures can be used (365°F/220°C is the minimum) for hardening if the time is increased.
2. Air-cool the piece to room temperature.

Can you work harden argentium?

How do you harden argentium?

Can you enamel on Argentium?

The ability to harden Argentium Sterling makes certain designs possible that may have been with regular silver. With the help of the enamlforum group where some have tested enameling on the argentium and are willing to share their finding.

Can you solder Argentium?

Soldering. In silver jewelry making, a general rule is to heat the whole piece, not just the solder. Although traditional silver solders can be used, I recommend using Argentium sterling solders. Since they contain germanium, they match the color better and tarnish less than regular silver solders.

How do you anneal Argentium wire?

To anneal Argentium wire, make a flat spiral coil from 12″-18″ of wire. Do not let the wire touch itself or it may accidentally fuse! 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.

How do you Fuse Argentium with flux?

Apply liquid flux to your components and granules, and carefully set them up on the charcoal block. Pieces to be fused should be firmly touching each other. It is best to let flux dry before torching. Do not put any pressure on Argentium or pick it up with tweezers while it is hot, or it may shatter.

Does Argentium sterling silver tarnish?

Yes, it is sterling silver. Containing a small percentage of the element germanium, Argentium Sterling Silver is best known for its resistance to tarnishing. Its unusual composition also means that it has some special requirements when using it.

In your home kitchen, preheat your oven to 500-525° F and place finished and shaped Argentium pieces in a shallow, ovenproof dish. Bake for 90 minutes to temper and harden the metal. Remove and allow to air-cool before pickling. 7. In the Pickle