Precious Metal Clay is a relatively new material.  It consists of microscopic precious metal particles suspended in a mix of an organic binder and water.  The "clay" looks very much like modeling clay.  It is smooth and pliable and can be worked with your hands.  Once a metal clay object is fired, the binder burns away and the metal particles fuse together.  The final product emerges as fine silver (.999).  Fired metal pieces can then be finished using traditional metalworking techniques applicable to silver and gold. 

                               Source:  The Art of Metal Clay by Sherri Haab                                     

Note from Nancy:

Once each piece is designed, I fire it in a kiln in my studio.  When PMC has been fired, the fine silver appearance is completely white.  Often I will incorporate this unique look in the design and combine it with a polished look on raised sections, etc.  As well, I often add a patina which will provide a color (which can range from gold through blues to reds to black or somewhere in between).

Since most semi-precious and precious stones cannot withstand the high temperatures of the kiln (up to 1650 F), I use cubic zirconia or synthetic stones that have been tested to withstand the high temperatures and retain their color and quality.

Each piece is truly unique!