How to Fire Metal Clay With Stones
Metal clay is a great way to use clay sculpting skills to create pieces of jewelry or sculpture in real gold or silver. Metal clay lends itself well to being combined with stones and gems, but to be successful in doing this, you must know how to properly fire metal clay projects that include stones. This will help you avoid damaging the stones and destroying the hard work you put into your piece.
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Instructions
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Consult a stone-firing temperatures index to see if the stone you want to use with your clay can safely withstand the necessary temperatures without cracking, scorching or discoloring. For best results, use an index created specifically for use with metal clays, such as the one included in the Resources links below.
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Do a test fire, if possible, with a spare piece of the same type of stone if you can't identify the rock or find it on an index. Get a rough stone from a mineral shop if you want to avoid potentially wasting a shaped cabochon. Kiln-fire or torch the stone under the same conditions and time that you will employ when firing the metal clay object and observe whether the results are favorable or if the stone is altered by the heat.
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Work the stones into your clay project and fire as normal if you have determined that it is safe to do so. Press the stone into the surface of the clay and work a little clay around the edges to hold it in place. (As a rule, if the stone stays in place as the clay dries, it will stay in place even more firmly once the clay is fired into metal.) Use a wet cotton swab to clean all traces of clay from the exposed stone's surface before drying and firing.
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Leave an empty spot in your metal clay in order to add stones later if you have not determined that the stones you want can be safely fired. Wet the stone, then press it into the surface of the clay to form an impression in the shape of the stone. After firing and cleaning the metal clay, attach the stone to the impression using a strong glue, such as jewelry glue or a quick-set, clear epoxy.
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Tips & Warnings
Always exercise proper caution when dealing with extreme temperatures. Wear safety goggles when working with stones that may shatter and go flying when exposed to high heat.
