[Jewelry making - Article 01048] - Re: [Orchid] Argentium sterling

[Volpe, Tino]

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Janet

    One slight correction. The germanium doesn't replace the copper
    entirely. It is an addition to the alloy in small amounts. The way
    it works is that it oxidizes preferentially over the silver and
    copper and since it is a transparent type of oxide it give the
    appearance of being tarnish resistant. It is a nice alloy but does
    have some different properties you have to be aware of. The color
    spectrum is different when you heat it so you have to adjust your
    soldering technique if you go by eye to tell when the right amount of
    heat is applied. It also apparently laser welds better than regular
    sterling. We use it on some of our hollowware items and the response
    has been positive as it really reduces the amount of fire scale
    during annealing operations. 

Tino Volpe
Metallurgist, Technical Manager
Tiffany & Co.
300 Maple Ridge Drive
Cumberland, RI 02864-8707
401-288-0124


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