Heat Precipitation Hardening of Argentium Silver

One of Argentium's amazing characteristics is it's ability to be hardened in an ordinary oven.

I have preheated the oven to (220 Celsius - 500 Fahrenheit) Bake for an hour and a half and remove from oven and allow to cool slowly. (ZOOM IN) You can see that the metal discolors a bit. Pickle and they are ready for final polish.

I'm using green rouge and a soft muslin buff. Since the metal is harder than standard sterling, it will take a polish better.

After removing all the polishing compounds with soapy water, I will place them into the oven one more time to help make them more tarnish resistant by accelerating the germanium oxide surface layer.
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 (http://www.rondacoryell.com)
Directed, filmed and designed by Wes Clarke (http://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

Category:

Education

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