Argentium® Silver
Learn about Argentium® Silver, brighter, stronger, and more tarnish-resistant than sterling. Discover its unique properties and explore my 15 years of experience as a metalsmith, Argentium Silver Guild member, and registered trademark holder (AS2408).
About Argentium® Silver
Argentium® Silver is a modern evolution of traditional sterling silver, offering enhanced beauty, durability, and practicality for both makers and collectors.
Developed in the 1990s by Master Silversmith Peter Johns, in association with Middlesex University, London, Argentium replaces some of the copper found in sterling with germanium, creating an alloy that is stronger, brighter, and more tarnish-resistant than standard sterling silver.
What is Germanium?
What is Germanium?
Germanium is a rare, silver-gray metalloid that plays a crucial role in the magic of Argentium silver. When added in tiny amounts to traditional sterling, germanium changes how the alloy behaves at a molecular level. It promotes the formation of a transparent, protective oxide layer, essentially a built-in shield that helps Argentium resist tarnish far better than standard sterling.
In its pure form, germanium was first discovered in 1886 and is valued for its unique properties in electronics, fiber optics, solar technology, and, lucky for us, high-performance jewelry alloys. Despite sounding high-tech (and it is), the part it plays in Argentium is simple: it helps the silver stay bright, clean, and low-maintenance while also improving strength and workability.
Because of germanium, Argentium offers the look of fine silver with the durability and everyday ease people love, making it an ideal choice for beautiful, long-lasting jewelry.
The Argentium Logo: Meaning & Symbolism
Argentium’s winged unicorn logo is more than just a mark, it’s a symbol of the metal’s identity. The unicorn represents purity, reflecting Argentium Silver’s exceptional clarity and bright-white finish. Its wings signify innovation and advancement, honoring the modern metallurgical breakthroughs that make Argentium stronger, brighter, and more tarnish-resistant than traditional sterling silver.
When you see the winged unicorn, it tells you two things: the piece was made with genuine Argentium Silver, and the artist is committed to working with a higher standard of craftsmanship, ethics, and material quality. As an Argentium Qualified Maker, I use this mark with intention, it represents authenticity, care, and a little bit of magic in every piece.
Argentium vs Sterling Silver
Purity
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver mixed primarily with copper. Argentium is high in silver purity, 93-96%, and substitutes germanium for part of the copper content.
Tarnish Resistant
Argentium is far more resistant to tarnishing than sterling because of germanium, requiring less frequent polishing and upkeep.
Durability
Argentium is far more resistant to tarnishing than sterling because of germanium, requiring less frequent polishing and upkeep.
Bright
Argentium has a whiter, brighter finish that reflects light more vividly than sterling silver.
Hypoallergenic
With reduced copper content and other alloys, Argentium is more suitable for those with skin sensitivities.
Eco-Friendly
Argentium Silver uses recycled Sterling Silver in the alloy, making a more eco-friendly metal.
Want a deeper dive into Argentium vs Sterling Silver?
My Work in Argentium® Silver
Since 2010
I have been working with Argentium Silver since 2010, giving me over 15 years of metalsmithing experience. It’s actually the metal I learned on, long before I ever touched traditional sterling silver alloys.
2025
In 2025, I proudly became a member of the Argentium Silver Guild, a community of makers dedicated to excellence in this exceptional alloy. My registered trademark number is AS2408, which ensures authenticity in the Argentium pieces I create.
Argentium’s strength, brilliance, and natural tarnish resistance allow me to push my designs further while offering my customers pieces that are both timeless and exceptionally high-quality. Every Argentium piece in my collection is designed to be both timeless and practical, celebrating the beauty, innovation, and integrity of this remarkable silver.
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