Craftsmanship & Care
At Blackbird & Sage, every piece is handcrafted in Santa Fe, New Mexico, using natural gemstones and earth-born metals.
We work with electroformed copper, sterling silver, brass, bronze, and raw stones to create jewelry that's made to be worn, loved, and lived in.
Below you'll find a clear guide to how your jewelry is made—and how to care for it so it stays beautiful for years.
How Your Jewelry Is Made
Electroformed Copper
Electroforming is a slow, hands-on process. We paint a conductive layer onto a hand-shaped design, then submerge it in a copper bath where pure copper grows over the form, layer by layer, for hours. The result is an organic, one-of-a-kind piece that hugs the natural edges of each stone.
Because every piece is grown (not cast or stamped), no two are identical. You'll notice subtle variations in texture, thickness, and patina—that's the nature of handmade work.
Shop Crystal Rings Shop Crystal Necklaces
Metals & Finishes
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Copper (electroformed): Sealed to help protect the finish and slow natural oxidation.
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Sterling silver, brass, bronze: Chosen for strength, warmth, and contrast.
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Patinas: Antiqued finishes are intentional and may deepen gently over time.
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Chains & cords: We use sterling silver chains or adjustable leather cords selected to complement each piece.
Stones
We work with raw crystals, cabochons, and cut gemstones. Natural stones carry inclusions, color shifts, and internal textures—features we consider part of their beauty and character.
Care Guide (Everyday Use)
The Big Five
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Last on, first off. Put your jewelry on after lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and sunscreen.
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Keep it dry. Remove before showering, swimming, hot tubs, workouts, or gardening.
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Avoid chemicals. Household cleaners and chlorinated water can damage both metal and stones.
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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.
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Gentle cleaning only. Use a soft, dry cloth. Avoid chemical dips, ultrasonic cleaners, or abrasive polishes—especially on patinas and raw stones.
Leather Cords
Keep leather dry. If needed, wipe gently with a barely damp cloth and let air-dry. Condition sparingly with a neutral leather balm.
Stones That Need Extra Care
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Porous or soft stones (turquoise, malachite, lapis, selenite, opal, raw pyrite): Avoid water, oils, and chemical cleaners.
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Color-sensitive stones (amethyst, rose quartz): Prolonged direct sunlight 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 natural pH. It washes off easily with soap and water.
How we help: We seal our copper to slow oxidation. Over months or years, the sealant naturally wears—this is normal for handcrafted copper jewelry.
Your at-home assist: A quick, removable barrier (like a thin coat of clear jewelry lacquer or microcrystalline wax on the inside of bands or cuffs) can reduce skin transfer. Reapply as needed.
Cuffs: Fit & Care
Electroformed copper is less pliable than plain copper sheet. For longevity, avoid repeatedly bending cuffs open and closed.
How to put on a cuff safely:
- Turn your wrist sideways and slide the cuff over the soft spot just above your 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
Cleaning & Refresh
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Daily: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth (no chemicals).
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Deeper refresh (metal only): Very lightly buff non-patinated areas with a jewelry polishing cloth, avoiding stones and sealed or patinated surfaces.
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What to avoid: Chemical dips, ultrasonic cleaners, toothpaste, baking soda, and rough cloths.
Sizing, Resizing & Adjustments
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Rings: Electroformed rings cannot be resized without risking damage to the structure. If you're unsure of your size, contact us before ordering—we're happy to help with sizing guidance. The ring chart we use is found at www.ringsizes.co
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Cuffs: A single, minor adjustment is fine; repeated bending can fracture the metal over time.
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Necklaces: Chain length swaps or leather cord adjustments are often possible—reach out and we'll let you know what's doable.
Repairs, Re-Sealing & TLC
We stand behind our work and offer a lifetime care path:
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Complimentary assessments: Send clear photos and a note describing the issue.
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Re-sealing / patina touch-ups: Available to refresh the finish and slow oxidation.
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Stone or security checks: We can evaluate and secure settings if a piece takes a tumble.
