Would you like to try making jewellery with silver clay but don’t know where to start? Here’s what you need to know to give it a try.

What is silver clay?

Silver clay is a manufactured material made from silver particles, an organic binder and water. The clay can be moulded, shaped and textured. Once it is dry it can be fired with a jewellers torch (a creme brule torch will do!) or in a jewellers kiln. The result is real 999 fine silver of hallmark quality.

The main brands of silver clay are Art Clay and PMC (Precious Metal Clay).

We recommend you start with either of these as they are, from our experience, the easiest to work with and the most consistent to fire.

How do I get started?

Make silver metal clay charms with Julia Rai >

Learn the basics of working with silver clay from internationally-renowned metal clay artist Julia Rai. On this course you will learn different techniques to make silver clay jewellery including how to make your own moulds.

Next steps

Have you learnt the basics and are ready to move on? We have more courses just for you!

Stone setting in metal clay (torch fired techniques) with Anna Campbell >

Learn three ways to set stones in your silver clay designs. You will learn how to set fireable stones, glass and use bezel cups to set stones that cannot be fired. Your tutor, Anna Campbell, has designed the course so you can torch fire all your designs, no kiln is necessary.

Adding Gold to Metal Clay with Jessica Rose >

Fancy learning how to add gold to your silver clay designs? No problem! Jessica Rose takes you through three ways of adding gold including keum boo, gold paste and setting gold nuggets.

All of these projects can be torch fired.

Advanced Courses

If you have some experience of working with metal clay and access to a kiln take a look at our advanced courses:

Fancy bezels, prongs and bails with Julia Rai >

This course will help you learn new techniques that will open up your design possibilities. Learn to bezel set stones that can’t be fired, create bezel and prong settings for fireable stones and create your own decorative bails.

Buy now >

Taught by metal clay artist Tracey Spurgin covering:

Working with Sterling Silver Clay
Creating Hinges in Silver Clay
Connecting components with rivets
Bezel Setting non-fireable gemstones
Making a Bracelet Clasp

(Note: access to a kiln is required to fire the bracelet)

This online course can be watched as many times as you like and comes with a full set of downloadable notes as well as an equipment list.

Take a look at the trailer to find out more>

What Tools do I need?

One of the great things about working with silver clay is that you don’t need a lot of expensive tools and equipment to get started. In fact, you’ve probably got a lot of what you need already.

Take a look at this video which shows the main tools and materials you need.