Rio Grande Partners with MetalWerx to Advance Argentium Silver Education for the Next Generation of Jewelers
Master Class Featuring Cynthia Eid Highlighted Innovation, Education, and Accessible Precious Metal Design
Albuquerque, New Mexico (August 19, 2026) – Rio Grande partnered with MetalWerx to support emerging and professional jewelers during a five-day master class led by internationally recognized metalsmith and Argentium Silver pioneer Cynthia Eid, held June 16–21, 2026, in Waltham, Massachusetts. As jewelry designers continue exploring innovative precious metals and advanced fabrication techniques, Rio Grande donated all Argentium Silver materials used during the class.
The hands-on workshop explored the creative possibilities of Argentium Silver and foldforming, offering 12 students intensive instruction. Argentium Silver offers designers an opportunity to create fine jewelry with enhanced durability, tarnish resistance, and fabrication performance, making it an increasingly valuable material for contemporary jewelry design.
The partnership arrives at a timely moment for the industry. With gold prices at record highs in 2026, more jewelry designers and studios are turning to premium silver alloys as a way to create high-end, innovative work. Argentium Silver’s higher purity, durability, and tarnish resistance position it as a serious option for jewelers looking to expand their material palette without compromising on quality.
“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.”
The master class combined 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. Students produced dimensional jewelry forms while gaining specialized technical skills from one of the field’s foremost experts.
Argentium Silver is a patented, modern silver alloy that contains more pure silver than traditional sterling silver and includes the rare metalloid germanium. Renowned for being highly tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic, fire scale free, and brighter than standard sterling silver, Argentium Silver has become increasingly popular among contemporary jewelers and metalsmiths seeking both performance and beauty in their designs. Unlike standard sterling silver, which contains 92.5% pure silver 925, Argentium Silver is available in 935, 940, and 960 purities.
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 also been an influential educator and innovator in foldforming since studying with Charles Lewton-Brain in 1996. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is included in major publications and museum collections.
MetalWerx, a nonprofit school and community studio dedicated to jewelry and metal arts education, hosted the class as part of its year-round programming designed to support artists at every stage of their careers. Through partnerships like MetalWerx, Rio Grande continues to invest in jewelry education by connecting makers with innovative materials, industry-leading instructors, and hands-on learning opportunities that help strengthen the future of the jewelry industry.
For more information, visit RioGrande.com or call 1-800-545-6566.
For more information about MetalWerx, visit metalwerx.org.
Media Contact:
Jen Cullen Williams | Public Relations
jen@jencullenwilliams.com | (562) 382-3802
About Rio Grande
Rio Grande, a division of Richline Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has been a trusted partner to the jewelry industry since 1944. Rio Grande remains committed to its mission: supporting jewelers with the highest quality products and best possible service. As one of the jewelry industry’s largest wholesale suppliers, the team manufactures, sources and distributes precious metals, findings, diamonds and gemstones, along with bench tools and innovative equipment. Comprehensive in-house customization services, educational content and unparalleled support from the Jewelry Tech Team make Rio Grande more than a supplier, but a partner helping businesses thrive.
About MetalWerx
Founded in 1998, MetalWerx is an innovative nonprofit school and community studio providing jewelry-making instruction ranging from introductory classes to professional-level courses in a supportive and well-equipped environment. Through online and in-person classes, workshops, scholarships, and visiting artist programs, MetalWerx serves students from across the United States and around the world while fostering creativity, technical excellence, and collaboration within the metalsmithing community.
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