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Non-precious metal clays
At present there are only two main companies that are able to make silver clay. These companies are Mitsubishi (PMC) and Aida (ACS). They also make gold clays!
Many smaller independent companies are producing other forms of metal clay; Bronze, Copper, White Bronze and Steel to name a few. Each clay has its own properties and requirements, and more are being created every year. Bronz Clay was the first though, reaching the market in 2008.
These clays each have their own firing schedules, almost always in a kiln. Non-precious metal clays, more often than not, require a reduction kiln (no oxygen inside the kiln), using acid-washed carbon contained in a mettle, kiln fibre or ceramic container.
In a couple of cases they may be fired quickly, then quenched (dipped in cold water) straight from the hot kiln. This needs to be done quickly to avoid oxidation; oxidation in this case manifests as a black coating which can be removed, but will cause the loss of surface detail. Firing temperatures vary, ranging from 676°C for White Bronze to 1040°C for Copper, though different specifics are given by different manufacturers.
These non-precious metal clays are relatively new, so there are still problems with the formulas. Occasionally perfectly good pieces, made following instructions to the letter, will fail at the firing stage; its usually best to treat these materials as experimental, though I have had success with both types and would encourage you to try any of them you'd like to, as they give an ancient, earthy feel unmatched by any other material.