What is Precious Metal Clay?

Precious Metal Clay, or PMC, is a revolutionary new medium developed by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation in Japan and introduced to the United States in 1996. It is fine silver or gold clay (fine silver or gold particles combined with an organic binder and water) that can be manipulated like potter’s clay but when fired in a kiln is transformed, almost magically, into .999 fine silver or fine gold. And in 2008 BronzClay has been invented in the United States and copper clay is being developed. Alchemy has been found.

The great allure of PMC is how easy it is to create, with simple tools, an object of precious metal in just a few hours. And when students realize the incredible artistic range, they experience an epiphany – astonished at the creative possibilities within their reach.

An infinite variety of objects can be used to texture and mold PMC. It can be combined with enamel or potter’s clay, other metals (titanium, stainless steel nickel and brass) and heat-resistant gems, ceramics and glass. Because it is such a new medium, exploring and experimenting are integral to working with PMC. New techniques and tools are constantly being discovered and each working session is an adventure to new territory.

While spontaneity and serendipity contribute greatly to the design process, what I like best about PMC is how it enables me to tangibly translate the inspiration I find both near and far: in nature, my love of travel and curiosity about other cultures – past, present and future. I use leaves from the garden, shells from the shore, stones from Tibet, artifacts from South America, Asian symbols, textured wallpaper, cracks in cement and everyday objects such as combs and bottle caps…almost anything could find expression in my work.