What is Metal Clay?

Precious Metal Clay, also know as PMC or simply Metal Clay, is a clay-like medium used to make jewelry, beads and findings. The clay consists of very tiny particles of the metal, either Silver, Bronze, Copper or even Gold, mixed with an organic binder and water. The clay is molded, shaped, texturized, cut, embellished, and then dried, sanded, drilled and fired in a kiln.  When the clay is fired in a kiln at 1400 - 1650 degrees, the binder burns away and you are left with Solid Metal, either Fine Silver (99.9% silver), Bronze, Copper, or even pure Gold. The finished pieces are then tumbled, patinaed or left natural and polished.  Each individual metal component that Alasha creates undergoes approximately 10 individual steps before being incorporated into the final piece of jewelry.

Alasha works with Fine Silver and Bronze Metal Clay. You will see many bronze pieces finished with a beautiful colored patina and silver pieces that have been antiqued ("blackened") to make the design in the metal pop! She incorporates many natural gemstones in her work as well as cubic zirconians.