Newsletter | November 2023 | Volume 23, Issue 11 |
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Hey there, 🌟, Deck the halls with boughs of silver! 🎄 We're ringing in the festive season and hoping your workshop is buzzing with the sweet sound of success, overflowing orders, and that special holiday magic. 🌟 What's twinkling in this month's newsletter? |
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A glittering hello to the newest stars in our guild family! 🌌 Artisan Spotlight: Dive in and get dazzled by the brilliance of one of our guild's gems. 💎 Want to become an Argentium guru? Check out our sizzling tips and tricks for using Argentium's latest addition, Masking Mud. 🔥
So, put on your elf hat, grab a cup of cocoa, and let's jingle all the way through this month's edition! Stay sparkly! 💖 Haley Green |
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We are giving thanks for our wonderful Guild Members |
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Artisan Spotlight: Veronica Moore Crafting Beauty with Argentium |
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Jewellery Journey My life has always been an adventure in creativity, a constant quest for artistic exploration. I've woven threads of innovation through various mediums - knitting, crocheting, crafting t-shirts, quilting, and pioneering my eco-friendly fashion line. When the world paused due to the pandemic, I unveiled a new chapter: the captivating world of metalsmithing and jewelry design. My |
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journey, though unconventional, was filled with a multitude of classes and hours of practice, all driven by an insatiable passion. Every piece of jewelry I create is a canvas for my ideas, a tangible manifestation of my vision. The process is a symphony of cutting, sawing, filing, shaping, texturing, and soldering, each step resonating with my spirit. This dance of creativity fuels me, breathing life into my artistic soul. And from this fiery crucible emerged Ascend Jewelry, a testament to my unwavering devotion to craft. |
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Artisan Alchemy What motivated me to choose Argentium silver as my preferred material stems from its numerous advantageous qualities. Firstly, its exceptional fusibility sets it apart, allowing for precise and intricate craftsmanship. Additionally, its hypoallergenic properties make it a suitable choice for a wide range of clients, ensuring both comfort and style. |
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The striking whiteness of Argentium silver adds a timeless elegance to my creations, enhancing their overall appeal. |
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Moreover, its ethical sourcing aligns with my values as a conscientious artisan, providing peace of mind knowing that I am using a material that upholds responsible practices. Furthermore, the comprehensive support and resources offered by the Argentium Silver company in terms of marketing and branding are invaluable. This not only facilitates the promotion of my work but also strengthens my connection with a community that shares a commitment to excellence and integrity in jewelry craftsmanship. These combined attributes make Argentium silver an indispensable choice in my creative process. |
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There is no question that one of the star qualities of working with Argentium is its fusibility, but what if you have a piece that requires pinpoint accuracy? Previously, it came down to trial and error, now it comes down to using Argentium Masking Mud by Ronda Coryell. |
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Argentium Masking Mud by Ronda Coryell is an anti-fusing agent that helps ensure a crisp, clean fusion when soldering or fusing Argentium and other metals. The mud protects the metal adjacent to the area to be joined so that the joint is precisely—and only—where you want it. The mud also serves to prevent the adjacent metal form or structures from distorting under the heat of the soldering/fusing flame. |
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Mixing the Mud Mix 1 scoop of Masking Mud powder with a few drops of water to desired consistency. Thinner consistency for items like chains Thicker consistency for items like bezels
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Using the Mud Apply flux to the area to be joined Allow flux to dry fully Apply a thin coat of the mud to areas that you do not want to fuse or solder. Apply heat to solder or fuse Allow item to cool Remove the masking mud with water and a soft brush
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This masking mud works well for gold, silver and non-ferrous metals. |
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New Product 🌟Argentium Silver Masking Mud🌟 |
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This masking mud is an anti-fusing agent that helps ensure a crisp, clean fusion of metal parts when soldering or fusing them together. The mud protects the metal adjacent to the area to be joined so that the joint is precisely—and only—where you want it. The mud also serves to prevent the adjacent metal form or structures from distorting under the heat of the soldering/fusing flame. This masking mud works well for gold, silver and non-ferrous metals. Made in the UK. | | |
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Question: I noticed that your care instructions advise against using traditional silver dip solutions. I was wondering if you can advise on the reason or if there are any Argentium approved dip solutions that could be used. The reason why I am asking: some of our designs are intricate; hence, a dip solutions will be the only way to truly restore the piece if tarnished. - Janina |
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Answer: We have been cautious about recommending the traditional silver dips because some are quite harsh and not pleasant to use. However new products are now coming on to the market which are milder. Have you seen this cleaning product range - https://www.cleanandcarecleaner.com/ The two products that are worth trying are their Silver Jewellery Cleaner and their Gentle Jewellery Cleaner. The Gentle Cleaner may be better if the pieces are set with soft stones. Rio Grande also sell the Clean + Care product range. A tip about finishing your Argentium to obtain the maximum tarnish resistance. Two things that make a difference in my experience. First if possible heat harden to obtain a surface that will be more durable. Second, remove all grease from the surface using two separate ultrasonic solutions. One to remove the heavy grease from the buffing compounds and the other to provide the final grease free surface. Question: Can I buy Argentium silver in Vietnam? - Faldo Answer: Legor SpA an Italian company manufacture Argentium alloys and distribute them as casting grain throughout the world. https://www.legor.com/en-us/ Legor are represented in Vietnam by IBC trading. If you require solder, findings, chain and other Argentium products please let me know your requirements. |
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Don't forget about the 'Year of the Dragon' competition Find out all the details over on the Argentium Blog | | |
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What to expect in the December Issue |
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Gemstone of the Month Artisan Spotlight Fusing Argentium Expanded Findings Collection 2024 Predictions |
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For all of our new and existing Members... We love to see and share your work. Please send us some photographs to display in our online gallery, together with a link to your website or social media. Would you like to be featured in an upcoming newsletter? Or perhaps you have a question for our Argentium experts. Get in touch, we would love to chat ! Not a member? Join today - Click Here |
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