Anti-Tarnish Silver

Question: Where can I buy sterling silver and silver plated findings and chain that will not tarnish?

I’m tired of my silver turning yellow in a year.

Answer:

Sterling silver will always tarnish eventually if left to the open air. You can prevent your sterling from tarnishing by keeping it in a zip-lock bag. If it still seems to tarnish, you can buy anti-tarnish paper from a jeweler’s supply.

Silver-plate- I don’t recommend silver plate- it can wear off and all your hard work will look like crap (pardon the potty-talk).

Another alternative is to buy argentium silver instead of sterling. Argentium silver is a new silver alloy that is being marketed as anti-tarnish silver.

Some Background

Sterling silver is an alloy – It is 92.5% silver, and 7.5% copper. The copper gives the silver strength but all makes it more susceptible to tarnish.

Argentium silver is an alloy as well. It is 92.5% silver, and 7.5% germanium. It is said to be highly tarnish resistant.

Here is some more info about Argentium silver from Argentium Silver Findings

Argentium® Sterling Silver is highly tarnish-resistant.

Since it is made to a higher standard than traditional sterling silver, Argentium® Sterling Silver is guaranteed to be not less than 92.5% pure.

Through the heat treatment process Argentium® Sterling Silver can be made nearly twice as hard as annealed standard

sterling.

The tarnish resistance is obtained through the alloying of Germanium with the silver. The result is a highly tarnish resistant material that does not require harsh chemicals to clean. If it needs cleaning it can be wiped with a soft cloth to restore the original sparkling white color. Do not use a cloth that has tarnish from conventional sterling silver as the tarnish might contaminate the Argentium® Silver.

Argentium® Silver Findings works directly with the manufacturer to provide designers and artisans with the highest quality Argentium® silver findings to create your beautiful designs that will stay beautiful for many years to come.

Argentium® Silver has been tested extensively and has been found to be highly tarnish-resistant. However, some individuals’ body chemistry may react to copper. Since Argentium® Silver does contain copper, as does conventional sterling silver, individuals whose body chemistry reacts to copper can cause the Argentium® Silver to tarnish. Individuals who react to copper should understand that there is a possibility that their body chemistry may cause Argentium® Silver to tarnish.

If you are interested in buying argentium silver wire and findings, here are some sources:

(disclaimer- I haven’t purchased from any of these suppliers personally so I can’t vouch for them. I’m just adding them in as possibilities to check out.)

Cool Tools has Argentium wire in 22 and 24 gauge.