Developed in Japan in the 1990s, precious metal clay (PMC) is malleable and easy to use and is ideal for producing individual and intricate pieces. This versatile product opens up a wealth of possibilities in crafts and jewellery making. Made from a combination of organic binding and fine metal particles, PMC has similar properties to ceramic clay. However, once dried and fired in a kiln or by gas torch the clay becomes like metal in density. One of the most popular choices of PMC for jewellery makers in particular is silver clay, which is made up of 99.5% silver and provides a finer looking finish. This simple process has revolutionised jewellery and bead making, allowing both professional designers and those making creations as part of a hobby to create unique and stunning pieces.

Precious metal clay is simple to use and the popularity of this adaptable material continues to grow due to the ease of use, flexibility and variety it provides artists and jewellery makers alike. Like soft clay, this type of medium can be shaped and moulded by hand to create a great variety of shapes and sizes. The softness of the clay is also ideal for creating intricate designs with etching, stamps or transfer paper. Once dried out and heated in high temperature conditions the metal clay will shrink in size, making detail appear even finer and more complex. Following this metal clay can be polished to leave a stunning piece of design in a variety of finishes.

The popularity of this adaptable material continues to grow due to the ease of use, flexibility and variety it provides artists and jewellery makers. It is easy to get started n PMC as there is no requirement for expensive tools and equipment. PMC can be used by anyone, anywhere and offers an interesting and fun medium to experiment with.

Getting started

Before using PMC, otherwise know as art clay, a smooth clean surface is required as a work station. This can simply be laminated card, a plastic sheet or piece of Teflon. The advantage of working on Teflon is that the PMC can also be left to dry on this surface and is re-useable. Small clean paintbrushes are also useful tools for smoothing edges or covering cracks in the precious metal clay. Olive oil is an essential tool for keeping the clay moist and malleable to work with. However, too much oil can prevent the art clay from drying once the piece is complete.

To work on your metal clay a roller is needed. This could be a plastic rolling pin or anything similar, and is used to evenly roll out the clay before shaping and designing. If creating intricate matching designs working on graph paper can be useful to ensure all dimensions are the same. As you become more advanced and confident in using the clay, more techniques and tools can be introduced. Sandpaper is required for the dried clay, which needs to be smoothed before going into the kiln or being placed under a gas torch where it turns to metal and is harder to work with. The rest is down to personal preference depending on whether you would like to use moulds, cutters, stamps or embellishments. The possibilities are endless when using PMC.

Author Bio: Adam Hunter – E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of supplies from over 10,000 products including gold and silver wire, jewellery findings, tools, precious metal clay and precious metal sheet – gold, silver, platinum and palladium plus technical information for jewellers, jobbers, designer, craftsmen, artisans and students. For interviews, quotes, images or comments contact: Adam Hunter E-commerce Marketing Manager Tel(DDI): +44 (0) 121 212 6491 E-mail: adam.hunter@cooksongold.com

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