As you would expect, Argentium is more expensive than standard sterling silver and, because the benefits are largely technical rather than visual, it takes a deeper level of understanding from buying customers to fully appreciate the product – to all intents and purposes, a display of Argentium jewellery will look very ...

Is argentium silver worth anything?

Why Is Argentium Worth More than Sterling Silver? Argentium is worth more per weight unit because it contains germanium, not copper. Germanium is currently trading at a price of about $1,800 per kilogram, which translates to $1.80 per gram. In contrast, copper is currently selling for only about $0.0046 per gram.

What is the difference between argentium and sterling silver?

Sterling silver is a silver alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. The copper makes the silver harder and more durable but also causes the silver to tarnish over time. ... Argentium sterling silver is at least 92.5% silver and a combination of copper and germanium. Argentium sterling silver does not tarnish.

What is the most expensive kind of silver?

Argentium is significantly more expensive than sterling and less readily available. It is difficult to distinguish from sterling once on the market because the quality stamp is still . 925.

Which is the best quality silver?

999 silver jewelry is the closest you'll get to pure silver. It's called . 999 silver because it's technically 99.9% pure silver! This type of silver is the highest quality silver you can buy.

Argentium Silver v. Sterling Silver

26 related questions found

What is the purest silver you can buy?

Fine silver – (99.9% pure) The purest silver on the market. It is extremely soft, is beautifully malleable and solders easily with minimal tarnishing.

Why is 925 silver so cheap?

Sterling silver is much cheaper than costlier metals such as gold, and yet, fake imitations of sterling silver jewelry are wildly sold in the market. ... A jewelry is considered to be fine silver if it contains 92.5% (or more) of pure silver but pure silver is too soft to be used without another metal.

Is 999 fine silver worth anything?

999 fine silver and is considered good, legal tender with a face value of $1.00. Another example of an iconic silver coin produced by one of the most respected mints anywhere is the 1 ounce Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coin.

What is argentium silver made of?

Argentium is 93.5% silver, 5.5% copper and 1% germanium. When a sterling silver piece tarnishes, it's because the copper in the alloy is reacting to the air and turning colors.

What type of silver does not turn your finger green?

It is 925 Sterling silver. 925 silver will never turn your finger green or any other color.

Is Argentium silver better than white gold?

Brighter than white gold, sterling silver, and platinum, Argentium Silver is the whitest metal with the longest-lasting shine. ... In fact, Argentium is approximately 4.5 times brighter and twice as white as traditional sterling silver. Metals are regularly tested for “tarnish resistance” in the jewelry industry.

Does Argentium silver scratch easily?

Like traditional Sterling Silver, it can be work hardened. Additionally it can be hardened by a simple, low temperature heat treatment. ... This process improves the hardness of Argentium Silver considerably, giving it excellent durability and greater scratch resistance.

How do you clean Argentium silver?

To maintain the shine and luster of Argentium silver simply wipe away any dust or finger marks with a soft cloth. Wash more intricate pieces in warm soapy water; rinse and dry immediately with a soft cloth to avoid water marks.

Is Argentium silver good for rings?

Argentium silver rings are also significantly more durable than sterling silver rings. Even though it is much harder than regular sterling silver, Argentium silver is also more malleable and ductile. Argentium silver lends itself well to a variety of designs and is an excellent setting for gemstones like diamonds.

What does 930 mean on jewelry?

It comes in two grades, either containing 93.5% or 96% silver. Argentium is patented and trademarked by the Argentium Silver Company, who uses 'ARGENTIUM®' or a detailed 'flying unicorn' symbol to mark its authenticity. When hallmarked, the 93.5% grade is still classified as sterling silver and is stamped with 930.

Is Argentium silver hypoallergenic?

Argentium is hypoallergenic because it uses germanium for a hardener. ... (WebMD) There are some reports that even people who have allergic reactions to non-nickel sterling silver and lower-karat gold can wear Argentium silver with no problems!

Can you solder Argentium silver?

Although traditional silver solders can be used, I recommend using Argentium sterling solders. Since they contain germanium, they match the color better and tarnish less than regular silver solders. ... Use medium, easy, and extra easy traditional silver solder to get used to the different torch control needed.

How do I get Hallmark silver Argentium?

Remember that this contains 93.5% pure silver and 6.5% alloys (with superior Germanium replacing some of the copper). Whilst containing more pure silver than sterling silver, Argentium 935 is permitted to use the 925 Sterling Silver hallmark. The addition of the winged unicorn signifies it is Argentium Silver.

Does Argentium sterling silver turn your finger green?

If I wear a sterling silver ring, I never had that problem. But some people (and it's not really that common) can experience the green finger phenomena with sterling silver and even low karat gold alloys. That does not mean the ring is cheap. It just means that person reacts to the metal in some way.

How much is a 1 oz silver dollar worth?

The current ask purchase prices for a one ounce Silver American Eagle is: $29.62. The best reference for today's up to date prices for American Silver Eagle Coins is above. For a comparison of Silver Eagles prices to other silver coins, refer to Monex' Live Prices page.

Is 950 silver worth more than 925?

Sterling silver (925): This is the standard for silver, identifying a silver item that is at least 92.5% silver mixed with copper to give it strength. Marks on these pieces include 925 or Sterling. Any mark indicating a higher silver content, such as 950, would also qualify as sterling.

Is Italy 925 real silver?

925 Italy is an engraved stamp used to show that a piece of jewelry was made in Italy using at least 92.5% pure silver. Pure silver is very soft, which is why jewelry makers don't use 100% pure silver. ... The other 7.5% can be made of copper, alloy, zinc, platinum, or other common metals used in jewelry.

Does silver turn green?

Moisture in the air or on the skin can react with the copper present in all Sterling Silver jewelry, causing a green discoloration. This is a fairly common complaint in hot, humid climates and can also affect individuals with particularly moist skin. Solution: Using a silver cloth, polish your jewelry frequently.

What does 925 mean?

925 is the standard hallmark for sterling silver, and sterling silver is one of the most common places you'll see it. The other way to read 925 is 92.5. It shows that the piece of sterling silver is 92.5 % pure silver and 7.5 % alloys. That is an acceptable quality of sterling silver.