Groovy Copper Spirals

by Tracy Smith
(East Sussex, UK)

Copper and sterling silver earrings with spirals and wraps

I can't remember if I used 18g or 16g copper wire for these but I shaped and hammered the spirals then bound them together with fine Sterling Silver wire.

I then oxidised and polished them and added handmade copper earwires.

Note: If you want to use copper and sterling silver wire together and then oxidise it, you need to oxidise the sterling silver first as it won't oxidise when it's with the copper.

There's obviously some chemical reaction going on that I don't understand!

Tracy Smith
Cinnamon Jewellery blog
Cinnamon Jewellery folksy shop
Cinnamon Jewellery etsy shop

Comments for
Groovy Copper Spirals

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Ooh la la!
by: Rena

I just love these, Tracy!

The mixed metals, and dramatic straight lines ending in the groovy hammered spirals - just wonderful.

Thanks so much for sharing these fab earrings with us!

Awesome!
by: Angie S

I LOVE your earrings!!!
I too was having issues when using mixed metals and oxidizing - some pieces would - some wouldn't, and it had me frustrated and baffled. What I discovered helped is if you have a torch (even a little creme brulee type) and just lightly heat the piece it will all oxidize. (Great if your piece is all metal, but don't do this if you have stones included in your design) Otherwise, heat a bowl of water (HOT!) and dip your pieces before using LOS and it will help.
Hope that helps!
Keep up the great work!
Angie S.
http://www.weirdlywiredjewelry.com

Love these...
by: Kathleen Davis

I see many styles of earrings and these I would definitely buy. I love them. Very different, and creative how you put the sterling silver with the copper. You have a very artistic eye for design. Keep up the good work.
Kathleen Davis
Kathleen Davis Designs