My new line is all sterling and I've decided not to rhodium-plate
the pieces. Any suggestions for the best (quickest, least mess)
product that will prevent quick tarnishing?
Have your new line cast or fabricated in De-Oxidizing/Anti-firescale
Sterling, this alloy contains very little if any copper, which is
what causes most of the tarnishing in Sterling, some of the
components are Boron, Indium, Silicon, and pure magic I believe. If
you like the "color" of Rhodium plated silver" then you should be
satisfied with the more modern "alloy". Also with little or no
copper, I believe there may also be a benefit of having less
allergenic reactions. No Proof on this but I have not seen as many
instances as with AG-CU alloys. For most purposes it solders and forms
like AG-CU alloy, but casts at higher temperatures, both metal and
flask temps are elevated. Bottom line is that as long as the silver
contains .925 parts fine silver, it can still be labeled as Sterling
at least in the U.S. As a matter of conscience though I stamp all of
the pieces I cast with it .925 rather than Sterling. This discussion
regarding whether or not it is sterling was an issue several months
ago on Orchid, The Federal Trade Commission simply states that any
article stamped Sterling must contain 925/1000 fine silver by assay.
It does not state that the remaining .075 must be copper or any other
material, only that the fine silver content be 925/1000.
Kenneth Ferrell
www.shadras.com
