What is Argentium Silver? Is it Valuable? Does it Tarnish and is it Hypoallergenic or Not?

Argentium silver is a modern silver alloy created in 1990 by Peter Johns, a professor of silversmithing at Middlesex University in England.

It contains 93.5-96% pure silver plus germanium, making it more valuable and superior to traditional sterling silver’s 92.5% purity.

The name comes from the Latin word “argentum” meaning silver. Germanium acts as an oxygen barrier, making Argentium silver highly tarnish-resistant and eliminating the need for frequent polishing.

It’s hypoallergenic, non-magnetic (diamagnetic), and doesn’t develop firestain during metalworking. The official hallmark is a winged unicorn symbol alongside purity marks like “935” or “960.”

While Argentium jewelry exists, it’s quite rare compared to sterling silver pieces.

• What is Argentium Silver (Definition and Meaning)? Is it Real Silver and What is it Made of?
• What is the Melt Value of .935 Silver (Argentium)? Is it Worth Anything?
• Is There Jewelry Made From Argentium Silver?
• Is There Bullion Made From Argentium Silver?
• Is There Flatware Made From Argentium Silver?
• Is Argentium Silver Magnetic?
• Is Argentium Silver Hypoallergenic or Allergenic?
• Does Argentium Silver Tarnish?
  • How to Clean Argentium Silver?
• What is the Hallmark for Argentium Silver?
• Argentium Silver vs Sterling Silver- What are the Differences?
• Does Argentium Silver Generate Negative Ions​?
• Can Argentium Silver Rings Be Resized?

What is Argentium Silver (Definition and Meaning)? Is it Real Silver and What is it Made of?

Silver Argentium is a modern silver alloy that contains a higher percentage of pure silver than sterling silver (92.5% silver) and also incorporates germanium for enhanced tarnish resistance and increased durability and strength.

The name “Silver Argentium” comes from the Latin word “argentum,” meaning silver, and the addition of germanium to the alloy.

There’re three main variants of Silver Argentium with 93.5%, 94%, or 96% pure silver content.

Silver Argentium Variant	Silver	Copper	Germanium
Variant 1	93.5%	5.3%	1.2%
Variant 2	94%	4.8%	1.2%
Variant 3	96%	3%	1%

What is the Melt Value of .935 Silver (Argentium)? Is it Worth Anything?

The melt value of .935 silver depends on the current silver market price which fluctuates from moment to moment based on the demand/supply interplay.

To determine the worth of your Silver Argentium item first you need to measure its weight.

Next, multiply the weight by the silver spot price and then by 0.935 (for 93.5% purity) to get the melt value.

For example, let’s say the current price of silver is $2.5 per gram. And your .935 silver object weighs 41 grams.

The exact worth of that Britannia silver item would be $2.5 x 41 x 0.935= $95.8375

Is There Jewelry Made From Argentium Silver?

Yes, there’s Argentium silver jewelry, but it’s exceedingly rare compare to jewelry from, for example, sterling silver.

Only a few sites online offer Argentium silver, and often in limited quantities.

Is There Bullion Made From Argentium Silver?

No, there isn’t bullion made from Argentium silver. Older silver coins have various amount of silver, while newer silver coins and bars are made from .999 silver (Fine Silver), the purest silver form possible.

Silver bullion made from 999 silver is called IRA-approved silver.

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Is There Flatware Made From Argentium Silver?

Yes, there’s flatware made from Argentium silver. This silver alloy is commonly used for high-end or luxury cutlery and these pieces are valued for being low-maintenance and often dishwasher-safe.

Is Argentium Silver Magnetic?

No, Argentium silver isn’t magnetic. It’s diamagnetic.

Silver Argentium is diamagnetic because pure silver is diamagnetic, and Silver Argentium has a huge percentage of pure silver in it (93.5%, 94%, or 96%) with the remaining few percent consisting of germanium and copper.

Pure silver, copper and germanium are all diamagnetic metals making Argentium silver diamagnetic.

Is Argentium Silver Hypoallergenic or Allergenic?

Argentium silver is hypoallergenic. It’s not allergenic.

Argentium silver isn’t allergenic because this silver alloy has a huge percentage of pure silver in it (93.5%, 94%, or 96%) with the remaining few percent consisting of germanium and copper.

Germanium is hypoallergenic and silver doesn’t cause skin allergies as well. These two metals accounts for roughly 95-97% of content in the Argentium silver alloy.

The remaining copper won’t cause any skin sensitivity because it usually isn’t enough to cause a reaction.

Does Argentium Silver Tarnish?

Yes, Argentium silver tarnishes, but to a far lesser degree than most other silver alloys.

Argentium silver is more resistant to tarnishing than other silver forms because of the addition of germanium.

Germanium is tarnish-protective because it acts as an “oxygen grabber,” forming a barrier that prevents oxygen from reacting with the silver and copper, thus minimizing tarnish.

Argentium silver also has very little copper in it (3-5.3%). And copper within any silver alloy reacts with air elements, for example sulfur, causing a chemical reaction that makes silver start to darken and get an unpleasant, dull look.

Argentium silver doesn’t rust because rusting is a process that only ferrous metals can go through.

Substance	Tarnish (Yes/No)
Water	Argentium silver can be exposed to water without significant tarnishing issues, unlike traditional sterling silver. Its added germanium content creates a protective layer that prevents oxidation and tarnishing.
Fire	Argentium silver can withstand exposure to flames without tarnishing, as the germanium in its composition helps it resist fire. However, prolonged or extremely high heat exposure can still potentially cause some surface changes or damage to the metal.
Chlorine	Argentium silver is resistant to chlorine, but prolonged exposure to chlorinated water (like swimming pools or hot tubs) can still cause discoloration or damage over time.
Bleach	Argentium silver shouldn't be exposed to bleach, as bleach is a harsh chemical oxidizer that can cause discoloration, pitting, and damage to the metal's surface.
Baking soda	Baking soda is generally safe for Argentium silver and can even be used as a gentle cleaning agent when mixed with water to form a paste. However, avoid using baking soda with abrasive scrubbing, as excessive friction can scratch the metal's surface over time.
Toothpaste	Toothpaste doesn't tarnish Argentium silver. It can be used to clean Argentium silver in a pinch, but it's not ideal because most toothpastes contain mild abrasives that can create fine scratches on the metal's surface over time.
Vinegar	Vinegar (acetic acid) is safe for brief contact with Argentium silver and can even be used diluted with water for gentle cleaning. However, prolonged soaking in vinegar should be avoided as the acid can dull the finish or cause surface damage over extended exposure.
Hydrogen peroxide	Hydrogen peroxide is safe for Argentium silver and won't tarnish it.
Lemon juice	Lemon juice (citric acid) doesn't tarnish Argentium silver. It can be used briefly on Argentium silver for light cleaning, but prolonged exposure should be avoided as the acid can potentially dull or etch the metal's surface.
Makeup	Makeup products, particularly those containing sulfur compounds, oils, or certain chemicals, can cause buildup or dullness on Argentium silver but are less likely to cause tarnishing compared to some other silver alloys.
Nitric acid	Nitric acid tarnishes Argentium silver. It reacts with and damage Argentium silver, as it is a strong oxidizing acid that dissolves silver and other metals. Never expose Argentium silver to nitric acid.
Alcohol	Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) is safe for Argentium silver and can be used as an effective cleaning agent to remove oils, dirt, and residue without causing tarnish or damage.

What is the Hallmark for Argentium Silver?

The hallmark for Argentium silver is The “Winged Unicorn”. It’s typically accompanied by purity marks like “935” or “960”, indicating a higher silver content than traditional sterling.

Here’s what Winged Unicorn silver hallmark looks like.

Argentium Silver vs Sterling Silver- What are the Differences?

Argentium silver is a modern, tarnish-resistant alloy containing germanium, designed for high durability and whiteness.

Compared to traditional sterling silver (92.5% silver + copper), Argentium offers superior, low-maintenance, hypoallergenic, and firestain-free properties, making it even more suitable for jewelry than even sterling silver.

Comparison	Argentium silver	Sterling silver
Composition	93.5% silver+ 5.3% copper+ 1.2%	92.5% silver+ 7.5% copper.
Color and tarnish resistance	Argentium silver tarnishes slower than sterling silver because of less copper content and more germanium.	Sterling silver tarnishes slightly faster than Argentium silver because it contains more copper and no germanium.
Durability and scratch resistance	Argentium silver is significantly more durable and scratch resistant than sterling silver because of the presence of germanium.	Sterling silver is less durable than Argentium silver as it contains no germanium.
Cost	Argentium silver is more expensive than sterling silver because it contains germanium.	Sterling silver is less expensive than Argentium silver as it contains no germanium.
Skin tone compatibility	Argentium silver is most compatible with cool skin tones, as its cool, brilliant shine harmonizes with the pink, red, and blue undertones of cooler complexions.	Sterling silver is most compatible with cool skin tones, as its cool, brilliant shine harmonizes with the pink, red, and blue undertones of cooler complexions.
Hypoallergenic properties	Argentium silver is slightly more hypoallergenic than sterling silver.	Sterling silver is slightly less hypoallergenic than Argentium silver.

Does Argentium Silver Generate Negative Ions​?

Silver, including Argentium silver, doesn’t inherently generate negative ions in the same way that certain other materials, such as those used in negative ion generators, are purported to do.

While silver can form ions, silver ions typically carry a positive charge (Ag+), meaning they have lost electrons rather than gaining them.

Can Argentium Silver Rings Be Resized?

Yes, Argentium silver rings can be resized, often more easily than traditional sterling silver.

It’s because Argentium silver jewelry items don’t require plating and are highly resistant to fire scale. Built out of this modern and versatile silver alloy, they can be soldered and repaired, making them suitable for resizing, provided the design allows for it.

What is Argentium Silver? Is it Valuable? Does it Tarnish and is it Hypoallergenic or Not? (Conclusion)?

Argentium silver is a modern silver alloy containing 93.5-96% pure silver with germanium replacing copper, making it superior to traditional sterling silver (92.5%). The name derives from the Latin “argentum” meaning silver.

Silver Argentium is non-magnetic (diamagnetic), hypoallergenic, and highly tarnish-resistant due to germanium’s protective properties.

While no bullion is made from Argentium silver (bullion uses 999 fine silver), jewelry does exist but is extremely rare and available in limited quantities online.

The official hallmark is a “Winged Unicorn.” Unlike some materials, Argentium silver doesn’t generate negative ions, as silver ions are typically positively charged.

• Argentium 940 Silver Sheet 0.70mm- https://www.cooksongold.com/Argentium-Silver/Argentium-940-Silver-Sheet-0.70mm-prcode-CS40-070
• Argentium vs Sterling Silver: What’s the Difference?- https://www.cooksongold.com/blog/learn/argentium-vs-sterling-silver/
• Which do you think looks better in rings – Argentium silver or sterling silver?  https://www.reddit.com/r/SilverSmith/comments/114ucms/which_do_you_think_looks_better_in_rings/
• WINGED UNICORN STAMPS- https://www.argentiumguild.com/winged-unicorn-stamps
• Copper hypersensitivity- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25098945/
• ‘Halo’ Promise Ring made of Argentium silver – Yellow Gold Accent- https://argentiumcollections.com/products/promise-ring-halo-yellow-gold-accent
• Eternal Silver Amethyst Heart Drop Hoop Earrings made of Argentium silver- https://argentiumcollections.com/products/eternal-silver-amethyst-heart-drop-earrings
• Little Ballerina Blue Topaz Heart Earrings made of Argentium silver- https://argentiumcollections.com/products/little-ballerina-blue-topaz-heart-earrings
• Essential Curb Chain Necklace – 5mm made of Argentium silver- https://argentiumcollections.com/products/essential-curb-chain-necklace-5mm
• 12 Carat Lab-Grown Blue Sapphire Oval Studs with Argentium Silver Earring Jacket Set- https://monolisadesigns.com/collections/argentium-jewelry/products/12-carat-lab-grown-blue-sapphire-oval-studs-with-argentium%C2%AE-silver-earring-jacket-set