Solid Copper Beads & Findings

Copper is a relatively new found love for me. In 1996, my mother started beading with copper, and the unique and vibrant flavor that copper brings to a piece of jewelry made quite an impression. I've been hooked ever since!

Copper tarnishes very quickly - more more so than sterling silver. Just being exposed to the air will turn copper, but body oils will bring about a change very quickly. Copper in its untarnished state is a somewhat pinkish-orange-brown, and when worn will quickly turn to dark brown (with a touch of olive) as the surface of the metal reacts and forms a patina. During this period of chemical reaction, while the surface layer is changing, copper jewelry may cause the wearer to turn colors (usually green) where the metal touches. Once the chemical reaction is complete, and the copper has finished darkening (the patina is fully formed), it won't change anymore (and won't turn the wearer green), unless that surface layer is abraded.

In addition to the solid copper beads and findings featured on these pages, we carry an EXTENSIVE line of copper finished components from TierraCast. This line includes heishe and spacers, bead caps, toggles, beads, charms, earring and chandelier components, and much more. These stunning pieces are made from start to finish in America, and unlike the solid copper beads and findings shown on these pages, the TierraCast pieces have been lightly antique to bring out the detail, and given a tarnish inhibiting finish to keep them looking brighter and more colorful. I tend to use primarily TierraCast copper finished pieces in my copper jewelry, with solid copper rounds and findings as accents.

• TierraCast® Beads, Charms & Findings