Silver Clay was invented in Japan in the 1990s by metallurgist Masaki Morikawa. For many, it has been a revelation which has allowed fine jewellery to be made simply without the need for years of training or multiple sets of expensive tools. However, there are those who still believe it to be nothing short of witchcraft. After all, how can clay be real silver?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about silver clay and try to dispel some of the myths which surround this fabulous material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In short, yes! Silver clay is either 925 Sterling Silver or 999 Fine Silver and can be hallmarked as such.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silver clay is made up of thousands of tiny silver particles held together in an organic binder. As the clay dries, the moisture from the binder evaporates. When heated, it burns away completely leaving only sintered metal. The heat causes the metal particles to fuse together to form a solid mass, which is how the metal (in the traditional sense) is formed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silver clay is very soft and pliable. It can be moulded by hand just as you would with any regular ceramic clay. It can also be rolled, textured and sculpted using only a few simple tools, to produce jewellery and small objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n