At Odeda Jewellery every piece tells a story—whether it's a tale of personal transformation or a symbol of hope for new beginnings. My MANDALA and SEEDPOD collections, in particular, are brought to life using a unique and versatile material: silver metal clay. This post offers a behind-the-scenes look at what metal clay is, how it's used, and why it's the perfect medium for crafting my jewellery pieces.
What is Metal Clay?
Metal clay might sound like a futuristic material, but it's actually an innovative and eco-friendly way to work with precious metals. The silver metal clay that I use in my designs was developed in Japan in the 1990s by Aida Chemical Industries, and is made from 100% recycled silver. The silver particles come from old X-rays, film negatives, and other industrial uses. These are combined with water and an organic, non-toxic binder derived from plant pulp to create a pliable, clay-like substance. Once sculpted into a design, I heat the clay at high temperatures until the water and binder burn away, leaving behind a solid piece of pure silver. This process, called sintering, transforms the once-malleable clay into 99.9% fine silver. This revolutionary material has allowed jewellery makers all over the world—including me! – to push the boundaries of design, enabling the creation of intricate, hand-textured pieces that it would be more cumbersome and time-consuming to achieve with traditional metalworking techniques alone.
Why do I use Metal Clay in my collections?
I choose to work with silver metal clay not only because of its eco-friendly nature but also for the creative possibilities it offers. In my SEEDPOD collection, I take inspiration from nature, using real poppy seedheads to create moulds for each piece. The seedpods symbolize cycles of change, hope, and new beginnings, and the use of metal clay ensures that each jewellery piece is truly unique. The textures from the organic material transfer beautifully into the clay, resulting in designs that are detailed, tactile, and full of character.
My MANDALA collection also benefits from the use of metal clay. Mandalas are often thought to symbolise a representation of the perfect universe and act as tools for transformation. My designs take the inner core of mandalas as inspiration. With metal clay, I can hand-texture the delicate patterns and shapes, capturing the spiritual essence of the mandala in an organic design.
Because each piece in these collections is hand-sculpted in metal clay, no two are exactly the same - a feature that many of my customers love, as it means they are purchasing a piece of jewellery that's as individual as they are.
The Eco-Friendly Appeal of Metal Clay
I know that my customers care as much as I do about sustainability and the use of metal clay can help contribute towards a sustainable jewellery-making process in three ways:
1. 100% Recycled Silver: The silver in metal clay comes from industrial waste like old X-rays and film negatives, which are refined into silver powder.
2. Minimal Waste: Any leftover clay can be recycled and re-used. Even dry clay can be rehydrated and shaped again, so there's no wastage.
3. Non-Toxic and Safe: Metal clay is non-toxic and safe to handle, making it a natural and ethical choice for my studio.
A Jewellery-Making Revolution
The introduction of silver metal clay in the 1990s has revolutionized jewellery making. What began as an innovative way to recycle silver has since become a global movement, empowering designers to craft pieces that are rich in personal meaning and artistry—just like the ones you'll find in my collections at Odeda Jewellery. Each piece I make is a unique expression of creativity, care, and craftsmanship. Whether you're searching for something special to celebrate your own journey or a thoughtful gift for someone else, my collections aim to offer handmade jewellery that tells a story.
Why not explore my MANDALA and SEEDPOD collections today, and find a piece that speaks to you - your next favourite piece of jewellery might be just a click away! 🌿✨ You can also follow me on Instagram, sign up to my VIP mailing list and/or email me at hello@odedajewellery.co.uk with any questions.
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