Fine Silver

Fine Silver

Types of Silver Clay Explained - Precious Metal Clay and Art Clay

Metal clay is a suspension of tiny particles of metal in a clay binder, which can be used to make jewellery, beads and small findings. The beauty of metal clay is that it can be manipulated in the same way as any modelling clay, but once fired the binding agents are burnt off leaving the metal form intact. Although there is a certain amount of shrinkage (between 10-15% for the more modern versions), very fine detail can be achieved, including impressions that would require casting in any other method of metalwork.

Silver Metal clay results in objects containing almost pure silver (also known as fine silver) which is ideal for enamelling. There are two popular brands available - Precious Metal Clay (also known as PMC) and Art Clay Silver (ACS). Precious Metal Clay was developed in the early 1990's in Japan and consists of microscopic particles of pure silver (or fine gold powder) and a water-soluble binder which burns off during firing. The original formula of PMC (now called 'Standard') has to be fired in a kiln at a temperature of 1650F and has a high shrinkage rate of around 30%. Two additional versions were later developed called PMC+, which can be fired at 1490F and PMC3, which can be fired at temperatures as low as 1100F. Both of these later versions of PMC have much lower shrinkage rates, allowing much finer detail to be worked into designs.

Art Clay Silver (ACS) was also developed in Japan and is similar in consistency to PMC+. The main difference with ACS is that it can be fired using a hand-held torch or gas oven. Because of subtle differences in the binder components and the longer firing times, ACS benefited from having a considerably lower shrinkage percentage - only 8-10%. This means that ACS can be worked in more detail without any loss of definition in fine work. Art Clay Slow Dry was introduced soon after, which has a much longer working time before requiring firing, allowing intricate work to be moulded into the clay with no loss of malleability.

Art Clay 650 and Art Clay 650 Slow Dry are now becoming increasingly popular, as not only do they have a longer working time but can be fired at temperatures as low as 650C/1200F. This allows jewellers to incorporate glass and Sterling Silver into the designs without fear of damaging the components. AIDA, the manufacturers of ACS have also introduced Oil Paste, a product only used on fired metal clay or milled fine silver, and Overlay Paste which is designed for drawing designs onto glass and porcelain. These two products have allowed the use of metal clay products to be incorporated into a whole new range of designs and mediums, expanding the potential of this product.

Metal clays allow jewellers to work with a material that is as malleable as ordinary modelling clay but produces fine (almost pure) silver jewellery of exquisite intricacy and beauty. Once polished it has a lustre and shine that is easily comparable to cast silver and because of the development of the products over the last few years shrinkage is now no longer an issue. The type used depends on personal preference as both types have their advantages, but incorporating metal clays into your jewellery design gives you a new medium to explore with beautiful results.

About the Author

Adam Hunter - E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of
jewellery making supplies
from over 10,000 products including gold and silver, tools,
silver art clay
and gold and silver sheet - gold, silver, platinum and palladium. Contacts: Adam Hunter E-commerce Marketing Manager Tel(DDI): +44 (0) 121 212 6491 E-mail: adam.hunter@cooksongold.com

what website can I find out how much a .999 fine silver one ounce coin is worth?Or does anyone know?

The coin has lady liberty on the front and says "liberty rarities mint". On the back it has a picture of an eagle and says"United States of america one troy ounce & .999 fine silver"

It is a private mint one ounce Silver Round, it is not a coin but is actually considered a medal. Silver round is the more common term used by collectors. Its value depends on the spot price of silver the day you sell it. Dealers pay a percentage less than spot on buying them and sell for a percentage above spot. This way they make a profit. As of now no one has come up with a book on silver rounds and that maybe because mintage figures are mostly unknown. So there are no price guides to go by and without mintage figures it is hard to say what ones are rare and what ones are not. So they stay in limbo as just a one ounce round of .999 silver.

Sterling Silver Fine Snake Beading Chain 0.6mm Width $4.89 Enhance your home decor with this delicate sterling silver beading chainAccessory boasts a slender 0.6 mm widthJewelry supplies let you choose your length in multiples of 1 foot

Rotring Initial Silver Fine Point Fountain Pen $28.99 There's no mistaking the Rotring Initial fountain pen. Classical and modern design elements unite as sleek contemporary finishes set the Initial pen apart from the ordinary.

Sterling and Fine Silver Light Blue Chalcedony Necklace $22.99 The ring on the pendant of this beautiful necklace is hand-fused and hammered of fine silver. With a light blue-colored chalcedony stone, this piece of jewelry will give you an effortless yet graceful style.

Sterling Silver Fine 18-inch Snake Chain Necklaces (0.9 mm) (Pack of 2) $23.99 These sleek necklaces feature a snake-chain design on gleaming sterling silver. The classic chain necklace secures with a traditional spring ring clasp.

AEB Design Fine Silver Turquoise Large Free-floating Heart Necklace $33.99 A large organic fine silver heart hangs freely on a delicate sterling silver chain in this piece of jewelry. Hammered for texture and strength, this heart necklace features a dangling turquoise in the center, adding a stylish touch to any ensemble.

Sterling and Fine Silver Infinity Prehnite Necklace $20.99 The infinity symbol on the pendant of this beautiful necklace is hand-fused and hammered of fine silver. With a marquis-cut green prehnite stone, this piece of jewelry will give you an effortless yet graceful style.

Sterling and Fine Silver with Chalcedony, Tourmaline and Sapphire Necklace $33.49 The ring of this lovely pendant is made of hand-fused fine silver. Featuring chalcedony, tourmaline and sapphire, the clasp of this necklace is attached with hand-wrapped sterling silver wire and a sterling bead.

AEB Designs Fine Silver Floating Heart Earrings $26.99 The fine silver hearts on these earrings feature a hammered finish and are attached to a sterling silver hooks. Let this pair of earrings from AEB Designs add a stylish and lovely touch to any wardrobe.

American Apparel Women's Silver Fine Jersey Tank $7.09 This women's tank top by American Apparel features a loose drape that is perfect for staying cool in the heat or layering. Stay stylish and comfortable with the u-neck and ultra-soft silver white fine jersey cotton of this tank.

Sterling and Fine Silver with Aqua Chalcedony Earrings $44.49 The rings of these lovely earrings are hand-fused and hammered of fine silver. The earwires are formed of sterling silver with polished ends for comfort, so you can look your best hour after hour.

AEB Design Fine Silver Large Free-floating Heart Necklace $25.49 A large organic fine silver heart hangs freely on a delicate sterling silver chain in this piece of jewelry. Hammered for texture and strength, this heart necklace will add a stylish touch to any ensemble.

American Apparel Men's Silver Fine Jersey T-Shirt (2XL) $10.99 Live life with this long sleeve version of American Apparel's best selling t-shirt. Made with 100-percent fine jersey cotton, you are sure to experience ultimate comfort.

Sterling and Fine Silver Amethyst Earrings $33.49 The rings of these lovely earrings are hand-fused and hammered of fine silver. The earwires are formed of sterling silver with polished ends for comfort, so you can look your best hour after hour.

Fine and Sterling Silver Ring with Garnet Pendant Necklace $17.99 The ring on this pendant is hand-fused and hammered of fine silver. This pendant necklace features a hand-carved garnet stone that will highlight any wardrobe.

Sterling and Fine Silver Infinity Pendant with Lapis, Mandarin Garnet, and Citrine Necklace $37.74 Lapis lazuli, mandarin garnet, and citrine hang from this hand-forged fine silver infinity link. This necklace comes with your choice of 16 or 18 inch sterling silver chain.

Sterling and Fine Silver with Amethyst, Chrysoprase and Moonstone Necklace $32.99 The ring of this lovely pendant is made of hand-fused fine silver. Featuring amethyst, chrysoprase and moonstone, the clasp is attached with hand-wrapped sterling silver wire and a sterling bead.

AEB Design Silver Small Ring Necklace $25.49 The focal ring on this necklace is crafted of fine 99.9-percent pure silver, reclaimed in the United States. This piece of jewelry from AEB Design features a hammered finish and hangs on a cable chain.

30 Years of US Mint .900 Fine Silver Half Dollars $1669.99 The stately Half Dollar is rarely seen today, and those minted of Silver belong to a bygone era. Here, in one exceptional collection, are the last 30 years of the magnificent .900 Fine Silver Half Dollars.

AEB Design Silver Medium Ring Necklace $25.49 The focal ring on this necklace is crafted of fine 99.9-percent pure silver, reclaimed in the United States. This piece of jewelry from AEB Design features a hammered finish and hangs on a cable chain.

AEB Design Silver Large Heart Necklace $34.49 Large handforged fine silver heart is linked to delicate sterling silver chain. Available in 16 and 18 inch lengths.

Sterling and Fine Silver Pendant with Turquoise, Spinel and Moonstone Necklace $40.49 Turquoise, rainbow moonstone, and black spinel hang from a hand forged fine silver oval. The clasp is attached with hand-wrapped sterling silver wire and sterling bead.

Hand-carved Sterling and Fine Silver Infinity Hessonite Garnet Necklace $17.99 The infinity symbol on the pendant of this beautiful necklace is hand-fused and hammered of fine silver. With a hand-carved hessonite garnet stone, this piece of jewelry will give you an effortless yet graceful style.

Sterling and Fine Silver Freshwater Pearl Necklace (12 mm) $19.49 The ring on the pendant of this beautiful necklace is hand-fused and hammered of fine silver. With a hand-carved rice-shaped white pearl, this piece of jewelry will give you an effortless yet graceful style.

Sterling and Fine Silver Rainbow Moonstone Earrings $40.99 The ring shapes on these earrings are made with hand-fused and hammered fine silver. Offering sterling silver earwires with polished ends and lovely rainbow moonstones, this piece of jewelry lends you a simple yet elegant style.

Sterling and Fine Silver with Light Blue Chalcedony Earrings $32.49 The hanging rings of these lovely earrings are hand-fused and hammered of fine silver. With beautiful blue chalcedony stones, these dangle earrings can accent your every mood.

Silver Fine Pnt Pntr $3.99 Silver Fine Pnt Pntr

Fine Silver Turquoise Ring $313 Fine silver turquoise ring is fabulous and trendy. A smooth, vibrant turquoise stone is set in 18k gold as it sits atop an incredible fine silver band. The band has a slightly freeform shape and hammered finish for a look that is undeniably chic. This piece measures 3/8 inch wide on your finger, and is available in a size 7.

Fine Polished Sterling Silver Ribbed Cufflinks $270 These fine polished ribbed cufflinks is nicely made of sterling silver. You are exceptionally impressive wearing these Fine Polished Sterling Silver Ribbed Cufflinks.

Fine Polished Sterling Silver Sphere Cufflinks $270 These fine polished sphere cufflinks is nicely made of sterling silver. You are exceptionally impressive wearing these Fine Polished Sterling Silver Sphere Cufflinks.

Gold and Silver Markers silver extra fine $2.79 Add luster to your writing Gold and Silver Markers mark permanently on most surfaces including glass, photos, plastic, paper, and more. Ideal for crafts.Shimmering metallic colors in extra fine and medium points.

Super Fine Embossing Powder silver $2.96 Super Fine Detail Embossing Powder is fine enough for your most detailed images The powder is acid-free and non-toxic.Super Fine Detail Embossing Powder is available in 1 oz. jars.

Sleek Fine Sterling Silver Stainless Steel Cufflinks $180 These sleek cufflinks are exquisitely crafted from sterling silver and stainless steel. You are highly stylish wearing these Sleek Fine Sterling Silver Stainless Steel Cufflinks.

Cushion Style Classic Fine Sterling Silver Cufflinks $135 This great pair of cufflinks is handsomely crafted from sterling silver. You will be power strutting in comfort and style with these Cushion Style Classic Fine Sterling Silver Cufflinks.

Fine Hedgehog Stiffbar Sterling Silver Cufflinks $150 These fine rhodium plated cufflinks with cheeky hedgehog and white fibre optic glass ball ends is exquisitely made of sterling silver. You are highly fashionable wearing these Fine Hedgehog Stiffbar Sterling Silver Cufflinks.

Paint Markers silver fine $2.31 These valve-action paint markers are oil-drying and permanent. Their quick-drying ink marks opaque and glossy on light or dark surfaces and is fade, water, and abrasion resistant for a long lasting durable mark.Sharpie Paint Markers mark on virtually any surface ? metal, pottery, wood, rubber, glass, plastic, stone, etc. They?re great for art and craft projects as well as industrial applications.The markers are AP non-toxic and xylene free.Sharpie Paint Markers are also available in sets .

Metallic Fine Point silver $1.54 The Sharpie markers you know, but in metallic ink. Fade and water resistant ink further extends multiple project uses. Permanent on most surfaces. Marks on most hard-to-mark surfaces, including dark surfaces.

A Fine Silver Thread $49.47 This book is in Like New condition

Sterling and Fine Silver Amethyst Earrings $33.49 The rings of these lovely earrings are hand-fused and hammered of fine silver. The earwires are formed of sterling silver with polished ends for comfort, so you can look your best hour after hour. State: Arkansas Style: Dangle Gemstone colors: Purple Gemstone shapes: Square Amethyst measures 6 mm wide x 6 mm high Total gemstone weight: 5 carats Metal: Sterling silver Finish: Hammered Clasp: Hooks Metal weight: 1 gram Earring dimensions: 12 mm wide x 45 mm long This product is part of our 'Main Street Revolution' - a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses around the USA. What is the Main Street Revolution? Allison Eastman Britt is owner and designer of AEBDesign. She creates each piece in her line by hand, starting with reclaimed fine and sterling silver wire. Shapes are formed, fused in a torch and hammered before adding handpicked gems and pearls. Her work reflects an organic chic style that is both bohemian and elegant. Components from the tiny pins that hold the stones to the earwires are handcrafted, giving each necklace or pair of earrings a one of a kind feel.

Slick Fine Sterling Silver Stainless Steel Cufflinks $230 A pair of handsome cufflinks is smoothly crafted from sterling silver and stainless steel. You are most distinCarative wearing these Slick Fine Sterling Silver Stainless Steel Cufflinks.

1/10 ctw. Fine Diamond Ring $189 10ctw. Fine Diamond Ring Set in Sterling Silver.