The Work Room: Argentium Silver
Let me introduce you to my new lover: Argentium silver.
If you are not familiar with it yet, click the link above (or the image below) to read a wonderfully informative article. Argentium is a modern sterling silver alloy that replaces most of the copper traditionally found in .925 sterling with germanium, which dramatically improves tarnish resistance.
Traditional sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. My Argentium is 93% silver, with germanium making up most of that remaining percentage. That small change makes a big difference. It tarnishes far more slowly, firescale is greatly reduced when soldering, and it feels smoother and more fluid under the hammer.
And here’s the part that really got my attention: I have extremely severe metal allergies. I cannot touch keys, coins, many zippers, most silverware, or even eat food cooked in stainless steel cookware. Nickel and I are mortal enemies. So when I read that germanium is considered virtually unreactive in the body, my ears perked up.
So far, I have had zero reaction to Argentium. None. For someone like me, that is huge. While everyone’s body chemistry is different and I would never promise universal compatibility, this is incredibly encouraging for anyone who struggles with metal sensitivities.
From a jeweler’s perspective, I also love how pliable it feels compared to traditional .925. It is less brittle, easier to fuse, and holds a beautiful bright finish. Yes, it costs a pretty penny, but in my opinion, it earns it.
If you have metal allergies, or if you simply want a sterling silver that resists tarnish and behaves beautifully at the bench, Argentium is absolutely worth looking into.
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