Precious Metal Clay (PMC) is a revolutionary material invented by Mitsubishi Corporation and is available in pure silver, 24K gold, bronze and copper. In simple terms, PMC is manufactured from very tiny particles of pure silver mixed with water and an organic binder that produces a malleable, clay-like material. After kiln-firing, the clay fuses into a piece of solid silver that is 99.9% pure – more pure than sterling silver which contains elements of copper.
I hand make each piece of silver from PMC using a variety of carving utensils, shaping implements, knives, cutouts, or simply free-form. Depending on the look I want to achieve, I may also use any number of household items to add texture, shape and depth to the clay. Once the clay has thoroughly dried, it is kiln-fired and either tumbled for a finished, burnished look or wire brushed to give it a matte finish. After firing, I may add a gemstone setting. However, because I use only natural gemstones – which would fracture in the kiln – each stone is set by hand after firing.
For me, the most rewarding aspect of working with precious metal clay is that it gives me the freedom to work with natural elements and turn an abstract idea into a wearable piece of original art.