Copper Charming Chemistry

Copper jewelry brings us back to prehistoric times. It was the first metal discovered by Prehistoric Man between 10,000 and 13,000 years ago.  It is the oldest mined mineral and its discovery and usage allowed ancient civilization to step into the Bronze Age.
Hammered and etched copper jewelry has been fashioned and worn by the Native Americans since Ancient times.
In the third and forth decades of the 20th century the production of modernist jewelry from solid cooper was on its rise.
From as long ago as Ancient Egypt, people have believed that copper jewelry has special qualities that improve or protect the health of the wearer. 
Some people today believe that copper stimulates the mental and psychic flow of energy, relieves stress and improves concentration and communication. We are certainely attracted by copper because of its long history and the beliefs in its healing qualities. But most of us would wear copper jewelry just because it is so beautiful and can make a perfect accompaniment to to our wildest or most sophisticated looks.
Working with copper is a real art. 
Here what local LunaBay artist Courtney Collins said to me about her work with copper:

"I started working with copper because I was able to purchase a large spool of heavy copper wire at a salvage shop.  I generally like to make art out of found or salvaged material - and this provided me with a new starting material. I had the idea of hammering the copper and making it into jewelry.  I love that its different from the traditional silver or gold tone of jewelry and that it can either be polished or have a rougher more industrial look to it. Its been fun to learn how to work with copper and come up with new designs for the jewelry".

 Luna Bay earrings

 Luna Bay necklace

Luna Bay brooch
 
You can find more about Luna Bay: www.lunabayarts.com or at the Luna Bay Facebook page.
You can buy Luna Bay jewelry and art at Ricochet boutique (1610 S El Camino Real, San Mateo 94402)

Here are some other examples of different copper jewelry I found and really liked:

Jade in copper wire pendant by Eva Balli

Goddess pendant by CharmedLifeDesigns

Long Copper Earrings by Dawily