OUR PROCESS

The Process – Here at Fingerprints we have discovered a remarkable organic non–toxic material called Art Clay Silver™. Art Clay™ is water-based clay made of pure silver powder, water and non-toxic organic binding agent.
 

Art Clay Silver™ can be used just as you would ordinary clay but once dried, it becomes hard, enabling us to use our skills to shape it, engrave it, file it and sand it to a perfect finish before firing.

During heating (firing) the non-toxic binder burns away and the silver particles combine together to form a solid 99.9% pure silver object. At Fingerprints we have developed a unique way to create the impression of a fingerprint or artwork onto the clay and to make a truly unique piece of pure silver jewellery for you to treasure.

Taking the fingerprint directly on to the clay:

We gently press the finger directly onto the silver clay leaving an impression that clearly shows all of the fine lines that form each person’s unique fingerprint.  The clay is then shaped, dried, sanded and kiln fired. During the firing process, the organic binding agent is burnt away leaving a solid silver pendant. It is then re-sanded, antiqued, highly polished and added to your choice of solid sterling silver fitting. The piece the finger is pressed into becomes your actual piece.

Hand & Footprints:
 

Upon ordering a hand or footprint piece we will send you an inkless kit (this is included in the price). This simple kit allows you take your child's feet or hand prints (without any mess). Once the print has been returned to us we transfer the print (in a perfect miniaturized version) onto a silver pendant and then we complete it with your choice of engraving.  It's that easy! 

NB: If you have an existing print of hands or feet we can also use that, simply send us a copy via the post or our email address. 

 Little Works of Art:

In order for us to imprint your artwork on to a silver pendant, we require a clear image generally no larger than an A4 piece of paper.  This can be sent to us via the post (please do not send an original, a good photocopy is best) or as a scanned image via email. We assess the picture to ensure that it will fit on your chosen pendant shape and then set about creating your truly original piece by transferring the image onto the clay.

It is then shaped, dried, sanded and kiln fired. During the firing process, the organic binding agent is burnt away leaving a solid silver pendant. It is then re-sanded, antiqued, highly polished and added to your choice of solid sterling silver fitting.