Metal Information

My Main Metals Metal What is it? Special Cleaning Instructions Argentium Sterling Silver Argentium is a fairly new alloy of silver, that is still making it's name known in the jewelry world. For a jewelry maker it has loads of benifits, but the one of greatest merrit that you the consumer will like, is Argentium Sterling takes on average 3 times longer to oxidize then regular sterling. All for a very minimal cost (usually an argentium peice will cost ~$2.00 more then a regular sterling). Storing in an air tight bag will help keep your silver looking its best for a long period of time. Also, you can try keeping some long grain rice in the bag. The rice will absorb the oxide from the silver. When the rice turns blackish switch it out with some new stuff. DON'T EAT THE BLACKEND RICE. Niobium Niobium is my second favorite metal to work with, because its naturally a VERY shiney metal. Its a very Hypo-allergenic metal, meaning anyone with any metal allergies is usually safe with Niobium. Making it a great metal of choice for pretty much any kind of jewelry. Its also considered a Reactive metal, meaning that it can be colored using the anodizing process (placing the Niobium into an electrolite bath, then passing an electric current trew the solution). The colors after being anodized retain the metals natural shiney nature and continue to sparkle in the light. Soap and water works great to get oils from our skin off the peice. Just let it air dry, or use a microfiber cloth to carefully dry. If its been anodized extra care is needed to to scratch off the color. It is fairly resistant, but it is still possible to scratch the color off Stainless Steel Stainless steel is strong, it doesn't rust, easy to keep clean. Its also got a nice weight to it. its great for more masculine jewelry. Titanium Used in Aerospace technoligy because its very light, and as stong or stronger then stainless steel. Its also very corrosion resistant like stainless. Just like Niobium, Titanium is a reactive metal, and can be anodized in the same manner, with roughly the same spectrum of colors avalible as Niobium. The only difference is because Titanium is a natural matte grey, its colors are more pastel like and slightly darker then Niobium's Soap and water usually always works, but whenever dealing with an anodized ring, extra care should be given if your not going to let it air dry, so that you don't accidently scratch off any of the anodized color. German Silver An alloy of Copper, nickel and sometimes zinc, its yellowish in color, kinda like Stainless steel with a gold undertone. Its both fairly strong and fairly corrosion resistant. Threw out the years its been used to make wind instruments, as well as the keys on other instruments. Its also been widely used as a Imitation Sterling Silver. It is not to be mistaken with real silver. Copper A beautiful Red-Orange metal. The panta caused by oxidization can leave a green residue on your skin if your skin oils are acidic, or you are in a hot enviroment. Over time the copper will turn green, Like the roof of the Canadian Parliment building in Ottawa. Other metals that can be used Fine Silver, Sterling Silver, 14K Gold Fill (Yellow, White Rose), 10K+ Pure Gold, Brass, Bronze, Iconel (super alloy), Rubber Rings (for Stretchy claspless work), Anodized Aluminum, Bright Aluminum.