polymer clay question

13tamara wrote

on Feb 22, 2010 10:42 PM

hello, I've googled but don't seem to find what I'm looking for.

I was wondering if you can wrap a gemstone with polymer clay and bake it without damaging the stone?

thank you

JSmaz wrote

on Feb 23, 2010 3:53 AM

I would think yes for the majority of gemstones, though you would need to be aware that heat can change the color of some.  Not sure if the relatively low temps you heat clay to would affect that or not.  I certainly wouldn't try it with a soft stone like amber or opals, but jasper, agate and some others would probably work fine.  I'm sure some other folks can help better with this.  Best idea would be to test a small piece of the stone you want to use and see what happens.

13tamara wrote

on Feb 23, 2010 7:06 AM

thanks Jeni, it would be harder stones I'd want to use, so I might pick some clay up at work tonight and give it a whirl. 

labup wrote

on Feb 23, 2010 10:47 AM

The low temperature you cure the clay at usually does not affect stones.  I have even cured on glass, metals and gemstones without any affect to them.  But...... if in doubt, like Jen said, try a piece of stone first.  I wouldn't want to tell you it was fine and then have you bake a $30 stone and have it change color on you.  :)    But in my experience (which is fairly extensive) as long as you keep the heat low, you should be fine.

13tamara wrote

on Feb 23, 2010 8:29 PM

thank you, I bought some clay today and will give it a try....

I just love this site and how wonderful everyone is with helping others out, thanks again

Shauna16 wrote

on Mar 2, 2010 3:25 PM

I was curios if you tried this yet??? I just found some of my old clay and it's still good and I am going to be playing soon.

Shauna

13tamara wrote

on Mar 2, 2010 8:16 PM

I tired it  at work, but didn't like the outcome.....don't think I'll try it again....so I don't have much information for you......

LitaC2 wrote

on Mar 3, 2010 9:57 AM

I am sorry to be a bit late to this question - just saw it.

1 - Since polymer clay cures at 250 - 275 degrees F, and most gemstone material (except pearls and probably opals) can withstand temps in excess of 700 - 1000 degrees F, I don't think you'll have any problems with damaging the structural integrity of the stone.

2 - Some color change is possible - even at the relatively low temps.  Most, if not all, of the colored topaz on the market today has been either chemically or thermically treated to create a particular hue.  For example, "mystic" topaz has been coated with titanium (I think), and London and Swiss blue are heat treated.  FYI - Never clean any colored topaz jewelry in an utrasonic cleaner - you can strip the coating right off, and you'll have a nice, clear stone.

3 - If you are working with metal clay that needs to be fired at temps in excess of 1200 degrees F, then you really need to consider your gemstone material.  Many stones can withstand those temps, but others cannot, and you should check with the materials published by Rio Grande or Cool Tools or Whole Lotta Whimsy to see which stones remain unaltered during a firing.

Hope this helps.

Lita

labup wrote

on Mar 3, 2010 10:23 AM

Tamara:  What kind of gemstone was it?  What happened to it?  Change color, crack, turn into kryptonite?