Abstract: A process for making a finished or semi-finished article of silver alloy, said process comprising the steps of providing a silver alloy containing silver in an amount of at least 77 wt %, copper and an amount of germanium that is preferably at least 0.5 wt % and is effective to reduce tarnishing and/or firestain, making or processing the finished or semi-finished article of the alloy by heating at least to an annealing temperature, gradually cooling the article; and reheating the article to effect precipitation hardening thereof. The avoidance of quenching reduces the risk of damage to the article.

Abstract: In an Ag, Cu, Ge alloy containing boron as grain refiner, investment castings of a clean bright silvery appearance and/or free from cracking defects are obtained by incorporation of silicon, in some embodiments in the absence of added zinc.

Abstract: A process for making a finished or semi-finished article of silver alloy, said process comprising the steps of providing a silver alloy containing silver in an amount of at least 77 wt %, copper and an amount of germanium that is preferably at least 0.5 wt % and is effective to reduce tarnishing and/or firestain, making or processing the finished or semi-finished article of the alloy by heating at least to an annealing temperature, gradually cooling the article; and reheating the article to effect precipitation hardening thereof. The avoidance of quenching reduces the risk of damage to the article.

Abstract: A process for making a finished or semi-finished article of silver alloy, said process comprising the steps of providing a silver alloy containing silver in an amount of at least 77 wt %, copper and an amount of germanium that is preferably at least 0.5 wt % and is effective to reduce tarnishing and/or firestain, making or processing the finished or semi-finished article of the alloy by heating at least to an annealing temperature, gradually cooling the article; and reheating the article to effect precipitation hardening thereof. The avoidance of quenching reduces the risk of damage to the article.

Abstract: In an Ag, Cu, Ge alloy containing boron as grain refiner, investment castings of a clean bright silvery appearance and/or free from cracking defects are obtained by incorporation of silicon, in some embodiments in the absence of added zinc.

Abstract: A process for making a finished or semi-finished article of silver alloy, said process comprising the steps of providing a silver alloy containing silver in an amount of at least 77 wt %, copper and an amount of germanium that is preferably at least 0.5 wt % and is effective to reduce tarnishing and/or firestain, making or processing the finished or semi-finished article of the alloy by heating at least to an annealing temperature, gradually cooling the article; and reheating the article to effect precipitation hardening thereof. The avoidance of quenching reduces the risk of damage to the article.

Abstract: A firestain and tarnish-resistant ternary alloy of silver, copper and germanium contains from more than 93.5 wt % to 95.5 wt % Ag, from 0.5 to 3 wt % Ge, optionally 0.5 wt % Zn and the remainder, apart from incidental ingredients (if any), impurities and grain refiner, copper. In order to further protect an article made from the alloy, it may be surface treated with an alkanethiol, alkyl thioglycollate, dialkyl sulphide or dialkyl disulphide. Embodiments of the above alloy exhibit relatively low elution of copper when subjected to a simulated sweat test.

Abstract: A woven, braided or knitted fabric structure includes wires of silver alloy, preferably a precipitation-hardened Ag Cu Ge alloy. The process for making a fabric structure may include providing silver wire having a temper of more than fully soft but less than half hardness, forming said wire into said structure and heating the structure to precipitation-harden the wire.

Abstract: A master metal composition adapted for alloying with silver to give an alloy containing at least 77 wt % Ag and at least 0.5 wt % Ge comprises Cu, Ge and boron together with any further ingredients for said alloy and any impurities. It further provides a process for making silver alloy containing silver in an amount of at least 77 wt % Ag, 1-7.2 wt % Cu copper, at least 0.5 wt % Ge and B together with any further ingredients for said alloy and any impurities, comprising the step of melting together fine silver and a master metal composition which is at least a ternary alloy of copper, germanium and boron, e.g. 92.5-92.8 wt % Ag, 6.0-6.3 wt % Cu, about 1.2 wt % Ge and 1-15 ppm boron as grain refiner. The resulting silver alloy exhibits good tarnish and firestain resistance and can exhibit significant precipitation hardening on gradual air cooling.

Abstract: A method for joining two elements using a silver-based alloy having a germanium content is described. The method comprises providing two elements to be joined together, at least one of the elements comprising a silver/copper/germanium alloy having a silver content of at least 77% by weight, a germanium content of between 0.4 and 7% by weight, typically from about 0.5% to about 3%, the remainder principally being copper apart from any impurities. The alloy also contains boron as a grain refiner at a concentration of greater than 0 parts per million and less than 20 parts per million, more typically less than about 10 parts per million, with working embodiments including boron in an amount of about 2 parts per million. The two elements are placed adjacent one another such that a portion of a free surface of the silver/copper/germanium alloy contacts a portion of a free surface of the other element without interposing a filler material between the two free surfaces.