NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 2020 |
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SEASONS GREETINGS On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree... |
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How much nicer and more environmentally friendly would it have been if instead of a partridge, that gift had been something made in Argentium Silver?!... |
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In our November Newsletter we asked you what you had been creating during lockdown - we have been blown away by the responses we have received from all over the world - thank you all so very much! The winners are featured below. |
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Ian has crafted this gorgeous dog brooch for a 50th Anniversary gift. It is predominantly made from Argentium 935 Silver, with a 9ct rose gold tongue, 22ct gold collar, a dog tag engraved with the letter 'L' (Roman numeral for 50), and onyx cabochons for the nose and eyes. This brooch is a little different from Ian's fine jewellery work, which includes a very special collaborative piece, presented as a gift from the British Jewellers Association to Queen Elizabeth. |
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Ian had the honour of making the platinum and gold diamond mount for this prestigious brooch. Here is a photo of Her Majesty leaving church on Christmas Day on the Sandringham Estate, with the stunning brooch pinned to her coat. |
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Cynthia Eid is one of the Argentium Silver Guild's founder members, and has been working with and teaching Argentium Silver for many years. Her jewellery and hollowware designs incorporate tactile textures and forms, often with accents of gold. We love the organic nature of Cynthia's lockdown creation. www.cynthiaeid.com |
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"I love working with Argentium because of its color and amazing properties. You can fuse it, do keum-boo and even enamel. It feels like the possibilities are endless, which really appeals to my curious and explorative nature. During lockdown I have been drawn to exploring textures and shapes." www.tessjordan.com |
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"I love sawing and piercing, creating layered pieces like shadow boxes as well as flatter multi-layered work. Argentium Silver is the perfect metal, especially for all the fusing I do. I love that it doesn’t create firescale, it stays bright and there is no solder to clean up. I use Argentium Silver in almost all of my work." BM Charmed www.bmcharmed.com |
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Here is my lockdown story... "When Ambergris Caye (Belize's largest island) had the first reported case of Covid-19 in early March, our entire island was put on a state of emergency lock down. The island economy, dependent on tourists, came to a sudden stop and many of the island residents found themselves without a job, or way to feed their families. |
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Luckily for the community, a food bank has already been operating at local NGO Hope Haven Children’s Home and Community Center. They have been distributing food to over 2000 families since March 25, 2020. As I watched online as their many volunteers tirelessly fed the community, I wanted to contribute to their efforts, but I had lacked a spark of creativity. Their selfless efforts inspired me to make my most complicated fusing project to date. I re-imagined the 'Hope Haven' logo in a pendant and earring set and it has been donated to them for a future fund raiser. I also wanted to keep on giving to Hope Haven, and to do this I made my first collection 'Hope Is Love', with 50% of sales from this collection being donated to their ongoing feeding program." FantaSea Gems www.FantaSeagems.com |
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This Guardian Angel necklace, created for key workers during the first UK lockdown, is a reminder that you’re never alone and there is always someone in your life to draw strength from. Circinn Studio are featured in the article below - 'An Angel to Watch Over You'. www.circinn-studio.com |
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"This Argentium hollow ring would have been quite difficult to make with regular silver. With Argentium, it was possible fuse the whole piece, making it much easier. I love to create hollow shapes with Argentium, it gives you totally new possibilities, without the mess of flowing solder. I used 1.0mm Argentium sheet to give stability and weight. The result is a very strong ring, without being too heavy. Silberfeile www.silberfeile.com |
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"I've been smithing for several decades and switched to Argentium several years ago. I love it's fusibility as well as being able to manipulate it while it is super annealed. It gives me the ability to create fluidity in my designs that no other metal can do." Table Jewellery by Eve www.tablejewelry.com |
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David uses square, half-hard, Argentium Silver wire, without solder or glue! These stunning creations celebrate the beauty and form of the gemstones, in a unique and elegant style. Starchild Creations www.vibrant-life.org/starchildcreations/ |
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Angela has worked throughout lockdown and her jewellery making has been her saviour. She has enjoyed practising her Argentium Silver skills, producing pendants and rings and incorporating bezel settings with colourful gems. "I absolutely love Argentium and I am so pleased I found this wonderful product." |
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Kris carefully entwines and weaves Argentium wires to make gorgeous jewellery items. She incorporates unique, hand-selected tumbled stones, along with Swarovski crystals and beads, freshwater and cultured pearls. Slightly Twisted by Kris www.etsy.com/shop/slightlytwistedbkris |
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"Before I design I usually immerse myself in a creative process - seeking inspiration in nature's creations, abstract art or architecture. My own unique jewelry style is often characterized by mixing organic and stringent elements, while experimenting with colours and contrasting objects." William Scott Jewelry www.will-sctt.com |
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Each one of Ely's personalised jewellery items is handcrafted, with intricate details, pierced with skill and precision. Ely Gold Art www.elygoldart.com |
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"Last year, when watching JewelleryMaker TV, I came across Elizabeth Hunt demonstrating Argentium Silver. What a revelation! Who knew that you could fuse silver and that there was a material which hardly tarnishes? This had to be investigated further." |
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"It didn’t take me long to realise that, as no solder was used, this could be the perfect opportunity for a very special 12 year old to get involved. Our granddaughter was coming to stay for a couple of days before Christmas and the kits were perfect for her to make a surprise Xmas gift for her mum.
Well, another Argentium addict was born - it’s the perfect medium, under supervision, for youngsters to be introduced to metalsmithing. One demonstration from me and she was away and it wasn’t long before she had a complete set of jewellery for her mum, along with a few pieces for herself of course!
Another of my other passions is stone setting so imagine my delight when I was able to get hold of Argentium tube in which to set my pretty gems. Imagine the design possibilities of fusing tubes together. My Argentium journey continues" ...
Livon Designs www.livondesigns.co.uk |
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These Keum Boo Anticlastic Argentium earrings with 23ct gold, have been handcrafted by Deborah in her Hill Country studio, Austin, Texas. Her artisan jewelry is truly unique, and many pieces are one of a kind. Austin Birdstone Studio www.austinbirdstonestudio.com |
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Each one of Jess' jewellery pieces is meticulously cut by hand to create stunning interlocking shapes and beautiful cut-out designs. Her jewellery is finished to the highest quality. Simply beautiful! Gorjess Jewellery www.gorjessjewellery.com |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS You will all be receiving one of our new Argentium Flame Retardant Aprons. Made from quality canvas, with handy pockets and adjustable reinforced straps, this hard-wearing apron offers stylish and comfortable protection while you work. You will also be receiving a bottle of Argentium Flux, together with a handy flux dispenser brush and pipette. |
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AN ANGEL TO WATCH OVER YOU |
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We welcome Circinn Studio to the Argentium family... At Argentium, we are always looking out for new companies and artisans using our silver in interesting ways, or on new projects. We came across Circinn quite by chance on Instagram, and loved their Guardian Angel so much we asked them to tell us all about it and their business. Circinn is the name of an ancient Pictish kingdom that spanned the east coast of Scotland. So, when Charlie and Becky founded their jewellery business there, they used that name to reflect the love of history, tradition and storytelling they wanted to weave into their designs and finished pieces. In their workshop they mix CAD and 3D printing with casting, benchwork and hand-setting of gems. Every part of the process is carried out in their workshop, so that their name isn't just their brand, it's where every piece was born. About Circinn's use of Argentium... "I saw online that people were complaining of their silver jewellery tarnishing due to the alcohol gels and soaps they were using to disinfect their hands," says Charlie. "After reading about the tarnish resistant nature of Argentium, I decided to experiment with it in our castings. The results were impressive right away; this metal doesn't oxidise during the casting process at all and comes out of the investment clean and white. Once it is polished, the shine is incredible. We've replaced our silver line entirely with Argentium, and couldn't be happier with the results." |
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"The idea for our Guardian Angel came about during the first lockdown. We have family and friends who are key workers and we wanted to make something for them that would show them someone was thinking of them, and also be something that they could keep as a physical talisman. |
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Once we had made a small batch, we decided to add them to our range - so other people could send them to their loved ones. The pendant, chain and findings are all made in Argentium, so we were able to send one to my sister - a nurse, who is allergic to traditional Sterling silver." Here is a video of the designing and making process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NCYTBS6CyM |
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SPARKLING CHRISTMAS OFFER |
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We are delighted to offer a 15% discount on our Argentium round hollow shiny beads. Available in sizes 3,4,5 and 6mm. Use the code BEADS15 at the Guild website checkout. Offer ends 15th January 2021. | | |
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FREE SHIPPING ON ALL UK ORDERS OVER £30 FROM THE ARGENTIUM GUILD WEBSITE (Royal Mail - 1st Class) |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO CHRISTINE ZOCK |
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Our much loved instructor, Christine has moved to fabulous new premises in Germany. Christine will be running classes and teaching from this new location throughout 2021 and beyond. She is quite rightly both proud and thrilled by this spacious and well-equipped studio, and we wish her all the luck in the world. |
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We have collated some of the most popular questions that we are asked about Argentium Silver... 1. Why is Argentium different from other silvers? Answer: Argentium Silver contains a small quantity of the element 'germanium' - this imparts the unique and superior attributes that makes Argentium so special. 2. Which carat golds would you recommend fusing with Argentium? Answer: We would recommend 18ct and 22ct gold for fusing with Argentium. Argentium will also fuse with platinum, palladium and copper too! 3. When is the best time to heat-harden Argentium pieces? Answer: If you need to heat-harden your finished item, then it is best to do so before the final clean and polish/finish. Sometimes the heating process can cause slight yellowing, however this can be easily removed with a warm pickle solution and your finishing processes. 4. Can Argentium be classed as a 'Sterling' silver? Answer: Yes, 'Sterling' silver is required to have a minimum of 92.5% pure silver. As Argentium Silver has a minimum silver content of 93.5% pure silver, it can be classed as Sterling quality. In the UK there is also a 'Britannia' Standard, which is applied to silver alloys that contain a minimum of 95.8% pure silver - our Argentium 960 alloys surpass this purity and can therefore be classified as Britannia quality. 5. Does the Argentium flux work differently to other fluxes? Answer: Argentium flux has a number of benefits to help when fusing and soldering. It has a wide temperature 'working' range that will assist anything from lower-temperature soldering, through to the high temperature required for fusing. When you apply the flux, we recommend warming gently first with your torch, this allows the flux to settle and become sticky, allowing the components to be 'glued' into their position throughout the joining process. In comparison to other fluxes, it is very easy to clean off the Argentium flux once you have finished your soldering or fusing. 6. Do I have to pay to become a registered user of the Argentium Brand and Trademarks? Answer: No, this is completely free or charge. We simply ask for you to complete a registration form, which helps us to monitor use of our Brand and to protect our Trademarks. Registered users are given a unique registration number and have access to Argentium stamps and marketing resources. Click here to find out more. NB. For our UK customers, the Assay Offices will charge for applying the Argentium Winged Unicorn mark. 7. Is fusing like soldering? Answer: While both are joining processes, fusing enables the surface of each component being joined to actually become one single piece of metal, whereas soldering relies on using a 'filler' alloy to join components together. Unlike fusing, it is possible to undo a solder joint if needed, however fusing is a much cleaner method of joining, without the need to tidy up and remove excess solder on the surface of your piece. 8. Can Argentium be oxidised? Answer: Yes, a beautiful, dark patina can be achieved using liver of sulphur and other proprietary oxidising solutions. You can even oxidise Argentium using a boiled egg! 9. Should I use separate polishing wheels/mops for Argentium? Answer: We recommend using separate wheels/mops for polishing and finishing your Argentium jewellery. This is to prevent cross-contamination with other metals, which can diminish the tarnish resistance of your finished pieces. 10. Apart from my mops, do you need to use separate tools for Argentium? Answer: You do not need to use separate tools, just ensure that you keep your tools clean in order to prevent cross-contamination with other alloys. 11. Do I have to use a charcoal block for fusing? Answer: No, however a charcoal block enables you to work faster and more efficiently for fusing. It is also great for supporting your work. 12. Is Argentium suitable for wire wrapping? Answer: Yes, Argentium is perfect for wire-wrapping! Argentium's ductility, enables the wire to be easily manipulated and shaped, whilst its strength and ability to be work hardened and heat hardened (at a low temperature), enables the wire to hold its form and secure stones in place. Tarnish resistance will also ensure that intricate pieces retain their shine. Wire is available in a wide range of gauges and shapes. |
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TUNE IN TO NEXT JEWELLERY MAKER LIVE SHOW Wednesday 20th January |
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Join Elizabeth Hunt, who will be demonstrating techniques in Argentium and showcasing a range of new Argentium kits, including this gorgeous necklace with fused Argentium decorative components and baroque freshwater pearls. |
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SKY 674 | VIRGIN 756 | FREESAT 807 | FREEVIEW 73 |
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Question 1. Which popular Christmas beverage is also called 'milk punch'? a) Snowball b) Eggnog c) Crazy Cow Question 2. Which Hollywood actor played six different roles in The Polar Express? a) Tom Hanks b) Bruce Willis c) Jim Carey Question 3. What was the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time? a) White Christmas b) Home Alone c) A Christmas Carol Question 4. What popular Christmas song was actually written for Thanksgiving? a) 12 Days of Christmas b) Deck the Halls c) Jingle Bells Question 5. What is the best-selling Christmas song ever? a) 'Do They Know It's Christmas' - Band Aid b) 'White Christmas' - Bing Crosby c) 'Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer' - Johnny Marks Question 6. How many gifts in total were given in 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' song? a) 365 b) 358 c) 364 Question 7. Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree? a) Germany b) Belgium c) France Question 8. Who invented the Christmas cracker? a) John Watson - a 19th Century New York gift shop owner b) Mr A Joker - an 18th Century entertainer, notorious for his lousy puns! c) Tom Smith - a 19th Century London sweet shop owner Question 9. Miracle On 34th Street centres on what real-life department store? a) Macy's b) Bloomingdales c) Saks 5th Avenue Question 10. Solve this anagram for a festive Christmas message... AMETHYST CIRRUS ROOMY Answers at the bottom of this newsletter. |
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At this very special time of the year, we are sending a warm-hearted 'Seasons Greetings', 'Merry Christmas' and 'Happy New Year' to all of our Argentium family - near and far. Stay safe over the holidays and we will be in touch in January with our next Newsletter - with features, offers, tips and more. |
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ANSWERS TO CHRISTMAS QUIZ 1. Eggnog, 2. Tom Hanks, 3. Home Alone, 4. Jingle Bells, 5. 'White Christmas' by Bing Crosby, 6. 364, 7. Germany, 8. Tom Smith - a 19th Century London sweet shop owner, 9. Macy's, 10. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU. |
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