what you should know before you buy
bronze
Bronze is made from a combination of metals, forming a metal alloy. Copper is the primary element in bronze (~ 88%) and is normally mixed with tin (~12%). Sometimes other elements such as phosphorus or aluminum are mixed in. Bronze alloy is quite similar to brass, however brass is composed of copper and zinc. Brass looks similar to yellow gold and bronze is a warm, earth tone gold.
The Bronze Age marked the first time humans worked with metal, including the use of bronze to create jewelry through lost wax casting technique. Bronze has a golden-earth tone hue, subdued luster, and ancient charm that has transcended time. Bronze jewelry has been worn for as long as the metal has been in existence, and it is easy to see why this well-loved, enduring metal is still a popular choice for accessories.
jewelry care
Due to the high copper content of bronze, jewelry will tarnish and develop a green patina (we are all too familiar with the green ring). This occurs when copper reacts to moisture and air from the body and the environment. This reaction creates an oxidation process. Fortunately, the patina left on the skin is harmless and will wash off with warm water and soap. Some people want to preserve the jewelry’s patina as this can add a beautiful and vintage look to the bronze jewelry. However, if you prefer to keep the bright golden hue, then the jewelry may be cleaned with a polishing cloth and solution. We recommend diluting the Shine Bright Burnishing Compound (4 parts water to 1 part Shine Bright) and dabbing the solution onto a polishing cloth. Rub jewelry with a cloth until desired brightness.
spiritual properties
copper
- Courage
- Improves and broadens awareness
- Improved blood circulation
tin
- Promotes prosperity
- Promotes spiritual growth
- Enhances emotional and spiritual properties
Together copper and tin are considered to create a powerful energetic alloy.
copper
Copper, or Venus, is the minor benefit, furnishing man with compassion, affection, refinement, and a love of the artistic and beautiful. It lends a pleasing aspect to every metal with which it associates; in human life bringing friendship, mirthfulness, amiability, and conjugality. It is especially useful in brazing, that is, strengthening the union between other metals or between their parts. Similarly, it exerts itself in society to draw people into harmonious companionship. It is the metal of love, presenting, when uncorrupted, the bright and cheery aspect of goodwill (Amelie Hubert 2017).
tin
Tin is a metal of silvery-white color, malleable, ductile, and offering considerable resistance to the corrosive action of acids. It is under the dominion of the planet Jupiter, and has a low melting point. It corresponds in human life to such pure and noble moral sentiments as are of snow-white luster. True nobility of impulse itself is incorruptible, but quickly bends in malleable charity to assist a fallen brother. Its sympathies are drawn in filaments of mercy to the downtrodden and oppressed; and its dignity and reserve are melted at the sight of suffering.
Tin, or Jupiter, is the major benefic, bringing to man health, wealth and affluence. This gain comes without effort, or as the result of favor inspired by good deeds. It is far removed from all that is sordid and harsh, indicating instead good cheer, genial warmth and generosity (Amelie Hubert 2017).
silver
Have you ever been curious about that “925” mark? Well, this mark is an indication of a silver that is mixed with other metals creating an alloy. In our case, our silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Therefore, the 925 sterling silver mark indicates that your jewelry is made from 92.5% pure silver.
So now, you may be wondering why we do not use pure silver. As much as we would love the idea of using silver in its purest elemental state, pure silver (aka fine silver) is a very soft metal. The high purity of silver contains 99.9% of pure, soft, silver. This high purity can easily scratch, dent, or change shapes - not ideal for metalsmithing. We value jewelry that can be worn everyday and stand up to this test of time. Therefore, this is why we have chosen to use sterling silver (925) to provide a bit more strength and durability to your jewelry.
jewelry care
We would like to take this time to give you an honest disclaimer. Even though sterling silver is harder than pure silver, your jewelry is still prone to scratches and tarnishing. Scratches can be easily buffed out by a professional jeweler and proper care can prevent tarnishing. The number one thing that you can do to avoid tarnishing is to continue to wear your jewelry! Jewelry tucked away gathers tarnish faster than pieces that are worn everyday. This is due to the natural oils in our skin creating a buffer against oxidation. Our advice? Wear your jewelry as much as you can! Other ways to prevent tarnishing is to limit exposure to chemicals, water, and store it away from harsh light and humidity. To clean silver, wash with warm water and soap. Let jewelry sit for 10-15 minutes. Use a soft tooth brush to scrub away impurities. Rinse with warm, clean water. Dry with soft polishing cloth.
spiritual properties
silver
- Purity
- Clarity
- Well-being
copper
- Promotes prosperity
- Promotes spiritual growth
- Enhances emotional and spiritual properties
silver
Silver is one of the 3 base metals in Alchemy and is one of the most precious metals on earth. This metal is associated with emotions and sensitivity. It raises sensitivity and can expand your psychic awareness, it does not judge, and only seeks to bring balance and calm. It is also thought to be a mirror to the soul, helping us to see ourselves as others do. (Tangela Harper, 2019).
copper
Copper, or Venus, is the minor benefit, furnishing man with compassion, affection, refinement, and a love of the artistic and beautiful. It lends a pleasing aspect to every metal with which it associates; in human life bringing friendship, mirthfulness, amiability, and conjugality. It is especially useful in brazing, that is, strengthening the union between other metals or between their parts. Similarly, it exerts itself in society to draw people into harmonious companionship. It is the metal of love, presenting, when uncorrupted, the bright and cheery aspect of goodwill (Amelie Hubert 2017).
gold
We have loved gold for generations, yet not every gold is the same. Here in the studio we primarily work with 14 karat gold. There are various karats of gold and the karats refers to the amount of pure gold in your jewelry. Similar to silver, gold is a soft metal and is mixed with an alloy to make it more durable. 14 karat is blended with durable metal such as nickel, copper, and zinc.
If you desire a higher karat of gold, please let us know. We would be happy to work with you on your golden designs.
jewelry care
To ensure your golden shine, make sure to clean jewelry regularly to wash away impurities. Simple hand soap and water will due. Be sure to dilute to soap. We recommend 10 parts water, 2 parts soap. If gold collects heavier impurities, try soaking in the diluted soap solution for 2-3 hours. Remove from solution and scrub with polishing cloth, or soft toothbrush. Rinse with clean water and dry with soft cloth, or let air dry.
spiritual properties
gold
- Embodiment of the Divine
- Wisdom and love
- Purity
Gold is ruled by the Sun, and thus represents also the vital principle of all life. It is the central, governing authority, the foundation of the financial structure of society, and the source of power both in physical and in spiritual man. The natural gold in the human constitution is the ego, imperishable and as pure as pristine sunlight. But there is another gold that is not the ego, yet that partakes of its enduring nature. This is not the material gold that some strive to make in the chemical shops of the earth. It is a spiritual gold, that is, a gold like unto the ego in its spirituality and continuance. It is even possible to convert, through proper purification, combination and heating, every event of life into this most precious metal. It is possible to use every experience as spiritual metal that enters into the building up of a spiritual form. This immortal body is the transmuted spiritual gold. (Amelie Hubert, 2017)