Electroformed copper is grown around each stone by hand, layer by layer, in our Santa Fe studio. The result is a textured, organic surface that holds light differently than cast or stamped metal and it rewards a little mindful care.

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✧ Understanding Your Copper Piece

Copper is a living metal. It reacts naturally to air, moisture, and the oils in your skin, developing a deeper, richer tone over time. Some pieces will develop a warm brown patina. Others may show hints of green in recessed areas, particularly in humid climates or with frequent wear.

This is not damage. It's the nature of the material. Whether you embrace the patina or prefer to keep your piece bright is entirely up to you.

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✧ Everyday Care

• Remove before water contact. Take off your jewelry before swimming, bathing, washing dishes, or exercising.
• Apply products first. Put your jewelry on after lotions, oils, and perfume, not before.
• Store dry. Keep pieces in a dry, airtight pouch or fabric-lined box. A silica gel packet helps in humid climates.

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✧ Cleaning & Brightening

To restore the warm glow of fresh copper:

Lemon & Salt (Natural)

• Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle with salt, and rub gently over the copper surface.
• Rinse with cool water and pat dry immediately.

Baking Soda & Lemon Paste

• Mix into a paste, apply with a soft cloth or toothbrush, rinse well, and dry thoroughly.

Polishing Cloth

• A metal polishing cloth is the gentlest option for regular upkeep and works well around stones.

Be careful around any set stones. Avoid soaking and keep acids away from softer or porous gems like turquoise, moonstone, opal, or amber.

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✧ Optional: Sealing with Protectaclear

If you prefer a low-maintenance piece that holds its color longer, you can seal your copper jewelry with Protectaclear, a professional-grade jewelry lacquer designed specifically for metal. It creates a clear, protective barrier that slows oxidation without changing the look of the piece.

• Apply a thin, even coat with a soft brush and allow to dry fully before wearing.
• Reapply as needed if the coating wears through, typically every several months with regular wear.
• Note: once sealed, natural patina development is paused. You can remove the coating with acetone if you change your mind.

This is entirely optional. Many customers prefer to let their copper age naturally. For those who want to keep that fresh-copper warmth indefinitely, it's a great option. You can also add our studio-applied lacquer upgrade at checkout under Studio Add-Ons.

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✧ Embracing the Patina

Many of our customers love watching their copper piece evolve. The darkening and depth that develops over months of wear is part of what makes electroformed copper feel heirloom-quality. It carries time in its surface. If that resonates with you, simply wear it and let it age.

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✧ A Note on Electroformed Texture

Because electroformed copper has a raised, organic surface, tarnish can settle into recessed areas more visibly than on smooth metal. A soft toothbrush works well for getting into texture detail during cleaning. Always dry thoroughly. Trapped moisture accelerates patina.