Historically, metals have been imbued with spiritual qualities symbolizing the divine, purity, power, and transformation across many cultures and belief systems. Gold was often associated with the sun, divine energy, and perfection, while silver was linked to the moon, compassion, and femininity. Other metals like iron were linked to the warrior archetype, protection, and courage, and bronze was used in ceremonial instruments to create harmonic, meditative vibrations.

Metals used in the studio:

Bronze
Bronze is made by combining other metals, creating an alloy. Bronze used in my studio is Phosphor bronze, which is a copper alloy with tin and phosphorus that is valued for its strength, corrosion resistance, and fatigue resistance. Primarily copper, with added tin (0.5-11%) and phosphorus (0.01-0.35%).

The Bronze Age marked the first time humans worked with metal, including the use of bronze to create jewelry through lost wax casting technique. Bronze has a golden-earth tone hue, subdued luster, and ancient charm that has transcended time. Bronze jewelry has been worn for as long as the metal has been in existence, and it is easy to see why this well-loved, enduring metal is still highly valued.

jewelry care
Due to the high copper content of bronze and similar to sterling silver, bronze jewelry can tarnish and develop a green patina. This occurs when copper reacts to moisture and air from the body and the environment. This reaction creates an oxidation process. Fortunately, any patina left on the skin is harmless and will wash off with warm water and soap. Some people want to preserve the jewelry’s patina as this can add a beautiful and vintage look to the bronze jewelry. However, if you prefer to keep the bright golden hue, then the jewelry may be cleaned with a polishing cloth and solution. A good option is to dilute the Shine Bright Burnishing Compound (4 parts water to 1 part Shine Bright) and to dab the solution with a polishing cloth. Rub jewelry with a cloth to desired brightness.

Historic spiritual properties
Copper
Courage
Improves and broadens awareness
Improved blood circulation
tin
Promotes prosperity
Promotes spiritual growth
Enhances emotional and spiritual properties

Together copper and tin are considered to create a powerful energetic alloy.

copper
Copper, or Venus, is the minor benefit, furnishing man with compassion, affection, refinement, and a love of the artistic and beautiful. It lends a pleasing aspect to every metal with which it associates; in human life bringing friendship, mirthfulness, amiability, and conjugality. It is especially useful in brazing, that is, strengthening the union between other metals or between their parts. Similarly, it exerts itself in society to draw people into harmonious companionship. It is the metal of love, presenting, when uncorrupted, the bright and cheery aspect of goodwill (Amelie Hubert 2017).

tin
Tin is a metal of silvery-white color, malleable, ductile, and offering considerable resistance to the corrosive action of acids. It is under the dominion of the planet Jupiter, and has a low melting point. It corresponds in human life to such pure and noble moral sentiments as are of snow-white luster. True nobility of impulse itself is incorruptible, but quickly bends in malleable charity to assist a fallen brother. Its sympathies are drawn in filaments of mercy to the downtrodden and oppressed; and its dignity and reserve are melted at the sight of suffering.

Tin, or Jupiter, is the major benefic, bringing to man health, wealth and affluence. This gain comes without effort, or as the result of favor inspired by good deeds. It is far removed from all that is sordid and harsh, indicating instead good cheer, genial warmth and generosity (Amelie Hubert 2017).

silver
Have you ever been curious about that “925” mark? Well, this mark is an indication of a silver that is mixed with other metals creating an alloy. In our case, our silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Therefore, the 925 sterling silver mark indicates that your jewelry is made from 92.5% pure silver.

So now, you may be wondering why we do not use pure silver. As much as we would love the idea of using silver in its purest elemental state, pure silver (aka fine silver) is a very soft metal. The high purity of silver contains 99.9% of pure, soft, silver. This high purity can easily scratch, dent, or change shapes - not ideal for metalsmithing. We value jewelry that can be worn everyday and stand up to this test of time. Therefore, this is why we have chosen to use sterling silver (925) to provide a bit more strength and durability to your jewelry.

jewelry care
Even though sterling silver is harder than pure silver, your jewelry is still prone to scratches and tarnishing. Scratches can be easily buffed out and proper care can remove tarnish. The number one thing that you can do to avoid tarnishing is to continue to wear your jewelry! Jewelry tucked away gathers tarnish faster than pieces that are worn everyday. This is due to the natural oils in our skin creating a buffer against oxidation. Our advice? Wear your jewelry as much as you can! Other ways to prevent tarnishing is to limit exposure to chemicals, water, and store it away from harsh light and humidity. To clean silver, wash with warm water and soap. Let jewelry sit for 10-15 minutes. Use a soft tooth brush to scrub away impurities. Rinse with warm, clean water. Dry with soft polishing cloth.

spiritual properties
silver
Purity
Clarity
Well-being
copper
Promotes prosperity
Promotes spiritual growth
Enhances emotional and spiritual properties
silver
Silver is one of the 3 base metals in Alchemy and is one of the most precious metals on earth. This metal is associated with emotions and sensitivity. It raises sensitivity and can expand your psychic awareness, it does not judge, and only seeks to bring balance and calm. It is also thought to be a mirror to the soul, helping us to see ourselves as others do. (Tangela Harper, 2019).

copper
Copper, or Venus, is the minor benefit, furnishing man with compassion, affection, refinement, and a love of the artistic and beautiful. It lends a pleasing aspect to every metal with which it associates; in human life bringing friendship, mirthfulness, amiability, and conjugality. It is especially useful in brazing, that is, strengthening the union between other metals or between their parts. Similarly, it exerts itself in society to draw people into harmonious companionship. It is the metal of love, presenting, when uncorrupted, the bright and cheery aspect of goodwill (Amelie Hubert 2017).

gold
We have loved gold for generations, yet not every gold is the same. Here in the studio we primarily work with 14 karat gold. There are various karats of gold and the karats refers to the amount of pure gold in your jewelry. Similar to silver, gold is a soft metal and is mixed with an alloy to make it more durable. 14 karat is blended with durable metal such as nickel, copper, and zinc.

14 karat - 58.5% gold
18 karat - 75% gold
22 karat - 91.67% gold
24 karat - 99.9% gold
If you desire a higher karat of gold, please let us know. We would be happy to work with you on your golden designs.

jewelry care
To ensure your golden shine, make sure to clean jewelry regularly to wash away impurities. Simple hand soap and water will due. Be sure to dilute to soap. We recommend 10 parts water, 2 parts soap. If gold collects heavier impurities, try soaking in the diluted soap solution for 2-3 hours. Remove from solution and scrub with polishing cloth, or soft toothbrush. Rinse with clean water and dry with soft cloth, or let air dry.

spiritual properties
gold
Embodiment of the Divine
Wisdom and love
Purity
Gold is ruled by the Sun, and thus represents also the vital principle of all life. It is the central, governing authority, the foundation of the financial structure of society, and the source of power both in physical and in spiritual man. The natural gold in the human constitution is the ego, imperishable and as pure as pristine sunlight. But there is another gold that is not the ego, yet that partakes of its enduring nature. This is not the material gold that some strive to make in the chemical shops of the earth. It is a spiritual gold, that is, a gold like unto the ego in its spirituality and continuance. It is even possible to convert, through proper purification, combination and heating, every event of life into this most precious metal. It is possible to use every experience as spiritual metal that enters into the building up of a spiritual form. This immortal body is the transmuted spiritual gold. (Amelie Hubert, 2017)

14kt Gold Filled

Why gold filled? With proper care, 14kt gold filled jewelry can last a lifetime. It serves as a cost effective alternative to pure gold jewelry without sacrificing quality and durability. Gold filled jewelry contains 100% more gold than gold plated jewelry, it is generally safe for wearers with sensitivities to common metals, and it is tarnish resistant.

What is gold filled jewelry?

Despite its name, gold filled jewelry refers to a process in which a layer of karat gold is heat- and pressure- bonded to a layer of base metal. This process keeps the metal tarnish resistant because it completely covers the surface of the base metal. It looks like solid gold since its outermost layer is actually gold, however, it is a harder, more durable, and less expensive option than solid gold.

Please note that metals can tarnish over time when exposed to chemicals such as water, hair spray, perfume and lotions. Gold is generally a soft metal; therefore, it should be worn with care to avoid bending, dents, and scratches.

How to care for your jewelry:

Store your jewelry in a small plastic bag when you are not wearing it to protect it from chemicals from the environment & moisture.
Avoid water, perfume, hair spray, and lotions while wearing your jewelry
While 14kt gold filled jewelry will not tarnish quickly, it may get dirty. The oils from your skin and particles from your environment may transfer to the metal, causing it to lose its brightness. Therefore, you may need to clean your 14kt gold filled jewelry. You can do this using a soft jewelry brush and a solution of water and unscented dish soap. Gently clean your jewelry, rinse well, pat dry, and let it air dry. Make sure your jewelry is completely dry before putting it away.