Silver Clay Urchin Necklace Tutorial - Beginner-Friendly Jewellery Making Project
Transform a real sea urchin shell into an elegant solid silver necklace, preserving every intricate detail in precious metal.
In this beginner-friendly silver clay course, I'll guide you through the complete process over 8 easy-to-follow video lessons.
You'll learn to mould your shell, work with silver clay, and fire your piece using either a torch or kiln, whichever suits your setup.
By the end of this project, you'll have created a one-of-a-kind piece of ocean-inspired jewellery that you can wear, gift or sell!
What You’ll Learn in this Silver Clay Course:
Learn how to make a silicone mould using real urchin shells
Learn how to test your moulds to avoid wastage!
Learn how to create a perfect silver clay urchin
Learn how to de-mould your silver clay urchin without damaging it
Learn how to sand and prepare your urchin for firing
Learn how to fire your silver clay either with a blowtorch or a kiln
Learn how to finish and polish your silver clay by hand
Bonus step: Learn how to oxidise your silver urchins
Et Voilà, a beautiful solid silver urchin necklace!
Love this Project?
Become a Cognac Jewellery School Member today and get instant access to this tutorial plus 16+ other jewellery making projects. Learn at your own pace with unlimited access, monthly new projects, and ongoing support from award-winning jeweller Jessica
Cancel anytime. Start creating today.
Who Is This Silver Clay Tutorial For?
✓ Complete beginners to jewellery making who want to try working with silver clay for the first time
✓ Nature lovers and beachcombers who want to preserve the beauty of shells, and natural textures in silver
✓ Makers who want sell unique, nature-inspired pieces that customers love (best-selling design!)
What’s included in this Project?
✓ 8 Easy-to-digest video lessons
✓ Bonus oxidisation tutorial
✓ PDF written instructions
✓ A full tools and materials list with supplier links
✓ 1-2-1 support from Jessica if you need it
Tools and Materials needed for this project:
Browse our complete UK Master tools list, USA Master tools list, or Europe Master tools list with direct supplier links
Materials List
An Urchin Shell
OR an urchin mould (available to purchase from the Cognac Jewellery School shop)
Siligum Moulding Compound
10g ArtClay Silver (or other fine silver clay)
A silver chain
Olive oil
Plasticine
fresh water
Tools List
A cutting mat
An acrylic block or sheet
A craft knife
A set of doming punches
A pin vice
Drill bits (1mm and 1.5mm)
Sandpaper or Emery paper
A round needle file
Sanding sponges
A white polishing pad
A polishing cloth
Flat-Nosed Pliers
Oxidising Solution (optional)
Choose between Torch and Kiln Firing
Tools For Torch Firing
A Fire Brick
A Blowtorch
Tools for Kiln Firing
A Kiln
A Steel Mesh
A Firing Fork
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a kiln to make silver clay shell earrings?
No, you don't need a kiln! This course teaches both torch firing and kiln firing methods. Torch firing is perfect for beginners and requires minimal equipment - just a small butane torch. If you do have access to a kiln, I'll show you that method too.
How long does this silver clay course take to complete?
The course includes 8 video lessons that you can watch at your own pace. Most students complete the project in a few hours of hands-on work. You have unlimited access to this project, so you can take as long as you need and revisit the lessons anytime.
Is this course suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely! This course is designed specifically for beginners with no prior jewellery making experience. I guide you through every step, from moulding the urchin to the final polish. Many of my students have never worked with silver clay before and create beautiful results.
What's included in this project?
You get 8 video lessons, a complete tools and materials list with supplier links, downloadable resources, and unlimited access to the course through membership. You'll also get ongoing support through our community.
Where can I find shells for this project?
You can sometimes find urchin shells at the beach (make sure it's legal in your area to take them), purchase them from craft suppliers, or purchase a ready-made mould from the Cognac Jewellery School shop
What type of silver clay should I use?
I demonstrate with Art Clay Silver, but you can use any brand of silver clay (AMC, Prometheus, Cool Tools, etc.).
Will my necklace be solid silver?
Yes! After firing, your silver clay becomes 99.9% pure silver. You will have a genuine silver necklace, not plated or silver-coloured. They'll last a lifetime with proper care.
Ready to Create Your Silver Urchin Necklace?
Join Pro Membership today and get instant access to this tutorial plus 16+ other jewellery making projects. Learn at your own pace with unlimited access, monthly new projects, and ongoing support from a award-winning jeweller Jessica
Cancel anytime. Start creating today.