Over the past two years I have continued to work primarily in Argentium silver. I love the process of fusing this alloy. The two cuffs above were both hand pierced (sawn) in two layers and then the layers were fused using my torch. Argentium silver is sterling silver that is alloyed with germanium instead of copper. It has a higher fine silver content than traditional sterling silver. The majority of metals used in jewelry are alloyed (combined with other metals) to create greater strength, hardness, and durability. Pure silver and pure gold are not hard enough on their own to be made into durable jewelry, so for centuries metals have been alloyed. Silver alloyed with germanium has two primary advantages: the reduction of fire scale (stain produced by heating) and greater capacity to fuse. Argentium silver has a greater temperature range between its fusing point and it's melting point, thus making it conducive to fusion. I love the fusion process because it is gorgeous and magical! When two pieces of metal are heated to the point of fusion, they become luminescent and shiny. There is a fine point at which the metals begin to glow and appear almost liquid. This point lasts for just a few seconds as fusion occurs. When it is done carefully, and not overheated, the fusion of metal perfectly joins two pieces, without either changing form. The process is delicate though, because if heated a fraction of a second too long the metal will begin to melt and the pieces will lose form and reticulate, creating misshapen pieces and uneven surfaces. Fusion is magic:)
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