Hi,
I know that CZ can be used with PMS (silver), but has anyone used real diamonds/gems (ruby, sapphires etc) ?
Many thanks,
Louise

I'm actually trying to get together stock for a small online shop selling natural gems that can be fired safely in metal clay.
Diamonds are a no I'm afraid, but some gems can be kiln fired, some even fired by torch If you're careful, and they are eye clean (VVS_VS quality) like Garnets, Peridot, and white Sapphire's which are really pretty and sparkle almost as brightly as diamonds.
As for Rubies, I personally would avoid them because the quality of stone good enough for firing would be quite expensive. If you like red, Garnets are OK and Sunstone's can be found in Red and lighter pinks.

For kiln firing there's a bigger list including Tanzanite, Chrome Diopside and Sunstones, which are gorgeous, come in 4 or 5 different colours and can have beautiful copper inclusions that flash and sparkle.
Here are some recommended lists from the PMC guild and Art Clay World, but they are not 100% up to date:

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To be on the safe side I'd recommend kiln firing if possible though, even the best quality stone has a small risk with torch firing and can be ruined if you're not extremely careful and know what you're doing with a torch.

Thanks for that - very informative.

Shame that diamonds can't be used

I suppose thay could always be added after though.

Diamonds can actually be used. Some with more success than other. It is all about creating an oxygen starved environment (firing with charcoal etc) inside the kiln - I wouldn't recommend it as a beginner's stone!

My student did a few tests. The only one I've seen was one done with one of her "cheaper" diamonds, which came out pretty well. Though the stone looks a little white-ish, as if it changed very slightly.

Petra

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Thanks Petra,

I agree that the environment has to be just right & diamond quality has to be top notch.

I think I will play safe & set them after firing, I will have to creep round hubby to treat me to a couple first though.

I used to use lab created gems with my sculpey work, but really want to move on to the real stuff - I just cant help it - the urge to buy real sparklies is driving me loopy!

Cheers, Louise