Argentium: The New Silver Alloy
Handmade argentium paper-clip-chain necklace.
One of my favorite materials to work with is a relatively new alloy called Argentium silver. Argentium's alloy formulation has recently been update from 93% to 94% silver, which means it has a higher silver content than sterling, which is only 92.5% silver. Having a higher fine-silver content means Argentium silver has an even greater tarnish resistance and increased hardness and durability than sterling.
Handmade argentium-chain necklace.
Another wonderful quality of the new alloy is that it can be fused together (and to high-karat gold) easily. This feature allows me to make near-seamless links in chains.
Therefore, anytime you see "930" or "940" stamped jewelry, know that it is made with Argentium, which is more "silver" than even sterling silver (925) metals. It's one of my favorite metals to use with which to create your handmade pieces.
