Argentium

[caroleallen]

What's the problem with Argentium? I tried to place an order with Cooksons today to be told that they were stopping supplying it once current stocks run out. That's really disappointing.

[mizgeorge]

Oh no!
I love the stuff :(

[ahunter]

I think the situation is best clarified in our press release of the 4th of January ie.

As of 4th January 2010, the exclusive License entered into by Cookson Precious Metals and Argentium International Ltd. to supply Argentium products was terminated by mutual agreement.

Cookson Precious Metals will continue to supply mill products with the exception of Grain until 31st March 2010 or earlier in the event that the remaining stock is sold.

Argentium International will continue to sell via a restructured manufacturing, distribution and sales network shortly to be announced.
For further information regarding Argentium Silver please visit Argentium Silver | Home (http://www.argentiumsilver.com).

[caroleallen]

The person I spoke to said Cooksons were producing their own product. Is there any information on that?

[Rob Taylor]

Info about our replacement product isn't in the public domain yet, sorry! We are still selling Argentium until March 31st though. Most products in the range are in stock. We will obviously update you all closer to the time.

[lesley]

What a flippin' shame!

[Di Sandland]

Oh, what a shame! It's brilliant to work with (once you know about the charcoal ;))

[methuselah]

Info about our replacement product isn't in the public domain yet, sorry!

Is there any update on this please? You have me intrigued...

[caroleallen]

Yes, Cooksons aren't doing it any more but it's going to be supplied by Argex in the near future.

[Nyc]

I like the metal...but what a con.

Instead of mixing silver with copper to get sterling, they simply use a splash of germanium and then charge a huge premium for the privilege. It shouldn't be any more expensive to produce than sterling, apart from, as far as I can see paying for a marketing organisation who have branded an alloy.

My hope is that at some stage we will be able to buy a 'no tarnish sterling' and the brand 'Argentium' is consigned to history. Perhaps this is the first stage of getting rid of the brand and the organisation and giving us more choice to simply buy sterling silver in a different form.

Well done Cooksons

[ahunter]

Apologies to all for the silence on our replacement for Argentium.
During June to coincide with British Silver Week and the US jewellery trade show JCK Las Vegas. Cookson will announce launch details of our new tarnish resistant Silver alloy.
More news will follow after this initial launch including products details and stock dates etc
Watch this space . . .

[Shaun750]

I like the metal...but what a con.

Instead of mixing silver with copper to get sterling, they simply use a splash of germanium and then charge a huge premium for the privilege. It shouldn't be any more expensive to produce than sterling, apart from, as far as I can see paying for a marketing organisation who have branded an alloy.

My hope is that at some stage we will be able to buy a 'no tarnish sterling' and the brand 'Argentium' is consigned to history. Perhaps this is the first stage of getting rid of the brand and the organisation and giving us more choice to simply buy sterling silver in a different form.

Well done Cooksons

I agree with you here,(although i'v enever used argentum)I've looked on ebay to buy some germanium,to make my own tarnish free silver,but it's still not cheap,that way,plus I've got kilos of silver to use up before i can think about using argentum.

[caroleallen]

Well my breath is well and truly bated, I'm watching this space and it's July now. Any news?

[ahunter]

Carol

I'll get you a full update tomorrow...
But I know our Bullion range should be arriving soon...

Adam H.

[Rob Taylor]

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new tarnish resistant silver under the brand Reflections.

Tarnish and fire stain resistant, age hardenable (harder than std silver), not technique sensitive, polishes to a bright white finish and competitively priced

Available from today in sheet (0.3-4mm), grain and wire (round, square, rectangular in various sizes). D shaped wire will be available from this Friday, a range of findings from next week and loose chain from mid August. Other products will become available throughout Q3 & Q4.

Call 08451001122 to place orders or ask any questions you may have. These products will also be available on Cooksongold in the next few days

Rob

[caroleallen]

How does it work with enamel, does it fuse like Argentium and will the wire ball up beautifully like Argentium? I'm also not sure what you mean by "technique sensitive".

Having been caught out before with Brilliante, it would be really useful if Cooksons were able to send samples to people on here, who could review it honestly for other members. Just a thought.
Until I'm sure it will do everything I need it to, I think I'll continue to use Argentium.

[Rob Taylor]

Hi Caroleallen

Like similar tarnish resistant silver enamelling is not one of it's strengths. Fusing is being tested at the moment, happy to report back on that once we get feedback. I should be able to answer the wire balling question shortly.

By 'not technique sensitive' we mean Reflections silver uses the same processes as standard silver. It can be moved whilst red hot, it can be red quenched and does not require different polishing equipment.

We've had Reflections tested by consumers and the jewellery trade both here and in the US with very favourable results against standard and other tarnish resistant silvers.

Rob

[ps_bond]

I'm also not sure what you mean by "technique sensitive".

I'd have thought its behaviour at red heat might qualify?

[caroleallen]

I'd have thought its behaviour at red heat might qualify?

I'm trying to turn being a moron into an art form and I think it's working well. Luckily there are always people who are so much more knowledgable who I can bow to.

[MuranoSilver]

Lol - far from it Carole
My technique is sometimes lacking and I was rather hoping that the new alloy
might "magically fill gappy joins", still work when I put the wrong solder on the metal
and be entirely "technique insensitive" to my midnight blunders :Y:
So disappointed to find out it's just how it behaves when "red hot" :rofl:
Nic x

[ps_bond]

I was guessing wildly. I think that there are less polite words to use for someone who *knows* that the stuff is twitchy at heat and then leaves it unsupported while torching it... :-"

Well, at least I knew why it broke too.

[MuranoSilver]

Upon "Reflections" maybe Magic metal IS what's needed :D :D
nic xx

[lesley]

It would be great to know more details of your testers' results. Does it behave more like Sterling or Argentium when soldering and fusing?

I'd love to try this especially if it fuses as beautifully as Argentium.

[Rob Taylor]

sorry haven't got the answer on fusing yet, I'll post the answer as soon as it comes in.

Rob

[lesley]

I've just seen the other thread, Rob, where you say more like standard silver - thanks.

[caroleallen]

sorry haven't got the answer on fusing yet, I'll post the answer as soon as it comes in.

Rob

How about balling? My finger is twitching over the Argex buttons as I really need some wire but I can hold off for a little while.

[Rob Taylor]

The answer I've had re: balling is it's comparable to std silver in terms of speed of balling, shape achieved, size and consistency. Before polishing, the Reflections balled wire was brighter than the std silver (which was black)

Rob

[caroleallen]

That's a shame Rob. Oh well, Argentium it is.

[Rob Taylor]

Please be aware we have not compared wire balling on Reflections side by side with Argentium

Rob

[Di Sandland]

Rob, what we need to know is whether the balls pit, as they do with sterling, or if they are smooth, as they are with Argentium

[mizgeorge]

Or if they just fall off, as happened with Brilliante ;)

[caroleallen]

I don't know why but Cooksons have sent me a dispatch note today saying they're sending me some Reflections wire and charging me for it. This is a bit of a surprise, as I didn't order any?

[caroleallen]

Oh, I've had a notification from Rob about them sending me a free sample to try. Thanks Rob. Do I ignore the charge?

[mizgeorge]

I'm feeling left out now Carole :(

[caroleallen]

Oh dear George! I'll let you all know what I think about it.

[lesley]

Oh no, we all want some now!