10 Ways of Making Jewelry Using Copper
10 ways to make handmade jewellery from copper: Copper is an excellent metal to work with. It is very versatile, easy to shape, and economical. Copper comes in a variety of forms conveniently available at craft shops and hardware stores alike.
1. Wire Wrapping Jewelry
Copper wire can be used for wire wrapping of stones and beads. It can also be woven or made into jump rings for chain-maille designs. You can see some samples of wire handmade earrings we made using a combination of copper wires and copper with colourful artwork.
2. Using Copper Tubing and Washers
Copper tubing and washers from the hardware store come in a variety of sizes at economical prices, allowing you to create a wide range of styles and designs. With just a little imagination, you will be able to make a line of handmade earrings, bracelets, and rings.
3. Textures and Coloring Copper
Copper sheets are available in different sizes and varying thicknesses. These can be cut into shapes with cutting shears, tools, CNC machines, or jewelry saws. You can apply a wide variety of techniques to create textures and colours. The possibilities are only limited by your creativity.
4. Embossing Copper Using forming tools or rolling mills
Embossing or repoussé creates a raised motif on the surface of the copper. This can be achieved with hand tools, forming tools, or rolling mills. There are so many techniques available; you can also use anticlastic forming and corrugation to make stunning handmade jewelry.
5. Chemical Etching Copper
Etching and photo-etching are chemical processes to create textures and cut out designs. These types of designs can also be achieved with cutting tools and saws for one-of-a-kind pieces.
6. Engraving Copper Sheets
Engraving can be used to create delicate, intricate designs. This can be achieved with hand tools to scratch into the copper. There are pantographs, instruments for copying a plan or drawing at a different scale by a system of hinged and jointed rods that can be adjusted for engraving. CNC machines and engraving systems can also be used.
7. Stamping Jewelry Shapes from Copper Sheets
Stamping is pressing the design into the copper. Copper is a soft metal that works very well for this technique. Stamping kits are readily available in various designs and a wide range of fonts.
8. Copper Enameling
Enamelling on copper has been seen for centuries. Using fine wires to divide the colours of a design is called cloisonné. This process requires a kiln to melt the glass particles onto the copper. Many artists employ epoxy paints to create a similar effect.
9. Flame Painting on Copper
Heat treatment creates excellent colors on the surface of untreated copper. With the use of micro-torches, you can obtain an incredible range of colours and patterns.
10. Using Patinas to Color Copper
Chemical treatments can be used to create a wide assortment of colorful patinas and antique copper finishes. You can combine this process with polishing, scratching, or other techniques to create your own unique jewelry.
These techniques are just a starting point for your imagination. Combining and creating techniques is limited only by your imagination. You can try all these techniques to create your own jewelry, or use one or a combination of them.
