Copper jewelry is an entirely separate subset of Costume Jewelry. Not a precious metal in the modern sense of the word, but prehistorically speaking, copper could be considered the second most important discovery after fire! Its discovery and usage allowed ancient civilization to step into the Bronze Age, a huge leap in the evolution towards Modern Man. Over the millenia, copper jewelry has had significant uses for social, medical, and spiritual purposes.
The History of Copper Jewelry
Discovery
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. It is the oldest mined mineral. Copper beads dating to 9000 BC have been discovered in parts of modern day Iraq. Methods for removing copper from the ore were established around 5000 BC.
By 3900 BC, copper was found in items the Sumerians and the Egyptians produced for daily living. 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.
Ancient Egyptian Copper Jewelry
Between 3900 and 2500 BC, copper became a valueable mined item. The amount of copper one used or possessed signified a higher social status. By 2500 BC, the Egyptians employed jewelry makers to produce crowns and headdresses. The highest of Egyptian officials oversaw the production of jewelry. The jewelry makers were held in high esteem. They were so highly regarded, that depictions of jewelry making were painted onto tomb walls. Wealthy Egyptians wore copper jewelry and clothing with copper alloy fittings.
Copper became an important part of the medical, religious and spiritual rituals of Egyptian life, such as mummification. Copper instruments were used during preparation of the mummy, and copper jewelry amulets were used during the reading from the Book of the Dead.
Copper Jewelry in the Early Americas
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.
Prehistoric Indians, or Ancient Native Americans, also placed value and status on jewelry. Copper jewelry has been found in archaelogical digs. Early Indian metalwork consisted of hammered and etched copper pendants and earrings, and formed copper beads. Later Native Americans saw the value of jewelry and traded copper bracelets with the Europeans.
Vintage Copper Jewelry
19th Century
Copper jewelry has been fashioned and worn by Native Americans since Ancient times. History indicates that the Navajo are officially credited with producing copper jewelry specifically for trading purposes in the mid to late 1800's. Copper jewelry was common in the Southwestern part of the US, due to Arizona being one of the World's largest deposits of copper.
20th Century
In the 1930's, Francisco Rebajes began producing mordernist jewelry out of solid copper. His jewelry caught the eye of America, and copper's appeal was on the rise.
Art Deco Copper Broochwith Green Rhinestones
In 1946, Jerry Fells of Los Angeles began creating Renoir-Matisse copper jewelry in geometic and abstract designs. Solid copper pieces were signed Renoir, while copper pieces with enameling were signed Matisse. The bold designs of Renoir-Matisse were highly sought after, and still command high prices with collectors.
Link Bracelet and Clip EarringsSigned Renoir
Modern Art Enameled Copper Broochand Clip Earrings
In the mid 20th century, travel to the Southwest increased, and with it, a greater interest in Native American Indian copper jewelry. Tribes made jewelry, often with traditional symbols, and sold as souvenirs to travelers.
Southwestern Tribal Cuff Bracelet and Copper Wrap Ring
In the 1970's, the appeal of copper jewelry again soared. With the re-emergence of ancient healing beliefs in the properties of copper, emerged a new wave of desire for copper jewelry.
Copper Brooch & Earrings Demi Parureand Wave-Pattern Copper Cuff
NEW AGE:Copper Jewelry, Health & Healing
From as early as Ancient Egypt, people have believed that copper jewelry has special qualities that improve or protect the health of the wearer. These beliefs may be partly based on copper's physical composition and conducting properties. New Age Healers believe copper stimulates the mental and psychic flow of energy, as well as the energy between the working parts of the human anatomy.
Healing Properties of Copper Jewelry
Overcomes Fatique
Raises Energy Levels
Improves Communication
Improves Concentration
Raises Self-Esteem
Relieves Stress
Aids in Bone Formation & Healing
Relieves Arthritis & Rheumatoid Diseases
Improves Blood Circulation & Oxygenation
Detoxification
Reduces Swelling
Stabilizes Metabolism
Aids in Skin Healing
Cleaning
To clean your modern copper jewelry, soak pieces in a solution of lemon or lime juice with a dash of salt.
Copper Jewelry Today
At least a trace of copper is found in practically every piece of modern jewelry made today. It is an alloy of sterling silver, gold, and pewter. Though modern healers value it for its healing properties, it will always be admired for its beauty.
Orignal From: Copper Jewelry: History, Health
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