PROCESS FOR MAKING FINISHED OR SEMI-FINISHED ARTICLES OF SILVER ALLOY COMPRISING COPPER AND GERMANIUM

摘要

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.