Lee Duval Design

Materials:

Precious Metal Clay – PMC Fine Silver

Precious Metal Clay is a relatively new medium.  Introduced in 1995, it has revolutionized the art of jewelry making.  PMC is a clay-like substance that consists of microscopic particles of silver or gold suspended in an organic binder.  Once fired in a kiln, the binder burns away and what is left is 99.9% Silver or 22 karat gold.  Having been a potter for years, Lee started working with PMC several years ago with great success.  After mastering the techniques, she attained her PMC Certification with the PMC Guild in April 2007 and is available to teach classes and individual instruction.

Fine Silver and Sterling Silver

Fine silver is pure silver.  It tarnishes less and is a bit softer than sterling silver which is made from a mix of silver and copper.  Most of Lee's findings, jump rings, ear wires, etc. are made from sterling silver.  Occasionally, she will craft a ring or necklace using raw materials, sheet or tubing of sterling.  Her glass silver lined beads are made with fine silver or sterling silver tubing.  All pieces will be marked, .925 for sterling or .999 for fine silver.  Because of its purity, fine silver jewelry is priced higher than sterling.

Dichroic Glass

Originally created by NASA for use in building satellite optics and space suit visors, dichroic glass is glass that has been layered with vaporized metal oxides in a vacuum chamber. Coated with 30 to 50 layers of metal oxides, the glass takes on a metallic sheen that is maintained through firing. Dichroic has two colors, one you see face on, the other when you tilt the piece.  

Lampwork Beads with Moretti/Effetre Glass Rods

Lampworking is glasswork that uses a gas/oxygen fueled torch to melt rods of colored glass. Once molten, the glass is shaped by winding it onto a mandrel and manipulating it with a variety of tools and hand movements.  Lee uses predominantly, Moretti glass, an Italian glass known for its stability and beautiful range of colors.  All of her glasswork has been created and then properly annealed in a kiln to ensure its strength and durability.