Primal Metals - Inspirations in Bronze and Copper

The Quintessential Metal

Is it too much for a jewelry artist to ask for a metal (other than gold) whose natural color is neither gray not silver? One that is stronger than iron, but which remains ductile, and malleable, so that it can be textured, sculpted and fashioned into objects of art? It must not react with water, yet must accept a patina. And it must not be prohibitively expensive. Oh... and if it could kill germs on contact, wouldn't that just fulfill the jewel-artist's dream!

For more than 55 centuries craftsmen have labored to develop the esthetic and functional properties of copper and it's many alloys. At 3.0 mohs copper is harder than gold or silver (2.5 mohs). Indeed, they all occupy the same family on the periodic table of elements. For the technically inclined, this means that they all have a single s-orbital electron above the central electron cloud. For those not so inclined, this simply means that these metals do not rust away. Instead, copper reacts with oxygen to form a thin verdigris layer that protects the metal against further oxidation. Think of the beautiful natural hues of the Statue of Liberty.

At Oxalis the creative process begins with original sketchbook designs which are sculpted and textured into works of art using copper and bronze clay. These pieces obtain their natural patinas either during the firing cycle or during subsequent reactions in the presence of oxides, ammonia, sulfur and chlorine. These patinas then acquire their own unique 'living finish' over time, exhibiting warm hues with azure highlights (especially where most often touched) evolving into deeply personalized heirloom possessions.

Our mission is to produce art jewelry that is stylish but understated; elegant but unassuming; timeless and unpretentious. Please enjoy our Primal Metals Collection!

PS: On February 29, 2008, the EPA registered copper and 275 alloys of copper containing at least 65% copper content as antimicrobial materials effective against staphylococcus and e-coli. Present in blood, muscle, and bone, copper is not just essential to life, Oxalis copper jewelart makes copper essential to living the good life!

#n489 Cholla	#488 Echinoidea	#n432 Old Rugged Cross	#n472 Gothic Heart
#n470 Legionnaire	#n418 Antefix	#n494 Diamond in the Rough	#n469 Blue Moon
#n467 Celtic Cross	#n487 Nestling	#n493 Sea Dollar	#n431 Moondial
#e457 Rusty Organics	#e441 Bronze Tab	#e463 Bark & Beige	#e460 Barkdoll Earrings
#e456 Bronze Drops	#e462 Cholla Earrings	#e458 Bronze Coins	#e459 Bronzed Bark
#e465 Red & Rusty	#n477 Starlace	#b429 Tapestry	#b433 Opulence
#b373 Classic Coppers	#b423 Waves of Grain