Copper Jewelry Is Fashionable and Distinctive
The urge for self-decoration has been present in human beings from the time when early man was first able to fabricate things. The first materials used in ornamentation were undoubtedly natural, found items such as bone, pebbles, and feathers. However, as soon as copper was 'discovered' it was not long before it was being used for personal adornment.
Copper has been used by mankind for over 10,000 years. It often occurs in a natural state - copper nuggets simply lying on the ground. As it is easy to work, it was probably not very long before beads, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets were being hammered out. A copper pendant has been discovered in Iraq that was made for a woman in 8,700 B.C.
Today, copper is still being used to make a wide range of jewelry for both men and women. The warm, soothing color of copper makes it a good choice for jewelers, and often a hammer, anvil, sheet copper, metal snips, and wooden forms are all that are needed to produce pendants, earrings, and bracelets. Very often, copper is combined with semi-precious stones for unique and distinctive pieces.
While copper jewelry might be considered to be most suitable for casual wear, nothing could be further from the truth. There are imaginative and decorative earrings, necklaces, and other pieces that go great with jeans, but others that are so elegant that they could be worn to opening night at the opera. The number of talented artists working in copper today will give those in search of jewelry an opportunity to find exactly what they are looking for. Some of the artists produce work in a totally naturalistic style, and you can find flowers, birds, and animals portrayed in exacting detail. Other artisans will opt for a freer, more abstract style that might bring to mind clouds scudding across the sky. Copper wire is often used in wrapping stones and is also used to make spiral designs reminiscent of Celtic art.
Besides using copper alone, or combines with stones, it is also possible to make enamel jewelry, a process that can produce some absolutely stunning pieces. Enamel jewelry begins with a shape being cut out of a copper sheet. Powdered enamel is then applied, either to make a picture of some type or in a more random, swirling pattern. The piece is placed in a kiln to melt the enamel. The results are usually extremely beautiful, as the colors are bright and the images clear.
You will want to keep your copper jewelry in the best possible condition, so knowing how to clean it properly will help it to last longer and look better. Enamel copper jewelry should only be wiped off with a soft, damp cloth, as you do not want to scratch the surface of the enamel. If the back becomes dirty, you can carefully clean it with a commercial jewelry cleaner, taking care not to get any on the enameled portion. Other copper jewelry can be cleaned with the jewelry cleaner - there are a number available, just make certain that they are appropriate for copper. Copper jewelry can also be soaked in white vinegar or placed a mixture of lemon juice, salt, and water. You can also use a paste made of baking soda and water to clean copper jewelry.
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