The London-based Argentium Silver Co. has partnered with Stern-Leach, a manufacturer of silver alloy and fabricated silver, to make Argentium sterling silver available to silversmiths, designers, and retailers. Argentium sterling silver does not need to be polished for two years and is set to replace up to 50% of the total worldwide silver market, the company says.

Argentium also says its sterling silver is firescale-free when heated, can be laser-welded in a manufacturing context, can achieve hardness levels twice those of standard sterling silver, has increased ductility, and can be manufactured using existing machinery.

AJM magazine recently announced Argentium sterling silver as its 2004 Innovation Award Winner.

For information, visit www.argentiumsilver.com or e-mail: info@argentiumsilver.com.