So what is this silver clay all about?

In the early 1990s, Dr. M. Morikawa of Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (MMC) in Japan led a team of scientists who developed and patented a material known today as Precious Metal Clay (PMC). PMC, consists of microscopic particles of fine silver held together with water and non toxic binder. Upon Firing, the product sinters to produce solid fine silver, graded at .999 silver.

Constant development has seen PMC continue to research and produce new forms of PMC which is now available in Gold.

There are three distinct types of PMC

PMC Original This version has the best working properties and remains moist a bit longer than the others. It shrinks 28%, so textures and details are enhanced after firing. Objects made on original PMC remain slightly porous even after proper firing. This means they are lighter than the same size object made of wrought silver, but also means strength is reduced. The high shrinkage works brilliantly to create smaller versions of a mould. Create the necklace from PMC3 and the earrings from Original, same object, vast difference in size.

PMC + is made of a differently shaped metal particle and contains less binder. The shrinkage rate is 12-15%. PMC+ offers three distinct firing options, two of them at lower temperatures than the original. Objects made of PMC+ can go from clay to metal in as little as 10 minutes. Excellent for use in high wear items, i.e. rings.

PMC3 is as dense as PMC+, fires as fast, but does all this at remarkably low temperatures. Three distinct firing options provide a range that makes this especially useful for co-firing glass, lab grown CZ's, findings and some natural stones.

PMC + Sheet Clay originally developed for the art of Origami, sheet clay provides you with the ability to treat silver as you would a textile. Drape, weave, tear, pleat etc.Use it like paper in a craft punch to create fine silver minature cut outs.

PMC 3 Syringe is perfect for decorating your slab clay, producing fine filigree work and to assist in repairing minor cracks in your work.

PMC Paste/Slip is a thick slurry that is used to fill joints, adhere parts, including fired and unfired pieces). This fantastic product is also used to 'paint' onto Botanical or Organic items to produce silver replicas.