You may have noticed that several items in our collections are made out of Continuum Silver. But what exactly is Continuum Silver?
Continuum Silver is a proprietary metal we have been using for many years now. In terms of make-up it contains the same amount of pure silver that Sterling Silver does, 92.5%. Pure silver is very soft so other metals, alloys, are melted into it in order to strengthen it for use in jewelry and other applications. The most common alloy in Sterling Silver is Copper. With 7.5% of Sterling Silver being alloy, it is still a soft metal that doesn't always withstand the forces it comes into contact with when worn everyday. Another negative aspect of Sterling Silver you may be aware of is how it tarnishes when left exposed to the air. The positive aspects of Sterling Silver are it's bright white luster when polished and of course it's price point. It is comparatively very inexpensive to other precious metals such as gold and platinum.
So how does Continuum Silver differ from Sterling Silver?
The answer is found in it's alloy. The main alloy in Continuum Silver is Palladium. Palladium is a Platinum group metal and as such imparts several positive qualities to the silver. Platinum group metals are known for their pure white luster and durability. Continuum Silver is tarnish resistant and also closer to the hardness of 14k yellow gold, making it an ideal substitute for Sterling while maintaining a low price point.
Not only is Continuum Silver loved by consumers, it is also loved by jewelers. It casts well, is easy to work with, and polishes up to a beautifully smooth white finish. It can also be hardened in a kiln which is a great benefit in certain applications.
Overall, Continuum Silver is a great metal with many positive attributes. It's durability, resistance to tarnish, and cost efficiency make it a choice worth considering when purchasing your next piece of jewelry.