PDA

View Full Version : PMC + stones & gems



barclaybear
22-10-2009, 01:45 PM
Hi All,
Does anyone know where I can find some hints & tips on what stones can be used with PMC (i.e. that can withstand the heat of 'cooking') and what can't?

I have some lovely blue opals and some pretty red abalones that I'd like to include in some pieces, but think they will spoil if I make pmc collars for them & then cook the clay, won't they?

Many thanks,
Barclaybear

PS Not sure if it makes a diff, but I'm only using a baby blow torch for my work at present ... don't have gas and am still trying to save my pennies for a kiln.

Solunar Silver Studio
22-10-2009, 02:19 PM
Here is a website with info on what stones can fire...The PMC Studio (http://www.pmc.vpam.co.uk/gemstone_firing.htm) And you will find a lot of sites if you Google 'gems for firing with pmc'.

Opals and abalone would not survive as opals have fissures which would break open and abalone are shell - I think!

I think the safest bet will always be the lab grown zirconias that the pmc supply sites sell as these are pretty much guaranteed to survive - even torch firing...but natural stones are a whole lot more iffy - and I think the even and controlled temperature of a kiln is pretty much a must for them!

SilverBlueberry
22-10-2009, 06:06 PM
This is my guide: http://www.cooltools.us/v/vspfiles/photos/gemstonesinmetalclay.pdf

I don't think opals and shell survive. I wouldn't try it. I have tried some borderline stones such as moonstone and most of them survive. Otherwise I have tested natural sapphire (padparadscha, blue, pink) ruby, peridot, garnet, green tourmaline. All of these have worked perfectly for me, even stones with inclusions. I have used only PMC3 with stones so far, so I can't tell you anything about other clays.

SilverBlueberry
22-10-2009, 06:08 PM
By the way, I torch fire, and without problems for my gemstones.

barclaybear
22-10-2009, 08:10 PM
Brill .... Excellent help.
Thanks Guys.
BB
x

lucy81
23-10-2009, 11:37 PM
for cheap cubic zirconias, try these, they were featured in one of the bead magazines a few weeks ago

Loose Cubic Zirconia (http://www.diamondcz.co.uk/)