Articulated Silver Jewelry: The Holding Plate System Technique
Articulated Silver Jewelry: The Holding Plate System Technique
: Learn the surprisingly simple technique for making articulated, movable sterling silver jewelry with Shannta Silver Clay and the Holding Plate System!
What is the Holding Plate System? It's a special technique that allows silver jewelry to have moving parts, such as a pendant with swinging legs, earrings with dangling elements that sway with movement, or a ring that spins.
The Simple Principle: Use a "Holding Plate" to control the spacing of the parts you want to move, then fire everything together in a single session.
3 Main Components
Moving PartsA small post or pin.
Features "Ball Ends" on the tips to prevent them from slipping out.
Holding PlateA sheet of silver clay with holes drilled for the posts.
Functions to set the spacing and control the movement.
Main FrameThe main structure of the jewelry piece.
The Holding Plate is sealed onto this frame.
5 Practical Steps Step
1: Sculpt the Moving Parts
Use Shannta Silver Clay to form small rods.
Attach Ball Ends to the tips (must be larger than the holes they will pass through).
Step 2: Create the Holding Plate
Roll out silver clay to a thickness of 1.5 mm.
Drill holes that are just large enough for the posts.
Sand the surface smooth.
Step 3: Make the Main Frame
Shape the frame according to your desired design.
Prepare the area where the Holding Plate will be attached.
Step 4: Assembly
Important Tip: Test the movement before sealing!Insert the posts into the holes on the Holding Plate.
Apply a slip mixture of Shannta Silver Clay and water around the edge of the plate (be careful not to get it on the posts!).
Place the Holding Plate into the frame.
Let it dry completely or bake at 150°C for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Normal Firing
Place the piece on a fire brick or ceramic fiber board.
If necessary, support any hanging parts with additional fire bricks.
Fire in a kiln at 800°C for 30-40 minutes, or torch-fire until the piece glows orange, let it rest, and repeat 2-3 times.
Once cooled, the parts will move freely!
Proper Firing Technique Placing the Piece:
Lay it flat on a fire brick.
If there are hanging parts, use smaller pieces of fire brick for support.
Ensure the moving legs or parts are not bearing too much weight.
Torch Firing:
Heat until the silver clay has a bright orange glow.
Hold the temperature for 2-5 minutes.
Repeat 2-3 times for maximum strength.
Advantages of This Technique
No Separator Needed: Saves costs.
Normal Firing: Uses standard fire bricks.
Guaranteed Results: No risk of parts fusing together.
Versatile: Can be adapted to various designs.
3 Common Problems + Solutions
Problem: The part won't move.Cause: Slip flowed onto the post.
Solution: Use less slip and apply it further away from the post.
Problem: The part is too loose.Cause: The hole is too big.
Solution: Make the Ball Ends larger.
Problem: The piece warped during firing.Cause: Insufficient support.
Solution: Use fire bricks to ensure the piece is stable and well-supported.
Interesting Applications
Beckoning Cat (Maneki-neko) PendantThe arm can actually wave.
Uses the Holding Plate System at the shoulder joint.
Tassel EarringsThe lower section dangles and sways.
Uses a small Holding Plate.
Spinner RingThe outer band can spin.
Uses a circular Holding Plate as the central axis.
Charm BraceletEach charm can move independently.
Uses the Holding Plate System at each connection point.
Workshop at Shannta Articulated Silver Clay Workshop (1 Day)
Learn: The Holding Plate System step-by-step.
How to calculate dimensions to account for shrinkage.
Tips and tricks for using Shannta Silver Clay.
The correct way to fire on a fire brick.
Ready to create jewelry with life? This technique isn't as difficult as it looks! With high-quality Shannta Silver Clay and a standard firing process on a fire brick, you can create your own articulated sterling silver jewelry.
Contact Us
LINE: @shannta
Instagram: @shannta_official
Website: www.shannta.com
Location: BACC Room 306, 939 Rama I Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Book a class or inquire for more information through any of our channels.
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