Silver clay is a miraculous, malleable, clay-like material that consists of extremely fine silver particles suspended in an organic binder and water.  In its unfired form, the clay can be modeled and sculpted to create a vast range of forms and textures that would be unattainable or laborious with traditional metalworking techniques.  Once dry, the clay is fired (either in a kiln or with a torch) to a very high temperature, at which the binder burns away and the silver particles fuse to form a solid metal piece that is 99.9% pure silver (“fine silver”)!

Because they are made of pure silver, pieces created in silver clay are more tarnish-resistant than sterling, which is mixed with copper and other alloys to increase the metal’s hardness.  Since they are also softer and less dense than sterling, items made of silver clay must be handled with care.