What Is Argentium Silver?
If you've ever wondered why some silver jewellery tarnishes quickly while other pieces stay bright for years, the answer often comes down to the alloy. Argentium silver is a modern silver alloy that contains a small amount of germanium in place of some of the copper found in traditional sterling silver. This seemingly small change makes a significant difference to how the metal looks, wears, and ages.
Argentium silver contains at least 93.5% pure silver (compared to sterling's 92.5%), and it is the inclusion of germanium that gives it its exceptional properties.
Argentium Silver vs Sterling Silver: Key Differences
Tarnish Resistance
This is the most significant advantage. Sterling silver tarnishes because the copper in the alloy reacts with sulphur in the air, forming a dark layer of silver sulphide on the surface. Argentium's germanium content dramatically slows this process — meaning your jewellery stays brighter for longer with far less maintenance.
Hypoallergenic Properties
Many people who experience skin reactions to silver jewellery are actually reacting to the copper in sterling silver rather than the silver itself. Because Argentium contains significantly less copper, it is considered hypoallergenic and far better suited to sensitive skin.
Hardness & Durability
Argentium can be precipitation-hardened — a heat treatment process that increases its hardness — making it more resistant to scratches and dents than standard sterling silver. For everyday jewellery like rings and bracelets, this means greater longevity.
Purity
With a minimum silver content of 93.5%, Argentium is actually purer than sterling silver (92.5%), giving it a brighter, whiter appearance that holds its colour beautifully over time. The latest Argentium alloy now achieves 94% silver content, making it even purer and brighter than ever before.
Sustainability
Argentium silver is produced using recycled silver, making it a more environmentally considered choice for ethically-minded shoppers.
Why Fate Jewellery Uses Argentium Silver
At Fate Jewellery, we made a deliberate choice to work with Argentium silver rather than standard sterling. As a jeweller who cares deeply about quality and longevity, we wanted our pieces to be as enduring as the moments they mark.
Argentium's superior tarnish resistance means your jewellery will need less polishing and maintenance, its hypoallergenic nature makes it accessible to more people, and its bright white finish complements our gemstones — from the ocean blues of Larimar to the shimmer of Labradorite — beautifully.
Every piece we create is handcrafted, and working with a premium alloy like Argentium is part of our commitment to making jewellery that lasts.
How to Care for Argentium Silver
While Argentium is far more tarnish-resistant than sterling, a little care will keep it looking its best:
- Clean with a soft cloth — a gentle polish after wearing removes oils and keeps the surface bright
- Store in an airtight pouch or box — minimising air exposure further slows any tarnishing
- Avoid harsh chemicals — remove jewellery before using cleaning products, bleach, or swimming in chlorinated water
- Avoid prolonged sunlight — especially important for pieces set with gemstones
If your Argentium piece does develop a light tarnish over time, a gentle silver polishing cloth will restore its brightness quickly.
Shop Argentium Silver Jewellery
Explore our handcrafted collection of Argentium silver jewellery — from minimalist pendants and pebble studs to gemstone-set rings and necklaces.
