Argentium Sterling Silver is a modern sterling silver alloy which modifies the traditional sterling silver alloy (92.5% silver + 7.5% copper) by replacing some of the copper with a rare metallic element called germanium.

Argentium Silver came about as the result of research by Peter Johns at the School of Art & Design, Middlesex University, United Kingdom, The project began in 1990 with research on the effects of germanium additions to silver alloys.

Germanium was discovered to impart the following properties to sterling silver:

• Firescale elimination
• High tarnish resistance
  
• Precipitation hardening and simple heat-hardening properties
  
• Increased ductility
  
• Increased thermal and electrical resistance (making alloys suitable for welding and laser forming)
  
• Environmental advantages (associated with not having to remove or plate over firescale)

Many of these properties significantly affect the traditional methods of working silver. For instance the absence of firescale eliminates tedious and time-consuming steps required by the silver worker using traditional sterling silver. It also eliminates the need for plating the final product which is often done on manufactured items because of the problems introduced by firescale. My favorite property of Argentium is its high tarnish resistence.

Tarnish resistance is of significant importance to both silver workers and the wearer of silver jewellery. The development of Argentium Silver has stimulated the industry to question the properties of traditional sterling silver and has prompted others to research in this field. This has resulted in a variety of new alloys being introduced into the market in recent years. Thus far field tests indicate that germanium is key since the improved properties of the patented Argentium Silver system have yet to be replicated by another element or combination of elements. Argentium Silver is patented and trademarked by Argentium Silver Company, UK.

Give some Argentium a try and see what everyone is talking about.