This Argentium technical bulletin is all about the importance of hardness... We look at how to achieve strong, durable Argentium Silver jewellery by oven baking and explain the science behind this simple, low temperature heat-hardening process.

 RECIPE FOR ARGENTIUM HARDNESS 

Ingredients: Argentium item

You will need:

- A kiln or domestic oven

- Oven-proof / perspex dish

- Oven gloves

- Cup of tea of coffee while you wait

Oven temperature: 300°C / 572°F (or as hot as your oven will go)

Cooking time: Minimum 90 minutes

Instructions:

Heat-harden your Argentium piece just before applying final polishing and finishing.

Place your Argentium piece on a clean, oven-proof/perspex dish and place in a clean pre-heated oven for a minimum of 90 minutes then... 

a) remove items from the oven and allow to cool in air, or

b) for a slightly greater hardness - turn the oven off and leave the items to cool slowly inside the enclosed oven.

If your baked Argentium jewellery looks a little discoloured, simply place in a warm pickle solution, rinse with water and then apply the finish of your choice.

THE SCIENCE BIT

So what is happening inside our Argentium Silver jewellery when we are baking it using the above instructions? 

Did you know that traditional sterling silver has to be initially heated to a high temperature of 750°C / 1380°F and immediately quenched in water before it can be heat hardened!... This is not good news for delicate or soldered pieces.  In contrast, Argentium's low-temperature heat treatment does not require an initial high temperature heating/quenching step, making it a practical and simple solution to hardening any item - even jewellery that has been soldered!

HOW HARD CAN IT BE?

“Is Argentium really strong enough to hold stones in place?”

“Is Argentium suitable for engagement rings?”

“Will my Argentium jewellery endure the test of time?”

At Argentium, we are often asked questions about the hardness properties of our silver. The following testimonial beautifully demonstrates the benefits of Argentium's strength and durability.

Clare's Ring

A few years ago, the diamond in my platinum engagement ring became loose, and after explaining my disappointment to a friend (who works in the jewellery trade), he very kindly sent me an Argentium ring, set with a pretty moissanite stone, to wear while I was having my ring repaired.  Well, after a few months of wearing the Argentium ring, I had grown rather fond of its design, bright colour, and the moissanite stone just sparkled so much more than my own diamond - I guess I liked it so much that 4 years later, I still haven’t got around to having my engagement ring repaired (let's not tell my husband!).  Here are a few things that I have noticed about my Argentium ring… 

Such a pretty colour

Sitting next to my platinum wedding ring, the colour of the Argentium surface is quite striking – very bright, with a rich lustre.  The ring’s colour has never diminished, and it really compliments the stone.  It has a natural glow!

Excellent surface quality

I have been somewhat impressed at how my little ring has retained a lovely finish. There is the expected amount of surface wear, which looks about the same as my platinum wedding ring (worn on the same finger), however the Argentium ring hasn’t developed the same lack-lustre, satin finish as my platinum ring - the surface is shiny and still looks polished.

I think I'll have to wait a little longer to get my old engagement ring repaired!

We would love to hear your Argentium experiences - please do get in touch if you have a story to share: info@argentiumsilver.com

See our growing range of Argentium Silver products on our Guild website.