Precious Metal Clay (PMC)
This material, designed in the 1990s by Mitsubishi, is a modelling clay like substance where precious metal particles - gold or silver – are enveloped in an organic binder to make very pliable lumps or strips of clay. The clay can be worked with the fingers or simple tools to make a wide variety of forms. This product is not to be confused with Art Clay Silver, a similar product but with noticeably different properties. Be wary of practitioners who add to this confusion by using the terms interchangeably.
Once you’ve created your design, the clay is fired at a high temperature,using a butane torch or kiln, the organic binder burns off, the precious metal particles fuse and the final creation can be treated just like any conventional piece of jewellery.
And there you have it - your own unique jewellery design, prepared using simple techniques. It really can be that easy!