Copper & Brass Jewelry at Crucian Gold

Recently, the warm tones of copper and brass have splashed into Crucian Gold’s showcases. Some of our newest designs like the gypsy hoops and bangles are in copper and brass. We have also crafted these vibrant metals into some of our classic pieces like the Crucian Knot.

In the early days in Crucian Gold’s studio, copper was used to create Brian Bishop’s first finished pieces.  Then, as Brian ventured in to working with mostly silver and gold, copper was used in the creative process to practice the details of new designs, which were then handcrafted in silver and gold.

Brian’s son Nathan has returned to our roots, creating finished pieces in copper and brass.  “It is fun to work in copper because you can be a little more free to explore and make “mistakes” which often lead to the best discoveries.”

In their teens, Nathan and Ben would come home after school and get in the studio to make Crucian gold designs out of copper to give to friends and family for birthday and holiday gifts.

“I was learning how to make the flower and butterfly designs in copper wire at age 12.  My son is 11 now and my daughter is 9.  They are both eagerly learning to make some simple copper pieces. My son’s 5^th grade class visited with us last week and each child created their own unique copper pendant.”

A Little History of Copper Jewelry

Copper, named from the Roman supply source on the Island of Cyprus, was the first metal discovered by Prehistoric Man between 10,000 and 13,000 years ago.  Copper beads dating to 9000 BC have been discovered in parts of modern day Iran.  Evidence of the Egyptian's use of copper has been found in household items such as pottery cooking pots.  The Egyptians were the first to create Bronze, an alloy of tin and copper, and Brass, an alloy of zinc and copper.  These inventions created many possibilities, and paved the way to modern Civilization.

Follow Crucian Gold's board Copper and Brass jewelry of Ancient Cultures - Egyptians, Greeks, and Aztecs on Pinterest.

Copper's use in pre-Columbian America happened about the same time Egyptians were mining natural copper.  The earliest copper items found in this area are beads and earrings. Early Native American metalwork consisted of hammered and etched copper pendants and earrings, and formed copper beads.

Healing Properties of Copper

Traditional healers base their belief in Copper’s power to heal the mind and body based on the metal’s energy conducting properties.  Even recently, Copper’s use as a healing agent began to increase. People who believe in its power esteem it as a very powerful assistant with arthritic and rheumatic diseases, but also look to it for its healing properties in improving the circulation of blood, increasing energy, detoxification, reducing inflammation, stabilizing metabolism and improving oxygen use.