Art Clay Silver 950 Professional 25 grams is a premium silver clay made from 90% pure silver and 10% copper, combined with a binder and water. After firing, it reaches a purity of 95.0% silver, making it suitable for hallmarking as 925 silver in the Netherlands. This variant is 60% stronger than regular fine silver clay*, making it less prone to damage during daily use and ideal for creating durable, high-quality jewelry.
For beginners, we always recommend the regular Art Clay Silver .999 (fine silver). Art Clay Silver 950 is not easier to fire and is intended for those who need extra strength and durability for designs where standard silver clay may fall short.
Shaping Phase
The clay can be used straight from the package with the same shaping tools and materials as regular silver clay. If the clay is stickier than standard silver clay, adjust your method accordingly. Use a little olive oil or silicone spray on your hands and tools. If the clay is drier, add a drop of distilled water and knead it in household plastic wrap.
Drying Phase
The clay dries naturally in the air, so keep this in mind while working:
- Air-drying: 24 hours for a 1 mm thick layer.
- With a hairdryer: 20 minutes.
- In the oven: 10 minutes at 100°C. Use a small mirror to check dryness; if condensation forms, the clay needs more time to dry.
Once dry, the clay feels leathery. In this stage, you can engrave, sand, or repair it using paste made from clay scraps. Shrinkage is approximately 11-13%. For rings, account for a shrinkage of 7-8 Japanese sizes.
Firing Phase
Art Clay Silver 950 can be open-fired in a special kiln (no activated carbon required). Fiber cloth or fiber paper can be used for support, as can granules for delicate jewelry.
Follow this firing method for optimal results:
- Place your piece in a cold kiln and heat to 500°C. Hold for 30 minutes to burn out the binder.
- Continue heating to 850°C and hold for 60 minutes.
- Allow the piece to cool in the kiln for the hardening process. Maximum strength is achieved by firing the piece for 4 hours at 870°C.
Finishing Phase
After firing, the clay has a light metallic gray color. Use a polishing brush to remove this layer and polish the surface to your liking. Polishing requires slightly more effort than with regular clay. Polishing pads can help refine the finish, while sanding discs for a rotary tool can add convenience. Use polishing paste to achieve a high-gloss finish.
Benefits of Art Clay Silver 950 Professional
- 60% stronger than regular silver clay – perfect for designs that need extra durability, such as rings or intricate jewelry.
- Higher surface and bending strength – ideal for thin, narrow, or open designs.
- Better scratch resistance – great for frequently worn jewelry.
- Hardness – Hammering the silver further increases hardness, making it suitable for open rings. For open rings, use a minimum thickness of 3 mm and a rubber mallet with a metal mandrel to shape the ring to the desired size.
- Color – Art Clay Silver 950 has a deeper silver tone compared to the bright fine silver of the regular Art Clay series.
Available Packages
Contents
- 25 grams of silver clay plus
- Instruction sheet
Read our Silverclay handbook for an explanation of silver clay.
