For the third installment in my metal series, I’ve decided to talk about one of my favorite metals to work with: copper.
Unlike many of the metals used in jewelry-making copper is an elemental metal; it is not an alloy like sterling silver or brass. Polished copper has a wonderful color – kind of a pinkish orange. It’s also very malleable and easy to work with.
A lot of copper comes from the United States, and it is commonly used in wiring and plumbing. Its high electrical conductivity and ductility make it ideal for electrical wiring. In the past couple years, the price of copper has skyrocketed, making the theft of scrap copper a very popular crime. The high price of copper has also provoked the U.S. to pass a law in 2006 banning the melting of pennies and nickels for their metal. (Pennies prior to 1982 had a high copper content; pennies made since 1982 are zinc with a copper plating.)
Despite the recent increases in copper prices, copper is still a wonderful metal for practicing new metalsmithing skills, before trying them on more expensive metals like gold and silver.
One of the biggest drawbacks in using copper for jewelry is that it tarnishes so quickly. Tarnish can be reduced by storing the copper in a cool dry place, and copper can be fairly easily cleaned by soaking in vinegar. (Soak piece in vinegar for 5 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and dry thoroughly.) Copper jewelry also leaves green marks on the skin for some people. Some arthritis sufferers wear copper, because it is believed to alleviate arthritis symptoms.
Copper generally does not cause sensitivity issues for people, although as previously mentioned, it can leave green marks on the skin.
micheledodge
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Love the copper earrings!
Very pretty pieces. I love stumbling across things made with copper. 🙂
I love copper- it’s such a warm metal. Good read.