I have tested both metals. You can see results from experiments on
my Continuum is an interesting alloy. It is fusible (similar to
Argentium) and can be torch fired using enamels. You can see these
video clips on the blog page. I but found Continuum to be harder and
not as malleable when trying to hammer. So, my thoughts were to make
a clasp with it since the hardness could be a plus in that
situation. But you can harden Argentium, so no real advantage over
the Argentium. I find Argentium more versatile and easy to use, but
it is what I am used to. Continuum is the closest alloy I have found
to the working properties of Argentium. There is a low melting
eutectic in Argentium produced by the copper and the germanium. It
is this eutectic that also causes the cracking when you try and move
Argentium at red heat and also causes the metal to sag at high
temperature. Many people consider the “hot short” cracking a defect
but it is the feature that allows Argentium to fuse easily.
Continuum does not have the “hot-short”, but does not fuse as
easily. I am still sold on Argentium as my metal of choice, but it
is because I fuse almost everything and am going to granulate or add
gold by fusing. I have tried fusing 18 and 22k gold to Continuum. It
fuses, but can peal back and delaminate when hammering. And I love
the pure white color of Argentium. But, again, this works for me
because of the type of work I do… most of which is adding high
karat gold. I consider Argentium and Continuum to be a “high karat
sterling”. Both cast well, both fabricate. Not sure what kind of
work you are making. is it sheet and wire or cast?
Ronda Coryell
jewelrystudiesintl.com