The cluster series Ag4M2(DMSA)(4) (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) has been synthesized and the optical spectra and stability have been examined as a function of the metal, M. We have also obtained the structure of Ag4Ni2(DMSA)(4) using X-ray crystallography, confirming the previously calculated structure. In the optical spectrum, there is a significant blue shift as the substituted metal M progresses down the periodic table. Theoretical calculations suggest that the blue shift is due to the lowering in energy of the d orbitals of the transition metal, M; however the expected metal metal excitations are optically weak, and the spectra are dominated by metal ligand excitations. The Ag(4)Pcd(2)(DMSA)(4) species has exceptionally high stability relative to the previously reported Ni and Pt analogues.