Precious Metal
Clay was developed and patented by the Mitsubishi Materials
Corporation of Japan in the 1990’s. It consists of particles
of pure silver (.999) or pure gold in a water base, non-toxic
binder. It can be worked like ceramic clay and takes on texture
very well. When it is fired in a kiln (up to 1650°F, 900°C)
or with a torch, the binder burns off and the metal particles
are fused. You can add more clay to the metal and fire it
again. Certain stones can also be set in place before firing.
I really enjoy
working with PMC as it allows me to bring to fruition ideas
I had long ago withno feasible means to execute. It also made
a lot of other techniques possible in a much easier manner.
I love fossils and to get their texture into metal used to
be a much more involved process. Now I can press them right
into the PMC and fire them in the kiln. It’s fabulous!
Please note that
the beads, individually handmade and mostly one of a kind,
are fairly weighty even though they are hollow. Precious Metal
Clay is pure (“fine”) silver and contains no copper.
With time and wear, patinas will naturally change in appearance.
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