To the Experts on Argentium Sterling Silver
From A new ARSS user
While setting an opal in a fine silver bezel, surrounded by three
graduated sizes of Argentium Sterling Silver wire and backed by
Argentium Sterling Silver sheet the fine silver bezel shattered into
pieces like broken glass in several places. Since I was setting an
opal into a fine silver bezel, I was not using excessive force during
the setting process. I suspect that the precipitation hardening or
bringing up the germanium layer after final polishing I did for the
ARSS may have created a large crystal structure in the fine silver
but that’s just my guess. I am in the final stage of creating four
custom pieces and now am afraid to set the stones. I fear I may have
to start all over with all four pendants since I precip hardened and
cooked the germanium layer for them all – following Cynthia and
Trevor’s instructions. Has any one else experienced this or does
anyone have a more educated guess as to what has happened? I have
never had a fine silver bezel act this way before. Usually they go
down like a hot knife through butter.
Cynthia Clearwater
(a long time lurker who has learned so much from you all)
Touchstone Jewelry Design
(925) 285-0684