Gold jewelry has always been coveted. Even though gold prices have come down over the last 2 years, they are still over
double the price of 10 years ago.[tweet_dis_img]
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Today, gold is $1267 an ounce. Compare this with Silver at $17.75 an ounce!
I really feel that wearing beautiful baubles enhances our self image. In the past I eagerly wore gold designs. Now that I create my own pieces, I gravitate to silver and copper.
in 2007, when I first began designing, I took multiple classes to improve my skills. My instructors had us experiment with copper metal before creating the finished design in silver.
And guess what happened! I fell in love with copper! Copper’s rich color is enhanced when you add heat or other elements. The resulting colors can range anywhere from bright copper to deep red, teal blue, vibrant purple and more.
I love adding in Fine Silver or Sterling silver . What’s the difference? Fine silver is 99% silver. When working with lighter weight designs, the pure silver is too soft. Thicker alternatives (like ring shanks) work the best.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper (needed to strengthen this softer metal).[/tweet_box]
The combination of the two colors is explosive. In fact I decided to copyright the name I use for this process. Sprinkled Silver is fun to create. Every single design is different depending upon how the metals combine.
A bit of history:
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[/tweet_dis_img]Silver was used in coinage beginning around 550 BC. IT was also popular for use in photosensitive materials used in photography. .. before the digital age! And of course silver has been used in jewelry over the ages.
Copper was probably the first metal to be used by humans and is considered sacred to many cultures. Copper has a natural ability to conduct electricity so, when worn, is said to harmonize the body’s energies, clearing any blockages or imbalances.
There will always be a place for gold in our bauble wardrobe of course… But consider copper or silver for your next purchase. I think you will be surprised and delighted by your selection!
That copper cuff bracelet with silver is just luscious. I think I’m beginning to love copper!
Thanks so much Susan. Copper is so much fun to wear
I really do love copper, and it has some great healing benefits. Copper and silver look great together. Love the copper cuff.
Hi Tamuria. You’re right about the healing benefits too
I didn’t know that there was copper in silver. Interesting post. Thanks for sharing.
most welcome Sabrina!
Very interesting and informative post. Love learning about your craft and you. Can someone be allergic to copper? And what about the metal turning dark from wear. Is this a sign the person is allergic?
Thanks Roslyn.
There are those that are allergic but it does not happen often. Those people can normally not wear silver either, since most of it has some copper in it. I had a friend that was allergic and could only wear gold. I teased her that she just made it up! As far as the metal turning dark, that is the oxidation when it is exposed to the air. Sterling will darken too because of the copper. This is not harmful at all to people. My designs are treated to prevent the oxidation.
I love silver. And copper has such a cool, rustic look!
thanks Cindy. I agree about the rustic nature of copper. Love it!
I’m all for pretty jewellery. I do love all my necklaces.
I seem to not be able to wear earings that are anything other than white gold. It sucks!
thanks Sonya
You must be one of those rare few that are allergic to copper. Since sterling has copper in it, that would be problematic for you too.
I love the copper cuff. Very stylish and beautiful. I like copper as it goes with so many things.
Copper is just so stunning! I’ve never paid attention to the price of gold, silver or copper. I will have to research the healing benefits of copper. Always looking for new ways to heal!
Thanks Erin. Copper does have harmonizing properties. And it’s beautiful too!
Love learning about the metals, and really loved learning about copper. Do jewelers ever use copper as a plating? Love your designs!
Thanks Robin. Normally copper could be the bases metal for silver plating. But I have seen brass or nickel plated with copper. It brings the copper prices down but usually the plating wears off AND many many people are allergic to nickel!
I’ve never worn copper, but you are persuading me to give it a try!
Thanks so much Jennifer
I love your Sprinkled Silver (great name!) bracelet and the turquoise ring as well. I’e always been a big fan of copper – I have quite a few copper highlights in my kitchen – unfortunately I didn’t know there is a gorgeous hammered copper sink available before I purchased a new sink last year! I always wish I looked better in gold, but, frankly, silver suits me better as jewelry. C’est la vie!
Thanks so much Reba. A hammered copper sinks sounds wonderful
Thank you for sharing this. I have never tried copper before. Thinking of doing that after reading your post.
Appreciate it Apolline. You may grow to love it?
Hi Alene 🙂
Very interesting about copper and the history 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing as I learned something new on your post!
Thanks for the kind words Joan. Always happy when someone learns something new
I love copper. I think it has such a rich, bold look. Enjoy it in jewelry as well as home décor.
Thanks Christy. Yes I love it as home decor too.
I think people just want change. Gold has become popular for many years. Even the gold wedding bands are not in demand as compared to the white gold which of course resembles the color silver.
Good point Lorii. The trend does seem to be white gold or rose gold …which closely resembles copper
I never had much appreciation for copper until I moved to the Southwest. Thanks for sharing its beauty and it’s electrical qualities.
Thanks Joyce. I agree it is more prevelant in the Southwest. After Arizona IS the copper state. Where do you live?
Very interesting indeed. I buy gold for my portfolio but wear silver… it used to be different for some reason. Interesting though… good post.
thanks Kristin. I love silver!
I have always been a silver person but lately copper has just been so appealing.
thanks Renee. I agree. It has a strong appeal to many these days!
I have purchased more silver as I age; I was always a gold girl before. But I’ve never tried copper. Will have to check that out!
thanks Jackie. You sound like me. I migrated to silver as i aged too (but we are both REALLY YOUNG, right??)
I love copper but hate all of the upkeep due to the color transformation.
thanks Rachel. The designs I provide are treated to prevent oxidation and hold the color. Of course over time anything will be affected. If you still want to consider copper you may want to download my 21 practical tips guide . It’s on the side panel