Argentium is a relatively new silver alloy created in 1996 by Englishman Peter Johns. The result was 935 sterling silver, which has additional advantages besides the well-known advantages of the classic precious metal. Where normal silver tarnishes and forms dark spots, i.e. needs to be repolished from time to time, Argentium always remains shiny and bright. The reason that blue silver (copper(II) oxide) no longer appears on the sterling silver is that with Argentium the element Germanium has been added to the alloy. Germanium replaces 1.2 % of copper and prevents the combination of oxygen and copper that causes the black spots on the precious metal. Argentium's properties make it suitable not only for the production of conventional jewellery with a more durable character, it can also be used in mechanical work and is also used in casting processes. Argentium is up to 70 % easier to shape and has good ductility and tensile strength. The alloy is suitable for welding and also enamelling work. The very bright, almost white colour also makes it a handsome jewellery material.
