Psamathe ~ Cowrie Shell Electroformed Copper Cuff Bracelet // Sea Goddess Jewelry

Description

This cuff was made using a combination of hand forging and electroforming. During the electroforming process layers of copper are formed around the shell and cuff base, which is forged from pure copper.

 

Psamathe was one of the fifty daughters of Nereus and Doris. The goddess of sand beaches, Psamathe was the wife of Proteus

 

 

Of Earth and Sea Collection
 

*******Understanding Copper******

How to enjoy wearing it and making Copper your FAVORITE jewelry metal!!

Copper Characteristics:

Copper is a pure elemental metal, CU on the periodic table.
Copper oxidizes and darkens when it comes in contact with the air in the environment (much like sterling silver, but more quickly). Oxidation happens even more quickly in the presence of sunlight, sweat, chlorine (swimming pools), chemicals and cosmetics. Therefore we suggest always removing your jewelry before bathing, swimming, exercising, doing dishes, or applying lotion or makeup. Always keep your jewelry clean and dry.

If you prefer the “aged” look that oxidation naturally gives copper, we recommend cleaning your jewelry with a bit of mild dish soap in warm water. You can use a soft bristle brush when necessary.
If you prefer a “bright” look to your copper, we recommend cleaning your copper jewelry by soaking in a glass bowl with a bit of vinegar and salt. ***This is not recommended for any jewelry with stones or any jewelry that has had a patina added during manufacture. It could permanently damage the piece.***

The Natural Reaction Between Copper and Your Skin

If you’ve ever seen copper roofs that have turned green, that is what is called copper patina. The copper has reacted with the environment and formed a coating on the surface of the metal. Environmental conditions including sunlight, dust, and rain, especially acidic rain, can cause this effect.

The same sort of thing can happen when copper comes in contact with your skin if your skin is acidic. The natural acids in your skin combine with copper and make copper salts which are green. They are harmless and can simply be washed off. The copper salts actually form on the copper and are rubbing off on your skin. The green color results from an individual’s body chemistry at a particular time. This is why two people can wear the same ring and one person’s finger will turn green and the others will not. A person can wear a copper bracelet one day with no green marks and the next day green marks might appear.

What does the green tell you? The green color means that your skin has become more acidic and has dissolved copper from the jewelry piece faster than the body can absorb it. This usually happens when we sweat, when we are stressed, or even when we experience dietary changes.

When the body is in a state of homeostasis, the copper is absorbed through the skin at the same rate it is dissolved from the jewelry so there are no green marks.
I coat my copper pieces with Renaissance Wax which helps a great deal with slowing down both oxidation and patination, however the wax is not a permanent coating and with time and wear it will diminish.