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Arcadian life meets urban spirit~
Since 2016 we have been creating uncommon goods for the common good. Who are we?
We are Holly and Steven, the duo behind MergingMetals. We specialize in small batch, ethically and sustainably sourced mixed metal wearables. Our jewelry has been thoughtfully curated from our home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, NC. We say we built MergingMetals on love, creativity, and disagreements; we may not always see eye to eye but we envision the same thing ~ enchanting and alluring pieces that you will surely adore.
At MergingMetals, we do just that, merge metals with organic materials through the process of ‘electroforming’. Rugged and raw materials are transformed into wearable works of art! Our lovingly handcrafted jewelry explore a varied range of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. In a throw away society, we want to highlight the use of found, forgotten, and abandoned materials. We want to show that sustainability and recyclability are more than just words, they are a way of life.
ELECTROFORMING, THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE MAGIC!
What is Electroforming?
This is the abbreviated version of what we do! First we hand paint any area we want to encapsulate in copper with a conductive paint. Then the piece goes into a copper sulfate, sulfuric acid solution along with copper bars. We hook the painted piece up to electricity and over time (typically 24-72 hours) copper from the bars is transferred anywhere we painted. Lastly we lovingly hand patina, polish, and apply a metal sealant to each item. From start to finish each piece takes approximately 4-7 days to complete. Organic materials are now encapsulated in 100% pure copper. How cool is that?!
Why Copper?
Health, Beauty, Recyclability, Antimicrobial
*Copper is our oldest ore and occurs in pure form. It was first discovered over 5,000 years ago and harnessed for its beauty. Early Mesopotamians, Egyptians, and Native Americans prized the metal for its aesthetic qualities and use in religious and spiritual ceremonies, as well as for medical procedures. Jewelry is a great way of taking in small amounts of the needed mineral. The healing properties of copper, in the form of bracelets, necklaces, rings, or earrings, can allow a minimal amount of the mineral into the body without overwhelming it. Some wearers of copper jewelry find it relieves the symptoms of arthritis and circulation issues.
*Everyone is looking for materials that aren’t harmful to the environment and that will be available for future generations to come. Over 85% of mined copper throughout history is STILL in circulation today, since 100% of copper can be recycled without any loss of its original mined quality, it is the 3rd most recycled metal.
*Did you know copper is ANTIMICROBIAL?! Copper kills bacteria and viruses within minutes. In the 19th century, exposure to copper would have been an early version of constantly sanitizing one's hands. Since then, studies have shown that copper is able to destroy the microbes that most threaten our lives. It has been shown to kill a long list of microbes, including Norovirus, MRSA, a Staph bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotics, virulent strains of E. coli that cause food-borne illness, and Corona-viruses—possibly including the novel strain currently causing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where Can You Find MergingMetals Wearables?
Asheville Stockists:
Fox & Beaux
56 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801
Charmed Asheville
46 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801
Willow’s Dream
64 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801
**Boutiques Outside of Asheville**
Broken Spoke Boutique
205 N Main St, Valentine, NE 69201
Emerald Tree Boutique
415 William Ave, Davis, WV 26260
A Little Mad
15 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04606
A full list can be viewed on our website under stockists
www.mergingmetals.com
