Argentium is a variation of Sterling Silver which has a higher percentage of Silver. It contains Silver (93.5%), germanium as well as copper. Argentium does not tarnish as quickly as Sterling Silver making it an excellent alternative for those who like a beautiful bright silver finish. This wire is made in the US.
There are a few other benefits of Argentium due to the lower copper content when compared to standard sterling silver. It can be heated and soldered and rarely develops firescale (firestain), making it a rapid and easy clean up after heating and soldering. Also, customers have noticed that there is less pitting when making balled headpins (due to the reduced copper content) leaving a nice smooth finished ball. It can also be hammered, wrapped, shaped and soldered just like Sterling Silver, and it is recommended to use Argentium based solder to maintain the same tarnish resistant properties.
Argentium has its own stamp available from the trademark owners (registration is required). However, it can also be stamped as 925 as this is a minimum silver content notation.
We stock a wide range of gauges and shapes, including round, square, half-round, bezel and twisted wires in Argentium. Here is a quick list of the gauges we stock :-
- 12ga (2.0mm) in Round wire;
- 14ga (1.6mm) in Round wire;
- 16ga (1.3mm) in Round, Half Round and Square wire;
- 18ga (1.02mm) in Round, Half Round, Square and Twisted wire;
- 19ga (0.91mm) in Round wire;
- 20ga (0.80mm) in Round, Half Round, Square and Twisted wire;
- 21ga (0.72mm) in Round, Half Round, Square and Twisted wire;
- 22ga (0.64mm) in Round, Half Round and Square wire;
- 24ga (0.51mm) in Round and Square wire;
- 26ga (0.40mm) in Round wire;
- 28ga (0.32mm) in Round and bezel (flat) wire and
- 30ga (0.25mm) in Round wire.
All precious metals are sold in one continuous piece. If you order more than one, you will receive multiple pieces of the length you have ordered.
All available stock is ready to be shipped. Order and pay before 1 pm Qld time on any business day and we will ship your order that same day. We ship Australia wide using Australia Post and to New Zealand (via the postal network).
