SHINING WAVE METALS
Strata 14K Palladium White Gold and
Argentium® Silver Mokume Gane Sheet (103-505)
Technical Bulletin
Nominal Composition:
34% 14K Palladium White Gold, 66% Argentium Silver by weight/mass.
Description:
This product was developed to take advantage of the special properties of Argentium Silver. The dark grey/white color
combination is very clear, and its warm neutral color goes well with many stones (especially diamonds) and high-karat
colored gold accents. Argentium does not form fire-scale and work hardens much more slowly than sterling, making
it ideal for use in highly wrought items subject to multiple annealing cycles. When combined with 14KPW gold the
resulting mokume-gane sheet will not discolor with heat and will be very slow to tarnish
Pattern:
The “Strata” pattern is made from “Everbright” stock. It is a fine pattern best described as a set of irregular lines running
parallel to the long edge of the sheet.
Uses:
Jewelry and other fine metalwork including flatware, hollowware and other decorative metalwork. The component
metals are not normally toxic or irritating when in contact with skin, food or drink.
Melting Point:
Starts to melt at about 765°C (1,410°F), the meting point of Argentium.
Nominal Density:
6.23 troz/cuin or 11.82 gr/cc. This figure is for estimation purposes only, as actual composition may vary slightly.
Quality Mark:
No existing category in the current quality marking system.
r iog r ande.com
800.545.6566
#RioJeweler
Working the Material
Do not hot form this material. Doing so will void the warranty.
This mokume is easily formed by raising, cold forming, die striking and sawing. This sheet will work harden quite slowly,
making it ideal for deep drawing and forging operations.
Work should be annealed after a 40% to 50% reduction has been achieved. Use a solder that flows at a temperature
lower than the melting point. We recommend using Argentium solder. Pressure or stress on this material while it is hot
is not recommended as the Argentium is somewhat brittle when hot.
Extensive stock removal is not recommended on the patterned side of the sheet, as it will change the pattern or
remove it entirely.
Annealing:
The Argentium is highly reflective at the annealing temperature, so reading the color can be difficult. The use of a flux
indicator is recommended. To do this, brush a little flux on the surface and heat evenly until the flux melts. Remove the
heat source and cool until the flux solidifies; then quench in water. The recommended annealing temperature is 620°
C (1150°F). This material may be torch or kiln annealed. A reducing or carbon-rich heating atmosphere may darken the
Argentium surface. Stains may be removed by pickling as per standard sterling.
Over annealing in frequency, time or temperature is not recommended. Over annealing can cause excessive
grain growth and significantly weaken the metal, though Argentium is less prone to this than sterling silver.
Finishing:
This mokume may be finished using standard jewelry finishing techniques. Filing, cutting or grinding will create “dragover,” and this should be removed with fine abrasives before final finishing. Heavy buffing is not recommended, as this
may smear the surface of the metal and muddy the pattern. A matte or finely textured surface will best show off the
colors of the metals in the mokume. Sandblasting or glass beading can produce interesting results; experimentation
with surface finish is recommended before determining a final form.
Etching:
Etching may be done with nitric acid or reverse plating in a silver solution. Be careful not to over-etch; experimentation
is encouraged.
Patina:
14KPW gold is resistant to most patina solutions. Argentium may be colored with Liver of Sulfur, though the action is
somewhat slower than on sterling.
Note:
Be sure to take proper safety precautions when using any chemicals or
tools. This information represents the best knowledge and experience regarding
the use of Shining Wave Metals products by their manufacturer, however
it is not guaranteed to produce an expected result and is no substitute for
experimentation by the user of Shining Wave Metals products.
r iog r ande.com
800.545.6566
#RioJeweler