[Jewelry making - Article 00376] - Re: [Orchid] Platinum enhanced sterling?

[Victoria Lansford]

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>     I have never seen any literature referencing electrum to Ancient
>     Egypt. Can you provide some sources on the subject. 

    Check out Egyptian Metalworking and Tools by Bernd Scheel, published
    by Shire Egyptology. 

    Below several links that reference Electrum in ancient Egypt. Because
    silver was very rare, electrum was considered even more precious than
    gold. When naturally occurring, the alloy was found in varying
    ratios, creating a range of slightly different colors. Most sources
    indicate that the alloy was made with more than 20% silver up to 50%
    silver. (It's important to keep in mind that amber comes in range of
    colors too, and so such a color description can't be exact.) 

    A great image of an electrum and gold necklace, showing the contrast
    in colors: 

    http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/images/h2/h2_25.3.253.jpg 

    Magazine cover, with an electrum ring, featuring Nefertiti:
    http://www.egyptology.com/kmt/winter2001_02/front.jpg 

    Brief descriptions of electrum:
    http://nefertiti.iwebland.com/trades/metals.htm
    http://info.goldavenue.com/Info_site/in_arts/in_civ/in_civ_egypt.html
    http://tinyurl.com/2b3gxq 

    Not a particularly scholarly sight, but features a photo of
    naturally occurring electrum taken from the wonderful but
    out-of-print book, The Emergence of Man: The Metalsmiths, 1974 

    http://www.mythinglinks.org/T_LGoldSilverElectrum~r20.JPG 

    Hope this helps. 

    On another note, I think I missed how this thread went from
    "Platinum enhanced sterling" to being about electrum, but I seem to
    recall Nanz mentioning the article about in Art Jewelry last winter.
    Can't remember if I've mentioned it, but just in case, I've worked
    with the new Sterling-Platinum from ABI, and it's a really great
    alloy. Works like sterling but work hardens to give a stronger
    structure that is great for filigree when white metal is desired at a
    much lower cost than white gold. The color and finish are (forgive
    the technical term) rather yummy. 

Best wishes,
Victoria

Victoria Lansford
http://www.victorialansford.com
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