Silver clay is real fine silver in a clay-like form. Microscopic particles of pure silver are held in an organic binder that burns away when you fire the piece, leaving behind solid 99.9% silver. You shape it with your hands, let it dry, fire it with a torch, a gas stove or a kiln, then polish it. No soldering, no casting, no workshop needed.
This knowledge base is our reference library: short, direct answers to the questions people actually ask us. Everything here is written by the team behind TheLilaLobster silver clay. Last updated 27 August 2026.
Quick answers
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Is silver clay real silver? | Yes. After firing it is 99.9% fine silver, the same purity as a bullion coin. |
| How much silver is in the clay? | Our clay is 92% fine silver by weight when wet. The rest is water and binder, and it burns away. |
| Do I need a kiln? | No. A butane kitchen torch or a gas hob fires small pieces in about 5 minutes. |
| How much does it shrink? | Roughly 8 to 10% in every direction. Make rings about two sizes larger than the finished size. |
| How long does a piece take? | Shaping 20 to 40 minutes, drying 20 minutes to overnight, firing 5 minutes, finishing 15 minutes. |
| Can I put gemstones in it? | Only stones rated for firing: cubic zirconia, lab spinel, lab corundum. Most natural stones crack. |
| Is it safe at home? | Yes, with normal kitchen sense. The binder burns off as a small amount of smoke, so ventilate. |
| Can I reuse dried-out clay? | Yes. Grind it, add a drop of water and rest it overnight, or turn it into paste. |
Start here
- Getting started with silver clay — the full beginner guide
- What is silver clay?
- How does silver clay work?
- Is silver clay real silver?
- What is in a starter kit and how to use everything
Reference guides
The four pages below are pure reference. Bookmark them and come back when you are working.
- Troubleshooting: every common problem and how to fix it
- Firing chart: times and temperatures for torch, stove and kiln
- How much silver clay do I need?
- Glossary: metal clay terms explained
Making
- How to use silver clay
- Make a silver clay ring
- Make a pendant · earrings · charms · bracelet
- Moulds and textures
- Paste and syringe
- Measure a ring size with string
Firing
- Torch firing, step by step
- Can you fire silver clay in a kitchen oven?
- Kiln or torch: which should you use?
- Shrinkage explained
Finishing and care
- Liver of sulfur and patina
- Tumbling and polishing cloths
- Cleaning silver jewellery at home
- Which silver does not tarnish
- How to store jewellery
Materials compared
- Silver clay vs PMC
- Art Clay Silver vs our clay
- Sterling vs fine silver clay
- Bronze, copper and gold metal clay
- Silver clay vs polymer clay
- Wire wrapping vs silver clay
Stones and extras
- Setting gemstones in silver clay
- Five best gemstones and how to set them
- Enamel on metal clay
- Findings and jump rings
Where to buy
We make our own silver clay in the Netherlands and ship worldwide. If you are starting from zero, the silver clay starter kit contains everything in this guide. If you already have tools, buy silver clay on its own, or browse supplies and fireable gemstones.
About this knowledge base
Written and maintained by TheLilaLobster, a silver clay manufacturer and shop based in the Netherlands. We make the clay ourselves, teach with it, and answer customer questions about it every day. Corrections and additions are welcome at our contact page.
