Our Process
At Celsius Ceramics, each ceramic or porcelain pendant is made by hand by Yoko d’Arnaud, a long-time designer from Morris & James Pottery Matakana. From raw clay through glazing and kiln-firing, every piece is created in small batches with care—so subtle variation isn’t a flaw, it’s what makes each one unique.
- Shaping the Earth (The Clay Work): The process begins with high-quality clay, chosen for its purity and ability to translate Yoko's intricate designs. Each pendant is individually hand-formed, sculpted, or cut with precision, giving it its initial shape and character. This is where the foundation of its unique form is laid, often incorporating delicate textures or subtle contours.
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The First Kiss of Fire (Bisque Firing): Once shaped and allowed to thoroughly dry, the fragile "greenware" pieces undergo their first transformation in the kiln. They are fired at a high temperature (the "bisque firing") which hardens the clay, making it durable enough to handle without breaking, yet still porous sufficient to absorb glazes. This stage is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity of the final piece.
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A Canvas for Creativity (Decoration & Glazing): This is where Yoko's artistic flair truly comes alive. Each bisque-fired pendant becomes a canvas for decoration. Whether it's the application of intricate underglaze details, delicate hand-painting, or unique textural treatments, every design is thoughtfully applied by hand. Following decoration, the pendants are carefully dipped or brushed with glazes. These special glassy coatings, often custom-mixed by Yoko, will melt and fuse during the final firing, giving the jewellery its vibrant colours, stunning luminosity, and protective finish.
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The Final Transformation (Glaze Firing): The decorated and glazed pendants return to the kiln for their ultimate transformation. This "glaze firing" is even hotter than the bisque firing, reaching temperatures that turn the glazes into a durable, glass-like surface. It's during this intense heat that the colours deepen, the glazes achieve their signature sheen or matte finish, and the entire piece becomes vitrified – strong, beautiful, and ready to be adorned.
No Two Are the Same
Because each piece is made by hand, no two pendants come out exactly the same. The small differences—shape, glaze, and texture—are what make them special. Explore the collection and find the one that feels right.