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solitarysmagick
11-08-2012, 08:39 PM
Hi,

My partner is wanting to set some stones into bronze clay. Does anyone know what natural stones can be fired? I know lab created stones can be fired but he'd prefer natural if possible.

Thanks,

Rachael x

Dennis
11-08-2012, 09:17 PM
Diamonds.............

Tabby66
11-08-2012, 09:30 PM
more diamonds.......but it's possible to burn them out, especially the poorer quality and smaller size.............

solitarysmagick
11-08-2012, 09:33 PM
Thanks, I thought diamonds would probably be ok. What about coloured stones - rubies/emeralds/sapphires - would these be ok do you think or would the colours change?

Kwant
11-08-2012, 10:14 PM
I have found this chart to be very reliable:

http://www.cooltools.us/v/vspfiles/assets/images/Article-Gemstones_In_Metal_Clay.pdf

solitarysmagick
11-08-2012, 10:25 PM
Great, thanks very much :)


I have found this chart to be very reliable:

http://www.cooltools.us/v/vspfiles/assets/images/Article-Gemstones_In_Metal_Clay.pdf

Dennis
12-08-2012, 09:37 AM
I have found this chart to be very reliable:

http://www.cooltools.us/v/vspfiles/assets/images/Article-Gemstones_In_Metal_Clay.pdf

That's a really useful article Cornelius and I have snipped parts for reference, but it leaves a few things unresolved:

1. I understand that you already use activated carbon for non-precious metal clay. So presumably you would use it on silver clay to protect stones too.
2. Which stones might be damaged by pickling?
3. And of course there could be a warning to let your work cool naturally. But clay users might do that anyhow.

While in this case Rachael's partner would prefer natural gemstones, I do know that Wards stock quite a few synthetic stones, which might not be listed on line. They are very respectable looking, inexpensive and seem natural partners for non precious metals and blackened silver. Dennis.