What is Silver Clay?  

**What Exactly *Is* Silver Clay?**

It might sound like magic — and in a way, it is! Silver clay starts off as a soft, malleable material (a bit like modelling clay) that you can shape with your fingers. Once it's fired, it transforms into solid silver — yes, real silver that can even be hallmarked!

So what’s in it? Silver clay is made from tiny particles of pure or sterling silver (often recycled), mixed with an organic binder and water. While it’s still soft, you can shape it, stamp it, texture it, and add all kinds of beautiful details — from gemstones and cubic zirconia to gold foil or colour using enamels and inks. You can even build 3D forms!

When it’s fired, the binder and water burn away, leaving behind nothing but pure silver. Depending on the clay you use, your finished piece will be either 999 fine silver or 925 sterling silver.

**Can It Be Hallmarked?**

Yes! Your finished pieces can be officially hallmarked, confirming the silver's purity and quality. (You can read more in our Hallmarking FAQs.)

**What Is Silversmithing?**

Silversmithing is the art of working with solid silver — usually 925 sterling silver sheet or wire — to create beautiful, handcrafted pieces. You’ll use traditional tools like a jeweller’s saw to cut your shapes, hammers to add texture, and a torch to solder everything together with silver solder.

It’s a hands-on, creative process where you can learn to set gemstones and cubic zirconia using a variety of techniques — from bezel and claw settings to tube settings and more.

**Can It Be Hallmarked?**

Absolutely! Once your piece is finished, it can be officially hallmarked to confirm the silver’s purity and quality. (Find out more in our Hallmarking FAQs.)

**What Is Laser Engraving?**

Laser engraving is a modern and super-precise way to personalise jewellery. Using a high-powered laser beam, we can etch text, handwriting, patterns, or even pictures onto the surface of metals like silver and gold.

The laser gently removes a tiny layer of metal to leave a clean, permanent mark. It’s all controlled by clever computer software, which allows for amazing accuracy — perfect for delicate details and fine lettering.

Whether it’s a meaningful message, a special date, or a unique design, laser engraving brings your ideas to life with crisp, professional results.

**Can It Be Hallmarked?**

Yes — if your engraved piece is made of silver, it can still be hallmarked to confirm its authenticity and purity. (Check out our Hallmarking FAQs for more info.)

Which items made of precious metal need to be hallmarked ?

In the UK if a precious metal item weighs less than a certain amount it is not compulsory to apply a hallmark to sell. The minimum weight thresholds are:

gold 1 gram

silver 7.78 grams

platinum 0.5 gram

palladium 1 gram

​Terms and Conditons

Disability and Medical

If you have any disabilities and/ or medical conditions please be in touch before booking.

Accessibility

If you have accessibility needs, please get in touch so we can advise you of the studio to make sure it will work for you. The classes take place on the first floor of the building, to which there is staircase access. There is a toilet on the same floor as the studio.

Payment: Full payment is required at the time of booking your workshop and is not refundable. Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months for the person they were booked for. 

Cancellations & Refunds:

We require a minimum of 28 days notice prior to the booked workshop date to cancel so that we can try to resell the workshop place. If we are able to resell your workshop place then we will provide a full refund. If we are unable to resell your place then no refund will be given.

Workshop fees are non-refundable. No refunds can be made to those who fail to attend a course in full or in part.

Rosalind Kay Jewellery reserves the right to cancel at short notice and should this occur then an alternative course will be offered or a full refund given. 

We strongly recommend having insurance to cover travel, accommodation, and other expenses in case of cancellation.

Ticket Use & Transfers:

Bookings are for personal attendance only of the person booked or gift vouchers named at ordering.

You may transfer or resell your ticket to another person if you are unable to attend. You must notify us if you transfer your ticket to someone else of their name, email address and telephone number.

Event Changes:

Rosalind Kay Jewellery reserves the right to make changes to the published workshop programme if necessary. Should this occur then an alternative course will be offered or a full refund given. 

Photography & Media:

Photographs and/or video footage will be taken during workshops for promotional purposes, including print, editorial, advertising, social media, and websites.

If you do not wish to be included, you must notify us in writing before the event.

Force Majeure (Events Beyond Our Control):

We are not liable for delays, cancellations, or disruptions caused by circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, war, civil disturbances, terrorism, fire, floods, strikes, government actions, or venue unavailability.

In such cases, Workshop cost's will not be refunded.

We will make reasonable efforts to resolve disruptions, but we are not responsible for any losses, costs, or expenses incurred by booking holders. We strongly recommend taking out appropriate insurance.

Alcohol -

Alcohol is not to be consumed prior to or during  a workshop for health and safety reasons. Anyone under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted to take the workshop and no refunds will be issued. 

Lunch

Your workshop ticket does not include lunch but there are plenty of shops or cafes on the doorstep to purchase your lunch  (Waitrose, Boots, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, The Tea Rooms, Corner Cafe etc) or you could bring a pack lunch and if the weather is good sit at the table and benches just to the right in Knutsford park. Tea, coffee, water and biscuits or cake is available to help yourself to throughout the day.

Accessibility

If you have accessibility needs, please get in touch so we can advise you of the studio to make sure it will work for you. The classes take place on the first floor of the building, to which there is staircase access. There is a toilet on the same floor as the studio.

Workshop Timings

Every workshop is different and the groups on them are different. The workshops could run over or under by upto 30-40 minutes. On full days we do a check before lunch and if needed we will adjust the break time for lunch accordingly too.

Workshops are available for Ages 16+ and 16-18 year olds should be accompanied with a paying adult. 

With  the exception of Junior 12+ workshops on the site on occasions with a fee paying responsible adult or the private or group workshops again with a responsible fee paying adult the age would 12+.