Is PMC tough to use?

**kaz** · 09-07-2009, 11:36 AM

Do you have to be an excellent and experienced jewellery maker to really master pmc. I hear its easy to use, however extremely difficult to produce high quality silver jewellery. Has anyone had any experiences they like to share regarding pmc???

**agent_44** · 09-07-2009, 11:42 AM

I've done a bit of work with PMC, I'd say it's NOT that easy to work with, the clay dries out very quickly so you have to learn to work quite fast. Basic things like cut out shapes for pendants would be quite easy though, because they'd be straightforward and quick to make. I guess it's down to practise, the more complicated yo get the harder it will be to acheive a good result!

**MuranoSilver** · 09-07-2009, 04:21 PM

PMC (like any jewellery technique) takes practise to master properly.
The main thing is to learn to hydrate the clay to give you the best working consistency and results.
The trouble with hydration is that it's almost impossible to learn out of a book.

This is a ring made out of silver clay - it took me almost a day to make.
(which is possibly a shorter time than making a wax, sending it off to be cast,
tidying it up & finishing the casting then setting the stone).
Most of the time was spent in finishing it in the pre-firing stage,
various grades of sandpaper to very, very fine.

Here's a Art Clay flower pendant, fine silver bezel set with a 4ct Green Tourmaline.

PMC is great for texture, carving and a whole host of other stuff
but it isn't a "quick fix" and you still have to put some time in to achieve
consistent results (lots of sanding sponges, and patience helps too

)

Nic x

**EmmaRose** · 20-07-2009, 06:15 PM

It depends what you want to do with it, some things are easier than sterling, some things would be impossible with sterling, and some things are better made with sterling....
as for use, it takes practice...remember your first piercing and soldering attempts?
IMHO its an amazing material when properly used!
Em