Collections, Materials & Craftsmanship Jenny Deans Collections, Materials & Craftsmanship Jenny Deans

The Argentium Collection: Innovation Meets Timeless Craftsmanship

My Argentium Collection brings together everything I love about jewellery making. Inspired by ancient techniques like granulation and fusing, and handcrafted in 940 silver with germanium, this collection offers jewellery that is brighter than sterling, responsibly sourced, tarnish resistant and timeless in design. Discover why Argentium is changing the future of silver.

My first inspiration came from my glamorous jewellery loving Gran. She always wore her pieces with such confidence and joy, and from an early age I admired how jewellery could become part of someone’s identity. That love of adornment filtered down to me, and I was always making things with my hands. As a child, I asked for craft kits as birthday presents and spent hours creating jewellery from beads, sequins or anything I could find. My Gran’s influence, along with a family friend who was a jeweller, led me to do my very first jewellery project at school. That was the spark that set me on the path I am still walking today.

When I went on to study at Edinburgh College of Art, I was torn between sculpture and jewellery. The jewellery department felt like home, especially when the Head of Department told me I simply had to choose the scale I wanted to work on. Jewellery, after all, is just small scale sculpture. That idea shaped the way I see my work to this day.

The Argentium Collection brings together this lifelong fascination with form and rhythm, my passion for ancient techniques, and my love of innovation.

What is Argentium Silver and how is it different from sterling silver?

Argentium is one of the most exciting developments in silver in hundreds of years. It was invented by Master Silversmith Peter Johns at Middlesex University in London. His research focused on eliminating firestain in sterling silver, and through the use of the element Germanium he created an alloy that brought entirely new benefits.

Whereas traditional sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, Argentium 940 is made from 94% pure silver, with Germanium replacing some of the copper. This small but significant change gives Argentium its unique qualities.

Argentium has a naturally brighter, whiter colour than traditional sterling silver. It is highly tarnish resistant, hypoallergenic, and requires no plating to maintain its brilliance. It is also responsibly produced from ethically sourced silver.

For my clients, this means jewellery that is not only beautiful but also practical and easy to live in. You do not have to worry about constant polishing. You can enjoy wearing your jewellery every day, knowing it will stay bright. And if you have sensitive skin, Argentium gives you the freedom to wear silver again comfortably.

The Winged Unicorn Hallmark

Every metal has its own official mark of authenticity. For Argentium, it is the Winged Unicorn. This hallmark is recognised worldwide as the sign of premium quality Argentium silver.

Pieces over 7 grams are legally required to carry a hallmark, but I often include the Winged Unicorn even on lighter pieces because I want my clients to enjoy the reassurance and pride of owning jewellery stamped with this symbol. Seeing the Winged Unicorn on your piece tells you it has been made from Argentium, not plated or imitation silver, and is part of a new standard in modern silver.

How to clean Argentium Silver?

One of Argentium’s greatest advantages is how little care it needs. Unlike traditional sterling, it resists tarnish and keeps its brilliance with minimal effort. For most pieces, a quick wipe with a soft cloth is all you need.

If you want to give it a deeper refresh, warm soapy water and a soft brush are more than enough. There is no need for harsh polishing or repeated maintenance. For my clients, this means you can focus on wearing and enjoying your jewellery rather than worrying about its upkeep.

Why Argentium fits my design philosophy

My designs are built around rhythm and repetition. I love the meditative process of creating units and arranging them into balanced, sculptural forms. This approach owes much to ancient jewellery traditions, and Argentium allows me to explore them in new ways.

Many years ago, I spent an entire day at the MET gallery in New York, absorbed in the jewellery of the ancient Mesopotamians and Etruscans. Their use of granulation and fusing was breathtaking. The techniques stayed with me, and when I received a VACMA grant I finally had the dedicated time to experiment with them in Argentium.

This alloy makes these techniques more reliable and efficient while retaining their timeless artistry. It is my way of honouring history while bringing something fresh and modern into the present. For my clients, it means jewellery that feels rooted in history yet designed for the way you live today.

The signature piece: Linear Graduated Granule Earrings

A perfect example is my Linear Graduated Granule Earrings. They combine graduated granules with sculptural rhythm, capturing the balance and elegance that run through the entire collection.

They are versatile and comfortable, the kind of piece that feels as natural with everyday outfits as it does at special gatherings. For many of my clients, they have become the earrings they reach for day after day, sparking compliments and conversations wherever they go.

Why choose the Argentium Collection?

The Argentium Collection is more than jewellery. It is the culmination of my journey, from my Gran’s influence, to childhood experiments, to art college in Edinburgh, to days spent in world-class galleries, to long hours in my studio today.

Every piece celebrates the meeting of innovation and tradition. With Argentium’s brighter colour, higher purity and responsible sourcing, combined with my sculptural, timeless approach to design, this collection offers jewellery that is elegant, meaningful and lasting.

This is jewellery to be worn, loved and treasured for years to come.

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