Argentium Sterling Silver is a modern sterling silver alloy which modifies the traditional alloy (92.5% silver + 7.5% copper) by replacing some of the copper with Germanium. As it retains the same 92.5% silver content, it is still sterling silver.

 Germanium is a crystalline semi-metallic element which is found naturally in small amounts in silver, copper and zinc ores, as well as in the mineral, germanite. The germanium forms an invisible film on the surface of silver alloy. This film prevents oxygen from reaching any tarnishable metals, such as copper, employed to harden the pure silver.

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

1. High tarnish resistance(An excellent selling point for your silver jewellery)
2. Firescale elimination
3. Increased ductility
4. Increased thermal and electrical resistance (making alloys suitable for welding and laser forming)
5. Environmental advantages (associated with not having to remove or plate over firescale)

 The absence of firescale eliminates time-consuming steps required by the silversmith when working with sterling silver

Argentium Silver is the result of research begun in 1990 and perfected in 1996 by Peter Johns at the School of Art & Design, Middlesex University, England. The University owns the patent and licenses its production. Argentium Silver is patented and trademarked by Argentium Silver Company, UK..

As for working with Argentium Sterling, artisans who forge and weld sterling need to be aware of certain differences between Argentium and traditional sterling silver (e.g. lower melting point), but those who merely incorporate Argentium findings or wire into their jewelry will not find it any different to work with. 

 Argentium wire it is a bit stiffer than sterling silver. So if you make wirework jewellery it is recommended you use dead soft Argentium wire.

 Links about Argentium silver:

Official website:

• http://www.argentiumsilver.com/availability/suppliers
• http://www.argentiumsilver.com/availability
• http://www.argentiumsilver.info/index.php/questions-answers
• Email: info@argentiumsilver.com

 Useful links:

• http://www.argentiumsilverfindings.com/index1.html
• http://www.gsgold.com/cart/idxargentiumssmillproductsandfindings.asp
• http://argentiumfindings.com/
•  Argentium silver findings and wire from Rings & Things
• http://www.thebeadman.com/JRargentium.html

                                                                                                                                                                                        This weeks feature is on Beadwork: find all about beadwork weaves

and stitches from Emma Warrillow, an Australian living in England

and has been beading for many years; as well as beadwork she has

dabbled in wirework and bead stringing.

Visit her Website/blog:   http://glitterglowbeading.com/

 Gallery: http://glitterglowbeading.com/?page_id=389

Learn how to do netted beadwork, peyote stitch, brick, herringbone as well as

right and left angled weaves, (scroll down the page to ‘Learn Beadwork Links’ )  

http://www.squidoo.com/learnbeadwork

 Free Beading Tutorials          http://glitterglowbeading.com/?page_id=380

Beading Forums and Groups      

http://glitterglowbeading.com/?page_id=385

 Beading Book Authors and Their Books     

http://glitterglowbeading.com/?page_id=378

A handy list of chainmaile and wire wrapping resources from Longcanyon.com

 Includes how to make jump rings, recommended ring sizes for chainmaile weaves, aspect ratio of jump rings, and wire gauge charts.  

Longcanyon.com/Resources

Here’s a great list of video tutorials on essential jewellery making tools from Connie Fox at http://www.jatayu.com/

Connie Fox – Video Jewelry Tutorials

 For making chainmail click on the Wire Winder link  

Check out these four best chainmaile sites on the Net:

M.A.I.L. – Maille Artisans International League – Articles

CGMaille.com – Chainmaille Tutorials & Graphics

Spiderchain – Links

Chainmailbasket.com -index

Learn how to make Spiral Pattern, European 4 in 1, Byzantine and half-persian chainmail.

Jewellerymaker’s Chainmail video collection