Design and Technology

During remote Learning Year 10 Jewellery Design students were sent polymer clay to trial their design ideas. When we were able to return to school they were given Precious Metal Clay to model their final designs. 

PMC is made from silver that is recycled from a range of sources, including waste from x-rays and the photographic industry. The silver particles are mixed with a water soluble, non-toxic organic binder that burns off during firing leaving a 99.9% silver product.

It was amazing to see the clay transformed into silver. 

I learnt a lot making this piece as I have worked with clay before but never making something this small. I have also never had to polish and brush clay to make it silver and it was very interesting to see the clay turn into an actual functioning piece. 

– Danae Cox

Before making the formal work, I had done many models at home, so it was very smooth at the beginning, and I didn't encounter too many problems. I was able to use tools to make the work look how I wanted, and I learned a lot of new knowledge in this project. After the work is fired, I use tools and machines to improve it. This process helped me understand a lot of new things and I learned a lot. It's interesting and meaningful.                                                                                               

– Anna Xu