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Is Silver the New Gold? Is Copper the new Silver?

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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]gold-10-year-chart[/tweet_dis_img]

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.
Gentle Wave Sprinkled Silver with text
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:

[tweet_dis_img]Ring S Turquoise Ring[/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!

 

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Comments

  4. Roslyn Tanner Evans says

    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?

    Reply

    • Alene Geed says

      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.

      Reply

  6. Sonya says

    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!

    Reply

  8. Erin says

    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!

    Reply

    • Alene Geed says

      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!

      Reply

  11. Reba Linker says

    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!

    Reply

  15. Lorii Abela says

    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.

    Reply

  19. Jackie Harder says

    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!

    Reply

    • Alene Geed says

      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

      Reply

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I really enjoy wearing my ‘Alene’s Adornments’ spiral earrings. They’re exactly what I want and like in an earring: authentic materials, light weight and beautiful design. I look forward to adding the next item to my collection of Alene’s creations. I highly recommend shopping here if you want beautiful jewelry, along with great service!

Reba Linker

I have bought several sets of earrings designed and made by Alene over the past few years. I am happy with the design and quality of all. Get many compliments when I wear them. also, once ordered the merchandise arrives on time.  Would highly recommend purchasing one of her designs.  Rating “5”.

Joan Alexander

I was introduced to Alene’s Adornments through a customer from work (grocery industry). I loved the unique pieces that Alene creates. I purchased a ring and received it gift wrapped and very quickly. The ring is one of my favorites and I receive nice comments when I wear it.

Lynn

Alene’s creations are not only beautiful, but truly unique. A rare find and appreciated for their one of a kind look and feel. Highly recommend!

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I like the uniqueness of Alene’s jewelry and the quality of her craftsmanship! Made with love!

Mary Slusser

After I purchased my first piece of jewelry from Alene…I was hooked. Her craftsmanship, detail and creativity is above and beyond. I will always look to her for gift ideas, and of course, treasures for myself too. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.

Linda Mangun

Alene has a gift for creating the perfect, unique piece of jewelry. Her ability to combine copper and sterling creates pieces of jewelry that are second to none. Alene then adds pops of color to create a piece that will call your name. Always eagerly await her new designs to see what new amazing piece will call my name.

Robin Meador

I still have the first pair of earrings I bought from Alene and wear them frequently.  I could  almost open my own store with all the cuffs, earrings, and necklaces I own of Alene’s.  I admire and respect her talent.  It has been  wonderful to watch her jewelry progress over almost 20 years.  What a pleasure  to wear her talent.  Always compliments!!

Peg Doerfler
I am so thrilled to own several pieces of this Artisans’ creations!
Designs are wonderful and jewelry is well made.
Naomi Flink

Alene is extremely talented her pieces are not only amazing they are well made at a reasonable price. She also will create custom pieces for you. I have several of her original and custom made pieces and love them all💞 You will not be disappointed!

Mary Jo Edel

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