What Is Argentium® Silver and Why We Use It in Our Jewelry

Argentium® Silver: The Material Behind Our Work

Argentium® is a modern silver alloy and a significant advancement over traditional 925 sterling. Where standard sterling is 92.5% pure silver alloyed with copper, Argentium® replaces a portion of that copper with germanium — a trace element that transforms how the metal performs. It's the foundation of our work.

Which Grade Do We Use?

Argentium® is available in several purity grades. We work primarily with 935 (93.5% silver) and 940 (94.0% silver) — both significantly purer than traditional 925 sterling. A higher grade, 960, exists within the Argentium® family, though it is not currently available through our primary supplier. As availability changes, we'll update our materials accordingly.

Tarnish Resistance

Germanium creates a stable oxide layer on the surface of the metal that acts as a natural barrier against tarnish. No silver is entirely tarnish-proof, but Argentium® stays brighter considerably longer than traditional sterling — with far less maintenance required on your end.

Brilliant White Finish

Traditional sterling silver can develop a slightly gray or yellow cast over time as the copper content oxidizes. Argentium® maintains a whiter, more consistent color — as seen in our double link cable chain — closer in appearance to fine silver or white gold.. That brightness isn't a coating or plating; it's inherent to the alloy itself.

Hypoallergenic Properties

The reduced copper content in Argentium® makes it significantly more skin-friendly than traditional sterling. For customers with copper sensitivities or reactive skin, this is a meaningful difference — not a marketing distinction.

Workability and Durability

Argentium® resists firescale during fabrication, which eliminates a common and time-consuming step in traditional silversmithing. It's also age-hardenable — meaning finished pieces can be heat-treated to increase strength without changing the appearance. For practical purposes: it holds up well, resizes cleanly, and doesn't require rhodium plating to maintain its finish.

Ethically Sourced

Argentium® silver is produced from recycled, traceable silver — an important distinction for customers who care about supply chain transparency. We do too, which is part of why we've built our work around this material.

The Winged Unicorn® Hallmark

Authentic Argentium® silver carries the Winged Unicorn® hallmark — a registered trademark of the Argentium Silver Company. We are a registered Argentium® partner, authorized to use this mark on our finished pieces — see it on this oval chain necklace. When you see it, it's a verifiable indicator of material authenticity, not just a design element. 

Why This Material, For This Work

The practical advantages of Argentium® align directly with what we're trying to make: jewelry that holds up over time, stays beautiful with minimal effort, and is made with materials we can stand behind. That's the short version of why we use it — and why we don't plan to change.

See it in finished work — browse our Earth Elements Collection or Chains & Necklaces.