Copper Electroformed Jewellery

As one of the first and most beautiful metals to be harnessed by humans, this versatile reddish-gold mineral has been used for countless purposes for thousands of years. None more important than our need to adorn ourselves.

The word copper derives from the Latin’ Cyprium aes’, meaning ‘Cyprus metal’ since this refers to Cyprus, the island where the Romans first mined their supply. Eventually, it was simplified to ‘cuprum’, as the chemical symbol of Cu still suggests, and today, we simply refer to it as copper.

As a designer and creator of jewellery, I have always had a passion for gemstones and crystals. Each individually formed gemstone has a rich history travelling through the centuries. For years, I have worked with many other mediums and techniques, yet I have always yearned to return to my childhood favourite – raw gems. I loved imagining all the places it had been and all the stories it could tell.

I knew I wanted to work with rough stones, which set me on the path of exploring and learning. That is when I started researching how one can set rough stones. This was when I happened upon a process called copper electroforming. In its basic form, it is electrolysis which allows the deposition of copper electrolytes on gemstones over several hours in a copper/acid solution.

I was delighted to have found the medium to allow me the freedom to work with my treasured gems! The entire process is organic, and the results are unique and beautiful, with unpredictable textures – precisely the way I prefer things in life.

We often get asked about the skin becoming green after contact with copper. This is caused by a completely normal reaction to prolonged copper exposure, typically the result of oxidation. Each individual’s unique body chemistry will produce a different response generated by the acidic nature of your specific perspiration and other chemicals on the skin such as lotions, soap etc. Rest assured that this is not harmful and can easily be removed by washing the area with warm soapy water. The green hue will also fade once the item is no longer worn. If the stain bothers you, simply paint the jewellery item with transparent nail varnish, and you won’t have any further green colouration. Many people will not experience any skin discolouration whatsoever.

In fact, it is believed that copper has both a therapeutic and a healing and medical effect on the body. For example, ancient Aztecs gargled with a copper and water mix to avoid sore throats. Even Hippocrates was believed to have treated ulcers with copper.

Today, many people wear copper bracelets to ease the aches of stiff and sore joints and help heal sports injuries. It is suggested that the skin absorbs small copper particles, reducing inflammation as copper is an essential mineral that serves this purpose.

Amongst other properties, it is also believed to assist in nipping headaches in the bud.

As copper is antimicrobial, many hospitals have incorporated copper surfaces to stem infections.

This magnificent metal has undoubtedly stood the test of time.

Rethea Pretorius

Down To Earth Jewellery

www.downtoearthjewellery.co.za

Style notes on Electroformed Copper jewellery

Rethea’s jewellery recently featured in the Fair Lady magazine and with good reason. If you know that you have an expressive/creative/bohemian style personality or just like something a bit different, this range of unique jewellery will appeal to you. I would suggest wearing layers and not just one individual piece.

If you have a larger bone structure, choose more bold items or group rings together. Larger stones will create the best overall balance on a larger frame.

The colours of the stones are great to add interest to an outfit and even clients in a cooler colour group who would not normally choose copper, can wear these beautiful rings or bracelets.

Tania x