Artist Gordon Uyehara of Moanalua Gardens did not set out to become a jewelry designer — he just sort of fell into it. It began six years ago when he joined a class at Bead It! in Kaimuki. One of the classes included a material that was new to him called silver clay. It comes from Japan and consists of fine particles of silver, an organic binder and water.

Uyehara shapes and dries the silver clay, then files it or sands it into intricate, delicate pieces of wearable art. After the work is fired, Uyehara explained, it can be treated like other metals and can be soldered.

Uyehara has become a world renowned expert in silver metal clay. He has taught classes in Honolulu, on Maui and on the Mainland. In September he will teach in England.

Uyehara's jewelry is on view from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through tomorrow at the Gallery at Ward Centre.

Information: 597-8034.