Green Vintage Earrings
With the economy still unpredictable and shaky, I have watched wire and metal designs include more brass, copper, and bronze. Things that before would have been purely in silver or gold, now may have a combination of metals, just a high-light in silver or gold, and have other metal incorporated into the entire piece. Or perhaps the background will be a piece of copper, with the more precious metals used sparingly.
Perhaps there are really 2 forces at work. First, many designers are trying to keep the cost of their pieces lower for customers, or at least offering them in more than 1 metal, with pricing options. Also, obviously, many designers have moved to some of these other metals to reduce their own costs, as buying rounds of wire or pieces of metal sheet have risen. But I also think there may be 1 more reason this is changing. As many of us become more conscious of our world and the environment, I think we view copper, bronze and brass as more “earthy.” They definitely are colors that move into the warm side of the spectrum, and seem to lend themselves well to many eco-friendly designs. Bronze is often reminiscent of ancient jewelry, as noted in pictures of Egyptian jewelry. Copper, too, is well known for it’s use with various ancient cultures. Copper, brass and bronze can also be aged and take patinas very well, so their colors can actually be altered in many ways. This allows a designer more options in how a final piece might appear. As many of us try to connect with the rich history of the world, these metals have had a resurgence in popularity.
Two toned pendant with copper flecks
teribaskett
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