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Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionEvents & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver Workshop
The class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Workshop participants produced dimensional jewelry forms, such as the leaves pictured above, while gaining specialized technical skills for working with Argentium silver, a silver alloy known for its enhanced durability, tarnish resistance, and fabrication performance.
Albuquerque, N.M.—Rio Grande recently partnered with MetalWerx, a nonprofit jewelry school and community studio in Waltham, Massachusetts, to host a workshop on Argentium silver.
The class was offered as part of MetalWerx’s year-round programming designed to support artists at every stage of their careers.
The five-day class was held last month, led by renowned metalsmith and Argentium silver pioneer Cynthia Eid.
It featured demonstrations and studio practice focused on Argentium silver techniques including annealing, soldering, fusing, granulation, hardening, and finishing, alongside foldforming methods that encouraged experimentation, creativity, and innovation in metal design.
Argentium silver is a patented, modern silver alloy that contains more pure silver than traditional sterling silver and includes the rare metalloid germanium.
Unlike standard sterling silver, which contains 92.5 percent pure silver (925), Argentium silver is available in 935, 940, and 960 purities.
It is highly tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic, fire scale free, and brighter than standard sterling silver, Rio Grande said.
Twelve students participated in the workshop, and Rio Grande donated the material used in the class.
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The class was offered as part of MetalWerx’s year-round programming designed to support artists at every stage of their careers.
The five-day class was held last month, led by renowned metalsmith and Argentium silver pioneer Cynthia Eid.
It featured demonstrations and studio practice focused on Argentium silver techniques including annealing, soldering, fusing, granulation, hardening, and finishing, alongside foldforming methods that encouraged experimentation, creativity, and innovation in metal design.
Argentium silver is a patented, modern silver alloy that contains more pure silver than traditional sterling silver and includes the rare metalloid germanium.
Unlike standard sterling silver, which contains 92.5 percent pure silver (925), Argentium silver is available in 935, 940, and 960 purities.
It is highly tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic, fire scale free, and brighter than standard sterling silver, Rio Grande said.
Twelve students participated in the workshop, and Rio Grande donated the material used in the class.
As gold prices hit record highs, Argentium silver's higher purity, durability, and tarnish resistance make it an alternative option for jewelers looking to work in new materials without compromising on quality, according to Rio Grande.
"Gold prices are pushing more designers to rethink what a fine jewelry material can be," said Mark Nelson, education coordinator at Rio Grande.
"Argentium silver gives them a real answer: a material that performs at a high level without the cost pressure of traditional precious metals. Partnering with MetalWerx put that opportunity directly in students' hands, working alongside one of the field's foremost experts in the material."
Eid has worked with Argentium silver since 1999 and is recognized as one of only two official “Argentium Pioneers” by Argentium International Ltd.
She has been an influential educator and innovator in foldforming since studying with master goldsmith Charles Lewton-Brain in 1996.
Her work has been exhibited internationally and featured in major publications and museum collections.
Rio Grande said its partnership with MetalWerx exemplifies how it is investing in jewelry education, connecting makers with innovative materials, industry-leading instructors, and hands-on learning opportunities that help strengthen the future of the industry.
For more information, visit the Rio Grande website or call 1-800-545-6566.
For more information about MetalWerx, click here.
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