What is Metal Clay?

Sterling Silver, Organic Hollow Form Bracelet

Metal clay is a relatively new jewelry making material that was invented in Japan by Mitsubishi Materials in 1990, and was imported to the United States in 1995. It's a simple application of the powder metalurgy process, which combines a non-toxic binder, water, and microscopically fine, powdered metal to create a material that can be textured, shaped and molded like earthen clay. When fired at high heat the binder and water are burned off during the sintering process and the metal particles fuse together to become a solid piece of metal.



For more information about metal clay, tools, and basic rules of working, please visit my Metal Clay 101 blog.