Precious Metal Clay
Precious Metal Clay (PMC) is made by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation in Japan using finely ground silver particles, a non-toxic organic binder and water.
During firing (using a butane gas torch or kiln) the binder burns off and the water evaporates, leaving a piece that is real silver that can be hallmarked at a UK assay office.
The most popular types of PMC are the two newest versions to the PMC family, PMC Flex and PMC OneFire Sterling. Both of these products have a long working time and are easy to work with. We recommend PMC Flex for anyone starting out as it can be torch, as well as, kiln fired. It is also ideal for projects including natural gemstones, glass and ceramics.
Use the links below to find out more about the PMC range of products.
PMC Flex, PMC3, PMC+, PMC OneFire Sterling, PMC Sterling, Aura 22K Gold, PMC 22ct Gold, PMC Aqua
FAQs
Q: How do you get the silver into the clay?
A: In fact, it isn’t clay at all, but pure silver that has been finely ground and turned into a clay substance. When fired, the binder and water burn off returning it to its original state – Fine Silver. In our range of sterling silver clays a little bit of copper has been added for extra strength, ideal for making keepsake jewellery.
Q: How does PMC differ from working with sheet silver?
A: PMC should really be seen as a complementary medium to Sterling Sheet. Sheet is ideal for creating large, smooth items. Due to the fact that it is sterling silver and because of the manufacturing process, sheet will be structurally stronger than PMC. However, PMC is ideal for creating patterns and textures as it can easily be moulded or sculpted. The use of certain construction methods and polishing means that most structural issues can be overcome.
Q: How flexible is PMC?
A: One of the key advantages of PMC is the fact that it can be re-fired many times, which means that you can add it to an existing piece at any time. For example, if you are making a ring, you can create the band and the top separately. These can then be put together, using paste, before or after firing. And if you don’t like the result you can simply change it as many times as you like!
Q: Can PMC be hallmarked?
A: By law, items weighing more than 7.78g of silver, 1g of Gold and Palladium or 0.5g of Platinum need to be hallmarked if they are to be sold or exhibited as precious metal. Once fired all types of PMC silver can be hallmarked as sterling silver whilst PMC Flex and PMC3 can be marked as sterling or fine silver. We recommend recommend 3D laser hallmarking, available from all assay offices.
