Copper Jewellery

Copper is a metal that is known for its gorgeous warm tones and can also have different coloured patinas. A patina is created when copper is exposed to different chemicals, and is essentially rust. 

When I electroform copper I use 100% pure copper and seal it with high quality thermoplastic varnish after finishing the patina. This means that the copper is sealed, and should not continue to rust/patina. This also means that the copper does not have contact with your skin so will not turn you green.

THE HEALING PROPERTIES OF COPPER

Not only is copper an essential mineral for our body which can slowly be absorbed through our skin for proper assimilation but it is also antimicrobial. An antimicrobial is a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoan's, as well as destroying viruses. Copper is also an antifungal agent. It is still used in the treatment of skin disease and wounds today as it was thousands of years ago.

OXIDATION AND CARE OF YOUR JEWELRY

Oxidization and skin discoloration is a recurring and known issue with wearing copper jewelry, which is reflective of the reactive properties of copper and not of poor quality jewelry. Below is a detailed explanation and hopefully helpful piece of information to enable you to thoroughly enjoy your piece.

Copper is a highly reactive metal and will always want to develop a patina, much like sterling silver, but faster and darker, especially in the presence of acids, heat, sunlight, sweat, swimming pools and chlorine water, chemicals and cosmetics.

• Bright copper has a lustrous shine and will naturally darken (oxidize) over time. It can easily be cleaned back to a bright shine with a jewelry cloth.
• Antique copper has a dark finish. It may brighten as you wear it as it reacts to the oils on your skin.

With a few simple steps and a little knowledge, the speed and likelihood of the oxidization reaction can be lowered. The oxidization reaction is also responsible for creating the aged copper effect, which gives the jewelry a unique rustic look as it is worn (and loved!) by you.

• Do not expose copper jewelry (especially patinated copper jewelry) to water or any type of solvent.
• Do not wear copper jewelry while swimming (chlorine and salt will permanently damage copper and/or patina).
• Do not wear copper jewelry while exercising, applying cosmetics, skin lotions or creams.
• Keep the copper clean and dry as much as possible. Wipe down with a soft cloth and place in a clean baggie after it has been worn. Use anti-tarnish paper if needed.
• Remove jewelry before bed. Also, while washing your hands, showering or bathing, so soap and water does not get trapped under the band/pendant.

Polymer Clay

Many of my earrings are made from Non-Toxic PVC based medium called Polymer Clay.  I mold it, colour mix it and sometimes add things like paint and varnish. 

Even though polymer clay is durable and strong it still needs to be cared for correctly because it can be easily broken with improper use and storage, especially if the design is delicate. Do NOT attempt to fold your earrings in half "Durability or Flex Tests" by customers are completely unnecessary, makers who advertise their product folding in half, make thin components with specific polymers and are doing it to shock people.  It is the makers job to ensure their components are cured correctly - yes polymer clay can be very flexible some brands more than others, the way that I test strength is by adding an extra component to my batch that I am curing - I do flex tests on that component rather than components I plan to use as rigorous testing can weaken even the strongest clays. There is no requirement that components need to fold in half and snap back.

I only use high grade surgical stainless steel backings and clasps for our earrings unless otherwise stated - on rare occasions I may use nickel free findings for things like connectors, jump rings and clip on earrings if I cant source surgical steel or want a different finish.

For our necklaces we use a cotton cord that is black or brown. I do suggest wearing your necklace in first before wearing it with a fancy dress or top that is made from delicate fabric, just in case it pills the fabric, the leather will soften with wear.

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CARING FOR YOUR NEW EARRINGS!

Although polymer clay is strong that doesn't mean its indestructible by any means!

The best way to keep your jewellery or other items healthy and happy is to store them in a dry cool spot, for earrings we suggest storing them on a earring holder to avoid them being knocked around and easily broken or lost. 

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Polymer Clay is a porous material and can scuff easily especially the light colours - we suggest not wearing your gems with dark unwashed clothing and using a damp cloth to wipe in-between wears, if you find there are marks that don't come off you can use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad and wipe sparingly to remove the mark - however do not do this on beads or earrings which have metallic leaf or hand painted detailing as alcohol will affect the varnish which protects the leaf and may even remove it.

Avoid showering or swimming while wearing your jewellery, keep them away from perfumes or harsh chemicals to preserve the vibrant colours! Over time polymer clay that is well worn and loved will get a natural patina and what we like to refer to as a lived in feel.

All of the above also applies to our hand painted earrings, although they have a layer of non-toxic varnish they are still very susceptible to damage or colour fading. Try to avoid touching or rubbing the painted areas too much,  Although it is protected it will still over time and heavy wear eventually fade.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do NOT allow any children to play with, wear or chew on your jewellery. They are NOT for teething purposes at all and will break when chewed on - which is a potential choking hazard. NEVER leave a child unsupervised around your jewellery, beads are small and could be a SERIOUS choking hazard.  

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IN CASE OF BREAKAGE

If you have the unfortunate experience of your item breaking please contact us straight away via email with a photo of the jewellery and we can discuss a solution.  Just to clarify we will not replace or refund items that have not been cared for or stored correctly. We will also not replace or refund items more than 6 months old. Proof of purchase will be required.

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