Established since 2011, designer-maker Elin Mair creates contemporary jewellery and memorable keepsakes. Her work is now sold in selected independent shops and galleries across Britain.
Primarily Elin works with a fascinating material; Precious Metal Clay (PMC), also known as Silver Clay. PMC is a combination of organic binders, water and microscopic recycled particles of silver.
The clay is hand-formed into a shape and the desired texture added, before being dried, sanded and then fired in a kiln. The firing process removes the binder and fuses the metal into a solid form.
Post-firing, all the soldering and silversmithing work can begin, where the pieces are transformed into wearable designs. Working with PMC is quite different from traditional silversmithing as it requires a different set of skills, ones that tap into those of potters and sculptors.
Over the past eleven years Elin’s method of working has changed significantly. Her work has developed from quick sketches and sculpturing to 3D CAD design to produce her signature feminine and floral jewellery, without over-shadowing her original work.