Experiments in Metal Clay using Traditional Jewelry Working Techniques

I am presently experimenting working in PMC3 using my knowledge from traditional jewelry fabrication. This last month I have experimented using the granulation decoration in PMC.


Granulation decoration consists of minute grains or tiny balls of gold  applied to a surface in geometric or linear patterns or massed to fill in parts of a decoration. First used as early as the 3rd millennium BC, it was known in western Asia and Egypt. The technique was practiced by the ancient Etruscans and Greeks. Greek jewelry consisted of granulation from 3000 BC to the inauguration of the Roman Empire.

In my first experiment with granulation I created a dome in PMC3 and attached it to a flat surface, and then applied the fine silver balls. After sintering (firing it) I found that the shrinkage of the PMC3 worked against me. As the dome shrunk while attached to the base, it warped the base and disfigured the dome. The shrinkage also worked against the granulation.

Working again with the dome and flat base, I fired them each separately allowing them to keep their shape as they shrank the 12% that PMC3 does. I then used clay paste with oil mixed in it and glued them together and re-fired them. This worked perfectly. I now have my "canvas" to create my art!

I used a technique I learned in metal working and applied my granulation. It took several firings to get everything to hold, but I finally ended up with my granulated piece!

I used a technique I learned in metal working and applied my granulation. It took several firings to get everything to hold, but I finally ended up with my granulated piece! This ring is called "Paths". The granulation represents choices we make in our lives.
I then decided to create a two sided pendant using granulation. I made a two sided dome, cut opening into each edge for the chain to string through, and then fired them together. I cut out an opening for my stones to sit, made prongs for each stone using syringe paste. Fired it again. I hand finished the base shaping it and then hand polished using Micro Sanding pads. Finally I added my granulation.
Each side has a different color stone and texture adding  versatility to the pendant. Lastly, I added a dangling teardrop to the pendant. The teardrop swings freely, and can be twisted around showing one or the other side.

Now onto my next experiment. Fabricating Clasps in PMC3 using traditional jewelry working techniques without soldering!