Handmade Copper Jewelry

Distinctive Hand Made Copper Jewellery

2010-06-26T12:18:00.001-07:00

Copper jewellery has been worn for more than 100 years, mostly for genuine health factors as some believe that it enhances good blood circulation and eases the the signs of joint disease. Although those statements have not been medically confirmed, copper has been shown to have antimicrobial qualities (aiding to ward off bacteria as well as disease). However, it is more likely that this continued interest in copper jewelry has much more related to its distinctive luster and colour than it does with its germ-fighting capability!

Copper jewellery can often be sought-after by those who like an earthy, ethnic look but more and more it is also found making an appearance among the many collections among high end jewellery designers. It has an affordable alternative to higher priced rose gold due to its pretty pinkish tone when copper is at its most basic form. The warmness of copper additionally produces a eye-catching contrast along with silver’s cooler tones.

Numerous artisans furthermore enjoy working with this metal due to its resilience and flexibility. With time, oxidation can cause unprotected copper to darken into a warm brown color that generally improves the look of jewellery pieces. Furthermore, contact with the elements causes unprotected copper to form a bluish-green patina that's generally sought after by individuals who love a distinctive look. Accomplished jewelry designers use this organic discoloration of copper to make unique and revolutionary patterns and designs.

Uncoated bright copper jewelry can tarnish as time passes but can be easily restored to its primary condition. You can buy commercial restoring cloths or drop your jewellery in a bath of tepid to warm water, a number of drops of lemon juice and some salt. Dry with a delicate cloth and the classic warmth and former beauty of your pieces will quickly come back. Note: silver polish shouldn't be used on copper jewelry because it is harsh and may mar the finish.

Hand crafted copper jewelry by John Brana uses a special method to form an exclusive mottled patina in varying tones of brown, black, green, and blue in other pieces amongst his extensive collection of copper jewelry. These pieces are also covered with a protective lacquer which helps prevent tarnish and halts the jewellery from staining your skin.

Green Patinated Copper Lily Pad Earrings

2010-06-20T21:47:00.001-07:00

As beautiful as a spring day, these Green Patinated Copper Lily Pad earrings feature hues of Apple Green, Turquoise, and Yellow, with a Raku-style texture. No two earrings are alike, making them truly unique.

Green Patinated Copper Lily Pad Earrings

2010-06-20T09:58:00.001-07:00

Copper Patinated Jewelry by designer John S. Brana

2010-06-19T16:49:00.001-07:00

Karri Ann Frerichs interviews San Francisco jewelry designer John S. Brana about his latest patinated handmade copper jewelry collection Muir Woods. See one-of-a-kind copper earrings in a variety of earth-tone colors, including hand-sculpted bronze tree-branch rings set with semi-precious faceted colored gemstones.

Why Does My Jewelry Make Me Itch?

2009-07-30T20:26:00.001-07:00

"As a result of everything making my skin itch, I only wear Gold jewelry." Can you relate to this statement? Dermatitis is caused by this allergic reaction to some metals. This is commonly due to the Nickel content found in most types or jewelry. Allergies to Nickel are quite widespread. Nearly one in seven people experience an allergic reaction to Nickel. More women than men tend to suffer from Nickel allergies. This may be simply due to the fact that women wear more jewelry then men, and therefore are more likely to be exposed to Nickel. So what types of jewelry metals should one avoid if they are allergic to Nickel?

First, let's take a look at Gold jewelry. Rarely will jewelry made from 14K yellow Gold cause an allergic reaction to those that have sensitive skin. However, white Gold may irritate those with sensitive skin. Yellow Gold is usually alloyed with Nickel to produce a Silver color. One out of every nine people will react to the Nickel in white Gold. An alternative to solid Gold jewelry is Gold-filled or jewelry deemed "GF." Gold-filled is made by heat forming a layer of 10K or more (commonly 14K Gold) around a base metal. Gold-filled results in a heavier layer of Gold applied to the base metal vs. Gold-plating. With Gold-filled jewelry, the amount of Gold contained in the jewelry is between 75-200 times higher in Gold content than in that of Gold-plated products.

For those that love the look of White Gold, but have allergies, Fine Silver or Sterling Silver is a great alternative. Fine Silver is 100% pure Silver. Most Silver jewelry is not made from Fine Silver. However, if it is hammered or work-hardened, it is just fine and will last a lifetime without much care. Plus it won't tarnish, since it contains no Copper. In general, most Silver jewelry is made from Sterling Silver. Sterling Silver is designated 92.5% Silver. Copper makes up the remaining 7.5%. To make the Silver more durable, Copper is alloyed with pure Silver. Since Copper is normally used, Sterling Silver is a great metal for Nickel allergic people. You can typically distinguish Sterling Silver by a "925" mark found on the jewelry. This marking is common on manufactured pieces, but may not be present on artisan jewelry.

Copper is another great alternative metal if you have problems with Nickel content. Almost all Copper jewelry is made from 100% Copper and isn't alloyed with any other material, including Nickel. Another metal commonly used in jewelry is Stainless Steel or Surgical Steel. As the name implies, Surgical Stainless Steel was designed to be used in the human body. Conversely, Nickel is used in Stainless Steel making up to as much as 8 to 12% of the alloy. People with sensitive skin should avoid Stainless Steel in that it does contain a high percentage of Nickel. Since Platinum contains 95% Platinum and 5% Iridium, Platinum makes a great alternative for those with skin allergies. Titanium is a sure bet for those with metal allergies. Both hypoallergenic and resilient, Titanium makes a great metal for jewelry. It's one of the best metals for those that suffer from Nickel allergies.

When you are shopping for jewelry, be aware of these problematic metals and types of jewelry. Nickel is commonly found in most Fashion and Costume jewelry. Fashion or Costume Jewelry typically contains high quantities of Nickel or German Silver. German Silver is a misnomer in that it contains no Silver. In fact, "Silver" only refers to the color of the metal, and is no way related to metal compostion. This "Silver" color is produced through the alloying of tin, lead, zinc, or Nickel. If you do buy a piece of jewelry and are concerned that it may contain Nickel, commercial test kits are available online. Do a little research upfront and ask the right questions, so that you will be able to wear fashionable jewelry without risking an allergic reaction.

Handmade Copper Jewelry Care Tips

2009-07-29T22:11:00.001-07:00

One of the easiest ways to keep your handmade copper jewelry bright is to place it in Ziploc bags with anti-tarnish pads. Make sure your jewelry is clean and moisture free before storing. Most finer handmade copper jewelry is treated with a protective coating to provide you with the easiest care possible. Copper jewelry that comes in direct contact with the skin, such as rings, necklaces, cuffs, and bracelets will tarnish faster than earrings due to constant abrasion that wears off the protective coating.It's surprisingly easy to care for handmade copper jewelry once the protective coating wears off, just as it is for caring for Sterling Silver jewelry. A good point to remember is that copper is the catalyst that speeds up oxidation/tarnish in precious metals, so only 24K Gold and Fine Silver will not tarnish, since they are not alloyed with copper.

The best way to bring back luster to any piece of handmade copper jewelry is to use a jewelry polishing cloth that can be easily purchased at most jewelry stores, online, and at many drugstores. Most jewelers polishing (or rogue) cloths can last for years and is well worth having. For those more delicate pieces, have a professional jeweler steam clean or use an ultrasonic cleaner. If the piece is set with gemstones, don't attempt to clean the piece yourself, or you could damage the piece and reduce the value. Quite a few gemstones can be easily damaged by using an ultrasonic cleaner, so you might save a few dollars by cleaning your jewelry yourself, but you might end up with a worthless piece. Take your jewelry to a professional when in doubt. Touch base with the artist you bought your handmade copper jewelry from. Most artists will clean their own work for a nominal fee, or sometimes even for free.

If you find yourself in a pinch for time, here are a few copper cleaning tips (do not use with gemstones or pearl set jewelry), you can use any of these acid based household products:

* Vinegar - (White, Apple Cider, Wine, Balsamic) - Place the item in a glass or plastic container (not metal). Pour enough vinegar until it completely covers the piece. Let it soak in the solution for about 15 minutes. Rinse under warm water, dry off, and your finished!

*Lime or Lemon Juice - Same directions as above for vinegar, but throw in a dash of salt as a catalyst.

*Ketchup or Worcestershire Sauce - Squeeze a dab onto a soft cloth or toothbrush, then rinse throughly under lukewarm water. Try not to get any ketchup or worcestershie sauce on your gemstones, as they should not be subject to any chemical cleaners.