Copper

Copper

The use of copper to make decorative works goes back thousands of years to ancient Egypt and to prehistory itself. Ancient Middle Eastern civilizations first used copper to create lamps, statues, jewellery and pots. The earliest known piece of copper jewellery dates to the eighth millennium BC. Copper was also fused with other metals to make jewellery and the alloying of copper and tin produced bronze. Copper was associated with ancient gods and goddesses and become so valuable that it was used as money. The colour of polished copper is deeper and richer than gold. Left to age naturally (and coated as it would be by the skin’s own oils), copper takes on a deep, bronze-like colour that adds even more interest to a piece of jewellery.

There are several advantages of using copper for jewellery. Many jewellery makers and designers use copper because it is versatile. It is one of the easiest metals to work with. Copper is very pliable and easy to cut, form and fold. Copper is easy to hammer and nothing patinates like copper. Copper is also relatively inexpensive. Today, copper can be purchased in many forms including wire, sheet, tube, chain, and beads.

The oldest metal sculpture pieces were made out of copper, copper alloys and bronze. These metals offered the artist strength while also being malleable. Metal casting as an ancient art dates back 6000 years with the first cast works made out of gold and copper. (Metal casting is the sculpting process where metals are poured into a mould.)

Copper is an extremely durable metal as it is low in the reactivity series. This means that it doesn't tend to corrode. When cared for properly, copper jewellery will last a lifetime or longer. Copper is sometimes used as a base for jewellery on top of which another metal is plated, such as silver or platinum.

Copper is a ductile metal. This means that it can easily be drawn into wires. Copper is also malleable which means it can be bent easily. These are reasons it is popular for jewellery making. Copper can also be joined easily by soldering or brazing. In fact, all these metal working techniques can be used with copper; stamping, hammering, doming, etching, and engraving.

The many advantages of copper mean that it's popular for many types of jewellery. Copper is commonly made into earrings, bracelets, bangles, engraved or carved rings, necklaces, brooches, cuffs and chokers. Copper jewellery can also be accented with enamel, beads, engravings, gold, brass, nickel or silver plating and can also be embellished with precious gemstones.

Copper is highly reactive, so it is possible to get many different looks from it. By dipping it in a sulphur solution it reacts with the sulphur to give a range of colours from browns, blues, reds, and black, depending on how long you leave it. It can also be etched with ferric chloride. It reacts with vinegar and ammonia to give blues and greens. When heat is applied, it changes colour.

Copper and bronze were popular during the Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Arts and Crafts movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The malleable character of copper meant it was the perfect material for decorated items such as trays, coal boxes, cooking utensils and bas relief panels and plaques. The natural, flowing lines of these movements worked well with the characteristics of copper and bronze and pieces made with are highly sought after.