Craftsmanship & Care

At Blackbird & Sage, every piece is handmade in Santa Fe, NM from raw stones and earth-born metals. We use electroformed copper, mixed metals (bronze, silver, brass), and natural crystals to create talismanic adornments meant to be worn, loved, and lived in. Below you’ll find a clear, practical guide to how your jewelry is made—and how to keep it beautiful for years.

How Your Jewelry Is Made

Electroformed Copper

Electroforming is a slow alchemy: we paint a conductive path on a hand-shaped design, then grow a skin of pure copper over hours in a copper bath. The result is an organic, one-of-a-kind form that hugs the stone’s natural edges. Because each layer is grown (not cast), no two pieces are identical—subtle textures, thickness, and patina will vary.

Metals & Finishes

Copper (electroformed): Sealed to help protect the finish and slow oxidation.
Sterling silver / brass / bronze details: Chosen for strength, contrast, and warmth.
Patinas: Antiqued finishes are intentional and may deepen softly with time.
Chains & cords: We use sterling chains or adjustable leather cords chosen to complement the piece.

Stones

We work with raw crystals, cabochons, and cut gems. Natural stones carry inclusions, color shifts, and internal textures—features we consider part of their beauty.

Care Guide (Everyday Use)

The Big Five

Last on, first off. Put jewelry on after lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and sunscreen.
Keep it dry. Remove before showering, swimming, hot tubs, workouts, or gardening.
Avoid chemicals. Household cleaners and chlorinated water can damage metal and stones.
Store softly. Keep pieces in a dry pouch or box, away from humidity. Add a silica gel pack if you live in a damp climate.
Gentle cleaning only. Use a soft, dry cloth. No dips, ultrasonic cleaners, or abrasive polishes—especially on patinas and raw stones.

Leather Cords

Keep leather dry. If needed, wipe with a barely damp cloth and let air-dry. Condition sparingly with a neutral leather balm.

Stones that Need Extra Care

Porous/soft stones (turquoise, malachite, lapis, selenite, opal, raw pyrite): avoid water, oils, and chemical cleaners.
Color-sensitive stones (amethyst, rose quartz): prolonged direct sun can fade color—store away from windows.

Copper, Patina & Skin

Will copper turn my skin green?
Sometimes, yes. A harmless green tint can appear due to normal oxidation and your skin’s pH. It washes off with soap and water.
How we help: We can seal our copper to slow oxidation (sold seperately). Over months or years, sealants wear—this is normal.
Your at-home assist: A quick, removable barrier (like a thin coat of clear jewelry lacquer or microcrystalline wax on the inside of bands/cuffs) can reduce skin transfer. Reapply as needed.

Cuffs: Fit & Care

Electroformed copper is less pliable than plain copper. For longevity, don’t repeatedly bend cuffs open/closed.

How to put on a cuff safely:

Turn your wrist sideways, slide the cuff over the soft spot just above the wrist bone.
Rotate the cuff into place.
Pinch very gently once for a custom fit—avoid ongoing adjustments.

Need a visual? See our step-by-step guide:
How to Put On a Cuff & Keep It Beautiful for Years
https://blackbirdsagestudio.com/pages/how-to-put-on-a-cuff-bracelet-and-keep-it-beautiful-for-years

Cleaning & Refresh

Daily: Soft, dry cloth (no chemicals).
Deeper refresh (metal only): Very lightly buff non-patinated areas with a jewelry polishing cloth, avoiding stones and sealed/patinated surfaces.
What to avoid: Chemical dips, ultrasonic cleaners, toothpaste/baking soda, and rough cloths.

Sizing, Resizing & Adjustments

Rings: Electroformed rings cannot be resized without risking damage. If you’re unsure of size, contact us before ordering—we’re happy to help with sizing guidance.
Cuffs: Minor, single adjustment is fine; repeated bending can fracture metal over time.
Necklaces: Chain length swaps or leather cord adjustments are often possible—reach out.

Repairs, Re-Sealing & TLC

We stand behind our work and offer a lifetime care path:

Complimentary assessments: Send clear photos and a note describing the issue.
Re-sealing / patina touch-ups: Available to refresh finish and slow oxidation.
Stone/security checks: We can evaluate and secure settings if a piece takes a tumble.
Turnaround: We’ll give you an estimate once we see your piece; many care services complete within 1–2 weeks plus shipping.

Tip: Members of The Path of the Wildkeeper loyalty circle receive occasional care & repair perks—peek at the program for current benefits.

Sustainability & Ethics

Materials: We prioritize durable designs and mindful sourcing from trusted suppliers.
Waste-aware studio: Small-batch production reduces over-making; scrap metal is recycled.
Packaging: We use eco-conscious materials whenever possible—please reuse or recycle.

Natural Variations & Handmade Character

Expect subtle differences in color, texture, and patina from piece to piece and over time. These variations are a hallmark of handcrafted work and living stones—and part of what makes your jewelry uniquely yours.

Quick FAQ

Can I shower in my jewelry?
We don’t recommend it—water and soaps can dull finishes and harm some stones.

My copper darkened—did it tarnish?
Yes, copper naturally oxidizes. Many customers love the lived-in patina; if you prefer brighter tones, use a soft dry cloth and ask us about a re-seal.

The inside of my ring left a mark—what now?
It’s a normal copper reaction. Wash hands and dry; apply a temporary barrier inside the band if you prefer (clear jewelry lacquer or microcrystalline wax).

Do you offer gift packaging?
Yes—your piece arrives ready to gift, with simple care notes. Add a message at checkout if it’s a gift.

Need Help?

We’re here for sizing questions, stone recommendations, custom adjustments, or repairs. Reach us via the Contact page (fastest), or reply to your order email with photos.

Thank you for choosing earth-crafted adornment made for the ancient + wild. Wear it often; care for it simply; let it gather your story.