What does “Cyanotype” mean?

Cyanotypes, often referred to as Sun Prints, are one of the oldest photographic techniques dating back to the 1800s. This process uses a combination of two light-sensitive dyes that create a vibrant cyan-colored print when mixed together and exposed under light.

Cyanotype Process:

What does “Copper Electroforming” mean?

Electroforming is a metal forming process that grows layer of a copper on a surface of object in electroforming solution, which lasts for years. An anode and a cathode are immersed in an electrolytic bath that is composed of a solution of metal salts. A direct current of electricity is passed through the solution via anode (+) and cathode (-), affecting the transfer of metal ions present in solution onto the cathode surface, building up over time and bonding the metal onto the object.

There is a difference between electroforming and electroplating; both are chemically and procedurally the same from metal to metal, but where electroplating only deposits a very thin layer of metal onto the object, electroforming is intended to build a substantial amount of metal on the object, and in some cases even supplant the object all together, leaving a robust metal shell after the object is removed. In other words: Electroforming is when a non metal object is formed over with metal, and Electroplating is when a metal object is plated over with metal.  

Copper Electroforming Process

In order to become a piece of jewelry, a bezel is sculpted around the gemstone with epoxy and then painted with conductive paint. Areas that I do not wish for the copper to form, are seal with a liquid latex. Then piece is submerged in an acid bath containing copper pipe and an electric circuit is made between the jewellery and the copper pipe. When electricity is applied, the copper particles are pulled from the pipe and attracted to the conductive paint, which allows a layer of copper to slowly build over the piece. This process is commonly known as electroforming and really makes me feel like a mad scientist when everything is hooked up and bubbling. After 24-48 hours (or more!) in the bath, the piece is then polished, antiqued with patina, and polished again before becoming a necklace or ring. 

Each piece is unique, as copper electroforming does not produce the same results each time.

Will This Jewellery Turn My Skin Green?

Copper is not guaranteed to turn your skin green. The green color is the result of your specific body chemistry, which changes day to day. Some people are less likely to experience green skin, and even a single person may experience green skin on one day and not on a different day. The green color comes from your sweat and skin oils eroding the copper and creating a layer of carbon carbonate on your skin. This is not harmful to you. An acidic environment occurs on your skin when you sweat, and is enhanced by a diet of junk food and red meat. Green skin can be a great health indication to drink some water and eat some veggies. The green colour can be washed off with soap and water, or is likely to fade overnight. 

Green skin is more likely to occur where the skin is in constant contact with copper. Copper rings are most likely to turn your skin green because they are tight to your finger with virtually no air flow. It is very unlikely for a pendant, which is frequently moving around on your chest, to make enough contact on one part of your skin to produce a green patch. 

 *** Please Note: Whether you are interested in copper jewellery for health or simply as adornment, I hope to provide you with a quality product. The health benefits of copper believe that the body must make contact with the pure copper for health benefits to occur, therefore, all of my pieces of copper jewellery are left unsealed.