What is PMC?

Until Japanese scientists at Mitsubishi Materials developed metal clays in the early 1990’s, basic jewelry making techniques hadn’t changed in millennia. With this revolutionary new product, fabricating silver and gold jewelry has become more accessible to both professional goldsmiths and home based crafters alike.

Precious Metal Clay (PMC) is comprised of microscopically fine particles of pure metal which is mixed with an organic, non toxic binder and water to form a wonderfully malleable material that can be rolled; molded and sculpted like earthen clay. After it dries (sometimes referred to as the “greenware” stage) metal clay can be sanded; carved and filed and separate elements can be joined together to create dimensional pieces. When fired at an appropriate temperature, the water evaporates, binders burn away and the metal particles fuse or “sinter” together creating a fine silver or 22K gold object which has been reduced in size, accentuating textural details.

Ordinary items found in the home environment are easily converted into Basic Tools; new, inexpensive methods of firing are being introduced on a regular basis and work space can be tucked into convenient corners, temporarily housed on a dining room table or luxuriously laid out in a garage or attic studio - making PMC a low muss, no fuss option.

Jewelry made with metal clay is very strong and may be soldered and finished using traditional methods. Available in lump, slip, paste filled syringes and a non drying 2 inch square paper, PMC adds a new level of design possibilities to the modern jewelry maker’s toolbox.