COPPER BRACELETS
Copper is one of the oldest metals used by mankind. There are supposed health benefits linked to wearing copper (with not much research to back it up), but to be honest that’s not why we love copper. Its vast array of useful properties mean it’s a pretty irresistible metal to work with, particularly when it comes to wrist-wear. Useful properties aside, the thing we find most appealing is its look. Raw copper produces a colour that is ever adapting and changing as a result of its environment. In a nutshell, we think it makes a beautiful metal to work with and wear on our wrists!
HOW DO YOU WEAR IT?
On your wrist! The bracelets can be worn whatever you’re doing (we’ve been wearing our copper bracelets for over 10 years and we’ve only taken them off seven times), but be aware that different humidity levels, temperatures and environments will have an impact on the colour. When exposed to air, copper darkens slightly and with saltwater it goes a little bluish-green.
We feel that the bracelets are best left to their own natural colour no matter how dark, shiny or mottled they are; however, everyone has their own preference. To maintain that classic shiny look, give it a rub with salt & vinegar solution and it’ll soon be as pretty as ever. If you’d rather go for a more natural option, giving it a rub with your fingers every so often will bring back the shininess. The natural oils on your skin result in the copper maintaining its shininess across the day.
GREEN WITH ENVY?
After wearing your copper bracelet for a period of time, you may notice that your wrist turns a little green. Don't be alarmed, this is just a normal reaction caused as a result of oxidisation, and it’s not harmful to your health. The green colour fades with a good scrub or it’ll fade once the bracelet is taken off. If you’re like us, you could just embrace the green and enjoy the fact that people will stare at your wrist in envy (maybe?!). If you’re not a fan of the green colour, then a simple solution is to apply a layer of clear nail polish on the inner side every once in a while. The other option is to apply car wax to the inner side and buff it off as per the car wax’s instructions.
WHO MAKES’EM?
This chap here, below! He’s called Dilbahadur, he’s a Kathmandude (a dude from Kathmandu) and he’s been in the jewellery making business for 30 years. His expertise is working with silver, but he decided to take up the challenge of copper and we absolutely loved the result.
When it comes to the crafting process, the bracelets are all hand made by Dilbahadur in his workshop. He melts down copper coils in a wee furnace, pours the metal into a mould and then the copper is cut into the right dimensions for the bracelets. The inner grooves are then stamped in before the bracelets are smoothed, polished and given a little beating for the shape.
THE BAGS
We always pick up traditional fabric from the countries we travel to, and we thought a brilliant way of putting it to use would be by turning it into little bags. Each bracelet comes in a bag and we love the idea that it brings a bit of our adventures to you!
