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~ Unique Handcrafted Jewelry Including Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings, Watches and More in Precious Metals and Gemstones ~
- Designer Jewelry by C. Otterson
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Gemstone & Jewelry Information
Recent Press & Retailers of Our Jewelry |
What is Precious Metal Clay?
After the clay has taken on the desired form, it is fired at high temperatures in a kiln where all of the binding agent and water are burned out, leaving only pure metal. Pieces created in silver and gold metal clays are Pure or Fine Silver and 24k gold respectively. Because jewelry created using metal clays are pure metals, they are much softer than alloyed metals such as sterling or karat golds which are mixed with other metals to achieve different levels of hardness. For this reason it is not recommended that rings and bracelets made from metal clay be worn on a daily basis if they come into regular contact with hard objects. Rings, especially, might distort from the daily abuse they sometimes receive. Pieces made from metal clay are also less than dense than an equivalent piece made from sheet metal and are, therefore, lighter in weight. Care of your fine silver or gold metal clay jewelry is no different than for alloyed metals. Please read about the Care of Your Jewelry if you need further guidance. |
Metal clay, often referred to as Precious Metal Clay (PMC) or Art Clay, depending upon the manufacturer, is (in it's unfired form) a clay made up of microscopic particles of precious metals - either silver, gold or platinum - mixed with a non-toxic organic binding agent and water. This clay, in it's unfired state, can be easily molded and formed in the same way potter's clay can.
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and designs herein copyright 1998-2003 Carrie Otterson. All rights reserved. |