GS Metals, Precious Metals Refiner, Manufacturer, Distributor

2012-01-27T15:21:00.000-05:00

Silver-FilledProducts – Solder for Silver-Filled

"Youhave to change to stay the same". A quote by the famous abstract artist of the 50's, William DeKooning, At G&S Metals and Refiners, we are constantly seeking change tomeet the needs of our customers. Our motto has always been, "your successis our success". And it's worked!

Watch ourweb site for the latest selection of Silver-Filled products and Findings. Our Silver-Filledproducts are 1/10th weight, bonded to a brass composition. This is the samebase used in 14/20 gold filled material. G&S Metals recommends that youclearly identify the Silver-Filled. We are using a "green" label todesignate that it is Silver-Filled. It really looks great and could easily beconfused with sterling silver. Our customers have reported that they have hadgreat success with it. There has been no flaking or peeling. Yes, it is made in the USA.

As ourSilver-Filled products increase in sales, it is only reasonable to ask,"what do I use for solder"? Stay tuned for more information. Weare in the process of testing a new solder for silver-filled.

Anddon’t forget what a bargain these Findings are: visit our web site: www.gsgold.com/findings/siver-filled for pricing.

We hope these ideas will add to your 2012 sales!

2012-01-27T15:20:00.000-05:00

QUALITYCOUNTS WITH G&S METALS AND REFINERS

In this era of unpredictable metalprices, Yellow Gold Filled (YGF) products have increased in demand as jewelerssearch for a way to maintain prices and yet produce a product that is not onlyappealing to the eye but to the pocketbook as well.

G&SMetals and Refiners YGF products are 1/20^th or 5 % gold in both thewires and sheet.

This means that our YGFsheet is 5% gold (14/20) on each side as compared to many in the market whichare 5% total or 2.5% gold on each side or 1/40th.

Needless to say this quality productcosts more to make than the 1/40^th which is why our sheet prices aremore than the competition but we believe it is worth it. We also believe that your customer will appreciatethe fact that you are giving them a quality product.

2012-01-19T15:58:00.001-05:00

E BLASTS

No one dislikes receiving non-essential emails more than I do so trust me when I say that the only E Blasts that you will receiving from G&S Metals will be a special notice pertinent to business or information on market trends and new products which may help YOU in YOUR business.

So please don't unscribe unless you absolutely do not want to be informed!!

Thanks
JoAnn

2011-12-12T16:10:00.001-05:00

YELLOW GOLD FILLED COMPOSITION

14/20 wire or 1/20 Rolled gold wire is created by taking a sheet of 14 Karat Gold and bonding it through extreme heat and pressure to a core of semi-precious metal (brass). This is a very sophisticated process and only a few mills in the world do it. You should not mistake this process for GOLD PLATING. There is a very big difference. The end result is a 14 Karat tube which is strong, durable, and resistant to tarnish because of its 14 Karat. gold covering.

2011-12-09T09:58:00.001-05:00

G&S Metals aims to please!

We really appreciate our customer's comments.

"The rolled Argentium is PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am pleased beyond words.

I just got off of the phone recommending G&S to a goldsmith who I am

sure will become a good customer for you".

Best regards.

Franklin

2011-12-08T12:11:00.001-05:00

FRAUD ALERT

During the Holiday season credit card theft increases! To protect our customers, we will verify with their bank any "ship to" addresses that differ from the "sold to" address. We will not process nor ship this order until we hear from our customer and the new "ship to" address has been added to their profile with their bank.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Fusing with Argentium Silver

2011-12-06T15:11:00.001-05:00

Argentium Silver can be easily fused producing strong, clean joints with the added benefit of not having to remove excess solder or having visible solder seams on finished articles.

Tips: Do's

          Thoroughly clean/degrease sections being fusing.
           It is recommended that you apply a diluted flux to the sections being fused.
           Heat the piece with a gas/air flame and work in a shaded area (this makes it easier to
           visualise the temperature by the color/glow of the metal).
           Argentium silver will glow brighter as the temperature rises. Look for a "wet" surface
           appearance as an indication of the correct fusing temperature.

            Allow the red glow to disappear before touching or moving the fused piece.

Tips: Don'ts

            bBe careful not to touch or move your Argentium piece too quickly after fusing as this can cause brittleness. Wait until the red glow has disappeared.


Instructional DVD by Ronda Coryell are available to purchase. Please visit: rondacoryell.com.

Also check out Argentium on You Tube for more instructions.

2011-10-30T15:52:00.001-04:00

Silver-Filled Products

"You have to change to stay the same". A quote by the famous abstract artist of the 50's, William De Kooning, At G&S Metals and Refiners, we are constantly seeking change to meet the needs of our customers. Our motto has always been, "your success is our success". And it's worked!

Watch our web site for the latest selection of Silver-Filled products and Findings. Our Silver-Filled products are 1/10th weight, bonded to a brass composition. This is the same base used in 14/20 gold filled material. G&S Metals recommends that you clearly identify the Silver-Filled. We are using a "green" label to designate that it is Silver-Filled. It really looks great and could easily be confused with sterling silver. Our customers have reported that they have had great success with it. There has been no flaking or pealing. Yes, it is made in the USA.

As our Silver-Filled products increase in sales, it is only reasonable to ask, "what do I use for solder"?

Our metallurgist has recommended that you use the lowest melting solder available. The standard Easy Flow solder should work, but the Extra Easy Flow may work even better. Care should be taken not to heat the whole piece being soldered. Suggestion: try putting the piece to be soldered in wet sand to keep it cool and steady.

We are also expanding our Argentium products to include both soft and hard tempers per your request.

Thank you for all of your support and keep those requests coming.

Refining Minimums

2011-09-12T15:29:00.001-04:00

As a precious metal refiner we have had to enforce our minimum requirements for refining. Our policies are set with regard to our customer's best interest. Refining less than the minimum required may not yield enough to warrant refining and could cost you money.

We have set a Refining Fee of $50 if less than the listed weights:

Gold scrap - 50 dwt or 77.75 gms

YGF - 250 dwt or 389 gms

Silver scrap - 10 TO

Silver-Filled - 250 dwt or 389 gms

Sweeps and Polishings - 3 lbs.

Also, silver weighing less than 10 TO will be paid at 80% instead of 90%.

Thank you for your cooperation. We will still refine your smaller batches but a $50 fee will be charged.

New Web Site Design coming soon

2011-08-31T16:55:00.000-04:00

G&S Metals and Refiners is in the process of creating a new Web Site design to better meet your needs. Our new design has an updated look and will be user friendly. A couple of the new functions will be the display of the"ship to" address and the ability to save your order and return to it at a later time.

We're very excited about it and hope you will be too.

Investing in Silver Bars and Coins

2011-07-19T16:42:00.000-04:00

INVESTING IN SILVER

How much will Silver Rise?

It is hard to predict how much silver might be worth next year. However, take this bit of information into account. Last February (2010) silver was worth $16.00-$18.00 a troy ounce. Right now it is up over $40.00.

There are many factors that will contribute to silvers potential rise. First of all, the massive amount of debt the US has taken out in the past two years has caused the dollar to suffer from inflation and lose some of its value. Therefore, some people are now looking to silver to protect some of the value of the dollars they have earned. Secondly, it is a physical commodity that one doesn't have to have a lot of money to get started with investing in, so the demand for physical silver has gone up.

However, keep in mind that Silver may come down in price as well, but I don't think that will happen. As many countries have inflated their currencies with bailouts and printing more paper money, devaluing their currency and making silver and other precious metals a great way to protect ones personal wealth.

Many of our customers are exchanging their silver refining for our 1 TO bar or 1 TO coin. This is not for everyone but it’s something to think about. Our 1 TO silver bars and 1 TO silver coins can be order on our web site.

Silver-Filled Round Wire

2011-07-14T15:04:00.000-04:00

GET THE FACTS

There have been some horror stories about SILVER-FILLED ROUND WIRE! Customers have told us that it cracks when they work with it and too often has a pitted surface with some of the silver layers flaking off the core wire. It was not suitable for them to fabricate their jewelry with!

The difference between our SILVER-FILLED ROUND WIRE and this other one is that ours is made in the USA and the other one is made in India.

The Feedback that we have received from our customers is that the Silver-Filled Round Wire they have purchased from G&S Metals has been very easy to work with. As I mentioned in my previous Blog, our Silver-Filled Round Wire has a smooth and polished surface.
Our customers have found the wire to have a temper that makes it easy to fabricate with and they would recommend it.

Because it has a surface finish easily confused with Fine Silver, we have labeled it with a "GREEN" STICKER. G&S Metals appreciate your feedback and the opportunity to share it with our customers.

Silver-Filled Round Wire and Findings

2011-06-12T10:01:00.001-04:00

Silver-filled Round Wire and Findings

G&S Metals/Refining has several gauges of Silver-Filled Round Wire in stock as well the beginning of a collection of Findings. G&S Metals/Refining plan is to have the same gauges of Silver-Filled Round Wire as we have in Argentium and Sterling Silver.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, the Silver-Filled looks so good you cannot distinguish it from the other Silvers. So to prevent mixing the silvers, we have chosen "GREEN" AS ITS DISTINGUISHING COLOR.

You know that when you recieve a "PINK" LABEL on your packages, it's Argentium.

Now when you receive a "GREEN LABEL" is on you packages, it will be SILVER-FILLED.

Silver-filled round wire

2011-05-31T19:50:00.000-04:00

SILVER-FILLED ROUND WIRE IS HERE!!

And it looks terrific! You have to see it to believe it. Place your order on line or call the office for pricing, you'll be glad you did. Also, check out the silver-filled Findings.

RECOMMEND: Setting up a separate bin to identify it so you won't mix it with your Argentium or Sterling Silver. Yes, it looks that good! If you've already tried it and it cracked, you were probably using a product from India.

We look forward to hearing how you like it and if it performs for your application. You are our driving force!!

Subscribe to G&S Metal Blog

2011-05-27T15:19:00.000-04:00

G&S Metals and Refiners invite you to subscribe to our Blog. It's simple!

Visit our home page http://www.gsgold.com/ - Click on the BLOG

On the Right Hand side is a subscribe button. Click and choose your means of communication.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Argentium Casting Grain 960 vs 935

2011-05-27T15:04:00.000-04:00

Argentium Casting 935 vs 960

G&S Metals and Refiners now offers you two choices so I thought you should know the difference between them - besides the cost, that is!

     Argentium Silvers are premium quality silver alloys with exceptional tarnish resistant and firestain resistance properties, which make Argentium alloys particularly suitable for premium jewelery items. Argentium 935 Silver is a grain refined 935/1000 silver alloy and Argentium 960 Silver is a grain refined 960/1000 silver alloy which offers a very white color and high reflectivity.  Argentium 935 Silver rates high as a cast hardness making items fabricated with this alloy particularly resistant to wearing and scratching. Argentium 935 Silver and Argentium 960 Silver granules are carefully prepared by using high purity silver (99.99%) through a special deoxydizing process, a prerequisite for high quality silver jewelery production.

     Argtentium 935 Silver rates high as a cast hardness making items fabricated with this alloy particularly resistant to wearing and scratching. Argentium 935 Silver is suitable for many silversmithing applications, including investment casting in open or closed vacuum assisted casting systems and mechanical working for sheet, wire and tube manufacturing. Argentium 935 Silver can be hardened by means of a single or double heat treatment. (see Tips for Argentium on our web site: http://www.gsgold.com/)

     Argentium 960 Silver has all the same qualities of the Argentium 935 Silver with a higher silver content and is specifically suited for investment casting in open or closed vacuum assited casting systems. Many of our manufacturing castors make great acclaims to this alloy.

     The decision is often based upon the alloy that you've become accustomed to working with.

Silver Bars Silver Coins

2011-05-09T16:14:00.000-04:00

SILVER COINS AND GOLD COINS

G&S Metals uses the refining of our Silver to produce our eco-friendly products in Argentium silver, sterling silver and fine silver.

Due to the increase in the refining of silver, G&S Metals has produced 1 TO .999 Silver Bars for investment purposes. Many of our customers have chosen to have their refining returned in 1 TO Silver Bars.

G&S Metals also has investment quality .999 Silver round coins available as well. Call for stock levels and pricing.

SILVER FILLED MATERIALS

2011-04-29T10:14:00.001-04:00

SILVER FILLED ROUND WIRE

"Silver filled is similar to gold filled but made with silver. Silver (usually sterling silver) is bonded to the outside of a core of base metal. As far as I know, there is no legal standard for silver filled, although gold filled must be 1/20th 12k gold minimum. Silver filled seems to be used primarily in flatware and serving ware because the bonded coating of silver is much thicker than actual plating with silver."

Having stated the above, I’d like you to know that due to the rising price of silver G&S Metals is always working for you! In an endeavor to find cost effective materials; we will soon be offering you Silver Filled round wire in popular gauges.

Keep an eye on our Blog for the latest news regarding the addition of this new wire to our inventories. Better still, sign up on our E-blasts and receive the news even sooner.

Yellow Gold Filled Refining

2011-04-15T10:46:00.000-04:00

Yellow Gold Filled Refining

Sales of Yellow Gold Filled increase!! More sales, more scrap!

G&S Metals and Refiners refine yellow gold filled at 90% accountability.

Due to the increase in the refining of YGF,

G&S Metals and Refiners has set a policy

for Refining Yellow Gold Filled. Our policies

are set with regard to our customer’s best

interest. An amount of YGF under 250 dwt

or 389 gm may not yield enough to

warrant refining and could cost you money.

G&S Metals and Refiners charge a $50

Refining fee for under this amount.

G&S Metals and Refiners’ accountability for YGF is 90%. Because YGF is variable, it is difficult to estimate a return. There is usually a larger after melt loss in YGF than in karat gold which contributes to its variance. YGF traditionally assays between 2% and 4%. With a small amount of YGF, our customer could end up owing G&S Metals and Refiners money.

We welcome your Karat scrap, Silver scrap and YGF Scrap. Visit our web site www.gsgold.com for more details and our quick turn around policy.

Dental Scrap Metal Refining

2011-02-17T16:54:00.000-05:00

DENTAL SCRAP METAL REFINING

G&S Metals and Refining has enjoyed a long-time relation with the dental profession. In the 1970’s principals of G&S Metals and Refining were successfully involved in R&D wth the Dental Dept. at the University of Michigan. In the 1980’s G&S Metals and Refining developed their own alloys for the dental profession which we still sell today.

It soon became apparent that dental professionals needed a reliable refiner to process their scrap. A Refiner who not only is an expert in refining but one with knowledge of dental scrap. G&S Metals and Refining has been refining for the Dental Profession for the past 30 years.

Managing your scrap is an important asset to your lab and refining it with a refiner who understands dental scrap will give you higher yields.

G&S Metals and Refiners accountability is:

95% on Gold

85% on Palladium

90% on Silver

Our processing schedule for Dental Scrap is 1-2 days.

It pays to Refine with an expert in your field.

Silver Wire Wrappers Discoloration

2011-02-15T15:09:00.000-05:00

SILVER WIRE WRAPPERS’ DISCOLORATION

Are you experiencing discoloration?

     We have recently had several inquiries from sterling silver and argentium wire wrappers into the discoloration of their work. Our customer wrote that she has been using our Argentium Silver for as long as we have been selling it. She crafts jewelry and when she sells it to her customers, she includes care instructions. She does not solder or heat the metal in any way. She simply uses the wire to hold the setting in place.

     Therefore, it was perplexing when she received a complaint from her customer that there had been some discoloration to her jewelry. The customer was certain she had followed the care instructions. She attempted to clean the piece with a soft polishing cloth which returned the silver to its shiny state without any dulling affects except that there was a slight coppery discoloration and it no long looked like white silver.

     G&S Metals and Refiners discussed this issue with our metallurgist. Judging by the description, the coppery surface suggested to him that there had been some form of chemical attack. This could be something as simple as a perfume or hand-cream residue which might have been left on the piece before it was placed in storage. Since hand cream contains folic acid; this is a very plausible explanation.

Washing your hands will not only keep you healthy but will keep your pieces of jewelry from discoloring.

Silversmith Guild Tours G&S Metals and Refiners

2011-01-27T13:19:00.000-05:00

G&S Metals and Refiners hosted a tour for the Michigan Silversmith Guild prior to their Annual Holiday celebration in January.

The staff of G&S Metals and Refiners diligently prepared their presentations for their designated area prior to the tour. The attendance was very good necessitating dividing the group into smaller groups to facilitate traffic flow. The smaller groups also allowed for more informal discussions and an opportunity to ask questions.

The Refining area, where no one is usually allowed, generated the greatest interest. Explanations of the refining process both for silver and gold solids, filings and polishings were given by the G&S Metals and Refiner's lab techs.

It was a pleasure hosting the tour for the Michigan Silversmith Guild and we wish them the best of the New Year.

Join Our Mailing List

2010-12-20T15:52:00.001-05:00

Join Our Mailing List

If you are already a customer of G&S Metals and Refining, we have your email address but we’d like it again. This is a communication tool we’ve set up to service you better. You will NOT receive weekly e-Blasts to clog your emails. We have no time for that. However, by adding your email to: Join Our Mailing List located under our Refining Ad, you will be first to get updates.

Join Our Mailing List

Email

powered by Rate Point

E-Blasts will be reserved to update you on New Items, newly developed technical data, Refining information and ideas on marketing and “hot” selling items.

Because you, our customer, are our driving force; we want to be able to answer your questions expeditiously and assist you in every way that we can.

Your emails will be secure. G&S Metals and Refining never shares your email.

Eco-Friendly Jewelry

2010-12-17T10:58:00.000-05:00

ECO-FRIENDLY JEWELRY

Responsible jewelry production starts with your supplier. G&S Metals/Refiners uses refined gold and silver in their production of fabricated products. Recycled metals are an important component of our products and exemplify the commitment G&S Metals/Refiners has to the environment. As a Refiner we produce our own pure elements which are then mixed with other alloys for fabricated products.

G&S Metals/ Refiners mission is to provide quality products that are almost entirely made in the United States and are 90% eco friendly. By using recycled metals, we decrease the global demand for newly mined gold and diminish the environmentally and socially destructive effects of dirty gold and other metal mining practices. Because precious metals can be recycled repeatedly with no degradation in quality, they are a naturally renewable resource.

By purchasing your metals from G&S Metals/Refiners you can state that your jewelry is 90% - 95% eco-friendly.

Jewelry Making Made Easy

2010-12-05T15:55:00.007-05:00

Jewelry making made easy. Looking for new and exciting ways to use your creativity? G&S Metals/Refiners stardust beads, round beads, magnetic clasps and wire in sterling silver or gold fill give you the look of luxury at affordable prices.

Check out our “new items” on our home page: http://www.gsgold.com/.

Metal Tempers

2010-09-28T10:09:00.000-04:00

Many of you have inquired about "tempers or hardness" of metals. The following is a very easy to understand explanation.

Temper, or hardness, is commonly described in three ways:

Dead Soft - Dead Soft it is extremely malleable (easy to bend/reshape) but does not hold it's shape well and does not make a pretty right angle bend. It is good for knitting or weaving wire and it does become harder as you work with it.

Half Hard - Half hard is also malleable but it holds it shape better than dead soft. It can be easily used for sturdy connections with reasonable reliability in holding some tension. Half hard wire also makes and holds sharp bends!

Hard or Full Hard. - Full hard is of course the least of the malleable choices, but, it holds it shape very well and is the best choice for making clasps. As you work with any of these tempers, they become harder. This is called work hardening. Hammering your finished design will also harden the wire. Heating the wire (called annealing) will soften the wire again if it gets too work hardened. These techniques (hammering and heating) are beyond the scope of this article.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Basics-About-Sterling-Silver-Wire-For-Making-Jewelry&id=4887759

G&S Inc./Refiners

Metal Identification

2010-09-20T09:58:00.000-04:00

G&S Metals and Refiners frequently are questioned about gold filled and karat gold. The identifications for Karat Gold are:

6K, 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K - The number represents the percentage of AU contained in the product. To determine this percentage divide the given number by 24 - Ex. 14/24 = .583.

All karat materials are usually marked except in the case of small findings where there is not enough space.

Gold Filled:

Gold Filled is identified by: YGF (yellow gold filled) and WGF (white gold filled).

Gold Filled is a semi- precious metal designed to perform like 14K gold. The exacting process used to produce this metal is done by the precision positioning of a solid layer of 14K gold bonded to a base metal through heat and pressure. This solid layer of 14K Gold is 500 times thicker than electroplated products. Unlike electroplated or fashion jewelry, which tarnishes, Gold Filled enhances the user experience because it is actual gold that is in contact with the skin. Like all precious jewelry, it should be cleaned regularly with a jewelry cleaner specifically formulated for fine Gold Filled jewelry. Regular cleaning will insure its natural brilliance and luster for a lifetime of enjoyment.

Soldering * Soldering * Soldering

2010-09-16T09:39:00.001-04:00

G&S Metals Tips for Paste Soldering

A. Remove tip cap from syringe and press the desired needle onto the tip of the syringe. Save the tip cap.

B. If you desire to store the solder paste for periods of time (when you will not be actively using syringe on the bench for several days), remove the needle and replace the tip cap on syringe. Store syringe in a cool place. Save the needle for further use.

C. Keep needles clean. If needle clogs, clean with a fine wire. Needles can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.

Using Solder Paste

Solder paste is a homogeneous blend of microfine spherical solder powder, flux and binder. Past solder works best on small applications, such as jump rings, chain manufacture and repairs, etc.

1. Remove all dirt, excessive oxides, etc. from the joint area.

2. Joint clearance (gap) should be as small as possible. Joint should be flat and smooth for soldering.

3. Apply the soldering paste to the joint. To prevent a continuous flow of solder from the needle after applying solder to the joint, pull back on the hand syringe to relieve pressure.

4. Apply heat to article away from the joint. Keep heat/flame away from needle. As binder “burns off”, move the flame to joint area.

5. Remove flame immediately after solder melts and flows.

6. Pickle or strip article as usual.

G&S Metals Bangles, Beads and Bauble

2010-08-18T09:45:00.101-04:00

Life just got easier! Be profitable- Be Affordable! Work smart!

Bead Spacers, Curve Tubing, Criss Cross Tubing, Bangles, Patterns galore!!

Sterling Silver and Gold Filled

Unleash your creativity! Cost effective! Simple to Splendid!

Patterned Flat Ring Shanks are readily transformed into stunning rings with a few Beads.

To order go to: http://www.gsgold.com/cart/search_result.asp?CATEGORY=01-FlatRingShanks

Insert a wire through the hollow Curved tubes.

Add beads and you’ve created a beautiful,

saleable and affordable bauble or necklace.

http://www.gsgold.com/cart/search_result.asp?CATEGORY=04-YGFCrissCross

Bangle Bracelets

add our Beads and voila !

http://www.gsgold.com/cart/search_result.asp?CATEGORY=04-YGFBangles

Beads - Beads-Beads

http://www.gsgold.com/cart/search_result.asp?CATEGORY=01-StardustRoundelBead

This is a great way to balance out your price points without a major investment. Styles and patterns can be found at G&S Metals and Refiners. Most styles are available in:

YGF and Sterling Silver.

SS Stardust Bead

Silver Stardust Bead

YGF Stardust Bead

Cleaning AG the "Green Way"

2010-08-15T17:58:00.000-04:00

We get many request for cleaning Sterling and Argentium Silver. Most of us know about Tarnax but in a recent decomstration we learned of a "Green" method. It is listed below and we hope you find it helpful.

Things you need:

Aluminum foil

Container to hold the silver and water in. (Casserole dishes work great!)

Baking soda

Water

Pot

1. Line the bottom of the container with aluminum foil.

2. Place your tarnished silver on the aluminum foil in the container (the silver needs to be touching the foil)

3. Boil the water (the hotter the water is, the better the reaction).

4. Add approx 1 cup of baking soda per gallon of water. (Do this slowly as the baking soda will fizz as you add it to the water)

5. Add the baking soda & water mixture to the container (be mindful, it's hot!) You should see an almost instantaneous change in the silver.

You may need to move the silver around on the aluminum foil a bit.

While the visible effects of the removal are instantaneous, you probably want to leave it in for about 10-15 minutes.

If you start seeing black flecks in the water and it starts to smell like rotten eggs, don't worry. That's the aluminum sulfate precipitating out of the solution, and it is normal.

After you take the silver out, it is wise to rub it with a soft cloth to help remove the excess dirt/aluminum sulfate off. Don't just let the silver air-dry.

You may need to do this treatment a few times to get all of the tough spots (or not, depending on how bright and shiny you want it to be)

Best part is, no silver gets removed in this process!

BE AWARE - IT'S NOT ALWAYS WHAT YOU THINK

2010-08-08T21:10:00.001-04:00

Are you using a comparable De-Ox Sterling Silver product instead of Argentium Sterling Silver? You may not be getting the best results!

Two weeks ago a catastrophe occurred. During the week of the Ann Arbor Art Fair (easily the busiest week of my year) my washing machine stopped working for no apparent reason. In the midst of countless orders I was suddenly faced with my worst nightmare – dirty socks!

I’ve been a dutiful laundry-doer for years, and I’ve suffered through many makes and models of the incredible washing machine. My latest is a front loading high efficiency machine whose life saving capabilities I can’t possibly articulate in a short blog post. When it died, I was crushed. I couldn’t imagine what I’d done to upset it. I had always carefully followed the instructions and used a comparable HE detergent to do my wash.

Sadly, “comparable” may not be all that you think it is. It may end up yielding not only disappointing results but costly outcomes.

For $125 my service repairman repaired the problem and scolded me for not using the original product detergent with the registered trade mark.

This could happen to you if you use a comparable product to Argentium! It may contain Germanium and claim to perform as well, but like my comparable soap for my HE machine, could prove to be a costly disappointment.

Stick with the Argentium trade mark - it'll serve you well!

ALTERNATIVE METALS

2010-06-25T17:42:00.008-04:00

The 21st century is a time for change and keeping up with the fast pace of it alone can send anyone into a mercurial dither. But change we must!

In the past few years G&S Metals have undergone many changes and we continue to do so to bring our customers the products and advice that they need to succeed.

With skyrocketing metal prices, what is to be done? Well, we don't claim to have the panacea only some ideas and suggestions. We are in the process of putting together an "Alternative Catalog" which will feature Silver, Argentium, Gold Filled, Bi-Metal and Clad Metals.
Click here to go to Bi-Metal web page.

We also invite you to Refine your scrap and use the credit to purchase new products. The ultimate in being Green!

ARGENTIUM CASTING GRAIN JUST GOT BETTER

2010-06-21T21:29:00.006-04:00

Argentium 935
Argentium Casting Grain just got better!

We’ve received rave reviews from our castors using the new 935 Argentium CG.
Click here to go to Argentium 935 web page.
It’s one thing to give you the information provided by the manufacturer and another to give you the results from castors like yourself. By the way, 935 Argentium should be marked as .925 Sterling which is the reconizable trade mark for silver in the US.

Specifically this new alloy is easier to cast although attention must still be paid to the temperature. Argentium 935 has exceptional tarnish resistance and is fire stain free which makes Argentium 935 particularly suitable for premium jeweler items. Argentium 935 offers a very white color with high reflectivity. Argentium 935 possesses a high cast hardness making items fabricated with this alloy particularly resistant to wearing and scratching.

The new Argentium is suitable for many silversmithing applications, including investment casting in open or closed vacuum assisted casting systems and mechanical workings for sheet and wire. As before, please have a designated area for Argentium – DO NOT MIX.

If you gave up on the other Argentium alloys, I feel confident in recommending that you give this new alloy another try. After all everything is coming up silver.

TIPS FOR SOLDERING ARGENTIUM

2010-03-28T11:55:00.005-04:00

One customer inquired she might use a soldering iron instead of a torch.

Torch soldering is the recommended form of soldering Argentium. Soldering Argentium should be done at the same temperatures as regular sterling silver. If you want a color match than you’ll need to use the Argentium Solders. Click here to order:
http://www.gsgold.com/cart/search_result.asp?CATEGORY=SOL_AR

One thing to note though is that Argentium can become very brittle at high temperatures, so watch for color changes. Click here for more information. http://www.gsgold.com/argentium-sterling-silver.htm

After hand soldering, it is best to wait a minute or two before moving the pieces. Also, if the soldering is being done by hand, Argentium does not glow as brightly as regular sterling silver when heated. If the soldering person is heating to get the same glow as regular sterling silver, this might create a problem and brittleness could occur.

We suggest that you try less heat and solder just to the point the solder flows as well as letting the pieces cool without being disturbed.

How To Become A New Refining Customer with G&S

2010-02-02T18:32:00.006-05:00

So I'm a slow learner but after about the 100th time of being asked "How Do I Become a New Refining Customer?", I finally got it and I want you to get it to. It's easy to become a new refining customer with G&S Metals and we've just made it easier: Click here! ttps://www.flexisoft.com/gsgold/CustomerRegistrationForm.asp

This will take you to the Refining Registration Form. Fill it out and send it. You will be assigned a customer ID # which we'd like you to use on all interactions with us. Please make a note of it. Then on the Thank You page, you'll see another link to the Refining Shipping Form - print it, fill it out and include it with you shipment.

ALWAYS SHIP YOUR SCRAP INSURED OR REGISTERED WITH A TRACKING NUMBER.

Stone Setting for 14K Extra White Casting Grain

2010-01-23T11:05:00.005-05:00

Helpful Tips:

14K Extra White Casting Grain (14WXCG) is one of our most popular white casting grains. Extra white casting grain does not need Rhodium plating to achieve the desired white color.

When stone setting, it is advisable to anneal this metal then quench it in denatured alcohol to facilitate stone settings. Because of the high melting temperature, there may be some discoloration which can be removed by sand or bead blasting and then tumble in a magnetic tumbler.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please post them.

Refining Bench Sweeps

2010-01-23T10:49:00.006-05:00

Solid scrap has stolen the limelight or rather the golden light, and our focus. So I want to remind you to pay attention to your “bench sweeps”. It is imperative that cleaning your bench, your lap tray on your bench and even the floor around you on a daily basis. Refining should be an integral part of your shop management.
Bench Sweeps can be very rich in metal and yield as much as 33% of their weight. A nice profit at the end of the month!

Refining bench sweeps is a different process than refining solids!

We request that you collect your bench sweeps in a container and keep them separate from your solids. We will provide a container at your request.

Bench sweeps take approximately one week to refine.

Silver is the New Gold

2010-01-17T14:34:00.008-05:00

We have always been a "teaching" company and to further enhance these abilities, G&S Metals and Refiners, Inc. has created a Blog for instructing, informing, updating new product developments, problem solving and of utmost important to receive feed back from you, our customer. We have also implemented a Facebook account, and invite you to join us on Face Book.

This recession has given cause to pause, re-think and implement a plan for success. You have already heard it said many times that Silver is the New Gold and you've listened. Some jewelers have protested until they realize that a quality diamond set in a well-designed piece from Ag can be titillating and profitable. Visit our web site http://www.gsgold.com/ for your silver needs.

When you're there, you may want to review our Refining information. Although we are shipping a great deal of silver for new products, we want to remind you to collect your scrap as part of good shop management, and send it to us for refining and the purchase of new product. Many of our customers are using this service and have found it not only convenient but profitable.