Many people love the look of silver and sterling silver. They love the shine of it, the color of it, and the way the metal feels against their skin. What they hate is the way it may react over time and the care that is needed to keep it looking its best. If this is the case with you, Argentium silver jewelry might be just what you are looking for.
There are several different types of silver. The first is the pure metal itself. It is actually quite soft and, while harder than gold, is still not hard enough to produce durable items. Sterling is an alloy. That is, it is a mixture of several metals. In the case of sterling, copper is traditionally added to the pure metal to harden it. It scratches less and can be worked into a variety of different items that will hold up to daily wear.
When someone is making Argentium, they still use mostly straight silver. However, instead of just adding copper to the alloy, a metalloid known as germanium is added. While this keeps the same look as traditional sterling, the addition of a metal other than copper gives the finished metal a few new qualities that make it very appealing to metal smiths.
If you ask someone who loves silver what their main complaint is, it is the fact that it tarnishes. All metals react to the oxygen in the area. Copper, over time, will turn green. Because of the presence of copper in sterling, the metal will darken and turn grey at first. When it is heavily tarnished, it turns a dull, thick black. This makes it look less beautiful and less appealing to consumers. When germanium is added, the tarnish that results is a light beige or tan color that is easy to clean off with a cloth.
Tarnishing alone is not the only problem that some people have with traditional versions of this alloy. Some people may also be allergic to the copper that makes up the blend of metals. This can cause their skin to become red or to react in other ways. Many people choose not to wear this metal as a result. They may not be able to afford the high prices that may be charged for white gold or platinum. By choosing a version that is copper free, it may make it possible for them to wear silver again.
Once you know what you are looking for, you can then start searching out individual pieces. You might want to start out by checking local stores to see if they offer this different variant of sterling. Being able to try specific pieces on can be helpful since sizing can vary quite a bit from piece to piece and from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you see pieces described as tarnish-free silver, you should ask and make sure they are actually Argentium and not made from some other metal or coated to prevent tarnishing.
Once you have a few pieces that you love, you will want to keep them looking their best. While it takes less to care for them than with regular silver, there are still a few things that you can do to keep your items looking as beautiful as they day you got them. Although the metal will not become dark, oils from your skin and dirt can still build up. Wiping down your pieces with a soft cloth will clean them and keep them shiny and beautiful.
While sterling can be lovely to look at, and to wear, it can be annoying and time consuming to maintain. You may find you spend hours polishing and cleaning your pieces and this may make you not want to wear them as much. If you want the look of silver, consider this wonderful alternative to traditional sterling.
There are several different types of silver. The first is the pure metal itself. It is actually quite soft and, while harder than gold, is still not hard enough to produce durable items. Sterling is an alloy. That is, it is a mixture of several metals. In the case of sterling, copper is traditionally added to the pure metal to harden it. It scratches less and can be worked into a variety of different items that will hold up to daily wear.
When someone is making Argentium, they still use mostly straight silver. However, instead of just adding copper to the alloy, a metalloid known as germanium is added. While this keeps the same look as traditional sterling, the addition of a metal other than copper gives the finished metal a few new qualities that make it very appealing to metal smiths.
If you ask someone who loves silver what their main complaint is, it is the fact that it tarnishes. All metals react to the oxygen in the area. Copper, over time, will turn green. Because of the presence of copper in sterling, the metal will darken and turn grey at first. When it is heavily tarnished, it turns a dull, thick black. This makes it look less beautiful and less appealing to consumers. When germanium is added, the tarnish that results is a light beige or tan color that is easy to clean off with a cloth.
Tarnishing alone is not the only problem that some people have with traditional versions of this alloy. Some people may also be allergic to the copper that makes up the blend of metals. This can cause their skin to become red or to react in other ways. Many people choose not to wear this metal as a result. They may not be able to afford the high prices that may be charged for white gold or platinum. By choosing a version that is copper free, it may make it possible for them to wear silver again.
Once you know what you are looking for, you can then start searching out individual pieces. You might want to start out by checking local stores to see if they offer this different variant of sterling. Being able to try specific pieces on can be helpful since sizing can vary quite a bit from piece to piece and from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you see pieces described as tarnish-free silver, you should ask and make sure they are actually Argentium and not made from some other metal or coated to prevent tarnishing.
Once you have a few pieces that you love, you will want to keep them looking their best. While it takes less to care for them than with regular silver, there are still a few things that you can do to keep your items looking as beautiful as they day you got them. Although the metal will not become dark, oils from your skin and dirt can still build up. Wiping down your pieces with a soft cloth will clean them and keep them shiny and beautiful.
While sterling can be lovely to look at, and to wear, it can be annoying and time consuming to maintain. You may find you spend hours polishing and cleaning your pieces and this may make you not want to wear them as much. If you want the look of silver, consider this wonderful alternative to traditional sterling.
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