Developed in the early 1990's by the Mitsubishi Company in Japan, PMC was introduced in the United States in 1995. Tiny micron sized particles of precious metal, silver or gold, are mixed with an organic binder and water. These products have the working characteristics of clay, allowing the artist to shape using simple hand tools. After shaping and drying, the pieces are fired in a kiln. Firing burns off the binder allowing the tiny metal particles bond and fuse together resulting in a piece comprised of pure precious metal. Because the organic binder and water are burned off, there is shrinkage but enhances the definition of the original form.

PMC comes in clay, paste, syringe and sheet form. There are different formulations of PMC allowing for different firing temperatures and shrinkage.

The Silver PMC is Fine Silver (.999 pure silver), the Gold is 24 Karat. Items made from PMC are stronger than if they had been made of conventional metal of the same purity, and as much as 20% lighter in weight.

PMC is easy to care for. Since there are no other metals mixed with the gold or silver, it does not tarnish or get dirty as readily. Several cleaning methods to use are: rub with a polishing cloth, or clean with a toothbrush and warm, soapy water (or toothpaste). A jewelry cleaner may be used with caution. Some stones and finishes could be damaged. (Thoroughly rinse off the residue).