Precautions when using Argentium Silver

Рет қаралды 16,919

13 жыл бұрын

Argentium melts about 50 degrees lower than Sterling and takes longer to cool. You can see by the slight discoloration near the bead, that the heat has transferred only a few millimeters up the wire. By going back in with the flame, I can burn those oxides off and there is no need to pickle.
I've placed pieces of Argentium and Sterling side by side on my charcoal block to demonstrate the differences in melting temperature, surface oxides and roundness. You can see the sterling has a hard time forming into a sphere. The firescale that forms leaves the surface rough. The sterling glows hotter because it IS hotter. The Argentium melted at a lower temperature. You can see that the Argentium cools more gradually than the sterling because it holds the heat longer. Notice the roundness and the beautiful surface of the Argentium.
Never quench Argentium while it's red hot or cracking will occur. Simply wait a little longer for any red glow to disappear before quenching. You should always quench in water, as it's hazardous to quench in pickle.
It is important not to touch, move or manipulate Argentium when it is red hot because it will crumble. Give it time to cool a little longer than standard sterling.
When heating, your work may need to be supported or it can slump. A way to prevent this is to use a screen.
Pre-annealing and letting the metal air before soldering or fusing can keep the work from shifting or moving. The bezel on the left has not been annealed. You see the tension causes the metal to move. The bezel on the right has been annealed and stays in place.
Follow renowned jewelry instructor Ronda Coryell as you learn a variety of basic techniques in Argentium Silver - The Finest Silver. In addition to learning how to make seven different rings in this tarnish- & firescale-resistant material - you'll learn many valuable tips and tricks that you will find useful as you work with this amazing new silver alloy.
Topics Covered in the DVD:
• Basic Properties of Argentium Silver
• Fusing & Soldering
• Texturing & Hallmarking
• Hardening Properties
• Proper Finishing Techniques
• Surface Passivation
• Adding a Patina
The full DVD Techniques in Argentium - Volume 1 Basics is available for purchase now from www.rondacoryell.com!
Produced and written by Ronda Coryell (www.rondacoryell.com)
Directed, filmed and designed by Wes Clarke (www.wesclarke.com)
Copyright ©2011 Ronda Coryell Designs. Rights Reserved.
The Argentium Flying Unicorn and logo mark are trademarked by Argentium International Limited.
Ronda Coryell presents: Techniques in Argentium - Volume 1 Basics / 68 mins / Color / Stereo / Mastered in HD

Пікірлер: 8

@johnathonmullis4234 Жыл бұрын

Damn good knowledge to have especially when it doesn’t come the hard way. It would blow my mind to watch my project crack into pieces before my eyes. The first time my project slumped I could feel my heart sinking into my stomach as the ruby setting I had made turned into a piece of Salvador Dali artwork.

@silentscribes 9 жыл бұрын

these are very good things to know I feel like rio grande should have a disclaimer listing these facts... This explains a lot why things happened when working with argentium in the past.

@pearlorwin7839 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ronda for this invaluable advice

@DMain-tb8ye 10 ай бұрын

But, how do you anneal Argentina differently than 925 sterling?

@christopherlund1198 3 жыл бұрын

Hello! I am looking to do some work that requires the use of binding wires to hold in place while soldering. Argentium has other properties which are desirable for other reasons. But due to it being brittle, is it reasonable to assume I can’t use binding wire on it? Also, would it fuse to the binding wire? Thank you!

@tammygurl64 4 жыл бұрын

This is an old post so I don't know uf you'll see it but thanks so much for these great tips! I'm brand new to metal smithing. I made my first ring yesterday by fusing 10 ga half round Argentium wire. I tried to repeat the process today and it absolutely will NOT FUSE. 😭😭😭😭 Also, it's now a mess (black and dirty but will buff out). I had perfectly matching ends and achieved the orange glow but it won't fuse. Is it possible I overheated and ruined the Argentium wire? Thanks for any suggestions!

@rondacoryell 3 жыл бұрын

It it more likely you did not heat it enough. It is way beyond the initial orange glow. If you had overheated it, it would have been molten (fusing temp is only 100 degrees from molten) Hot and fast.