SilverCoastDesign

Electroforming is the intricate process of fusing copper or silver to other mediums such as organic materials, sea glass or pottery. The process involves a low voltage charge passing through an electrolyte bath during which the metal is formed or fused onto the structure. Electroforming builds a substantial amount of metal onto the object, leaving a thick and robust coating, thereby taking items that were once fragile (such as sea urchin shells or dried leaves) and giving them strength.

Sea glass is glass that has been in the ocean for decades, at least. It has been tossed about in the sand and rocks, wearing down its hard, jagged edges. The saltwater leeches out minerals in the glass, causing the “c marks” or pitting that you see and sometimes even changing the color of the glass. Then, once nature has completed its art, the glass washes up on the beach, ready to be collected and admired. Beautifully, it is nature’s way of taking garbage, and making something we treasure, it is recycling at its finest!

Yes, like silver, copper will turn dark and dull over time. It’s super easy to clean though with nothing but ketchup and a minute of your time. Simply rub the ketchup on, let it sit for maybe one minute, then wash with warm water and a little dish soap. Please take care not to let ketchup sit on any stones as the acid could etch the stone.

Depending on your body’s PH levels, copper could turn your skin green, especially under a ring band where you have more oils and sweat throughout the day. This is not necessarily a bad thing. There are thought to be many health benefits from wearing copper in contact with your skin, which is why I leave all my copper jewelry raw. However, if you don’t want green skin it’s very easy to remedy. You can use something as simple as clear nail polish to add a layer of protection. Or a better option is to use jewelry wax, such as Renaissance wax.

The majority of my jewelry is made with copper or sterling silver, which are both known to be hypoallergenic. However, some people with extreme allergies to metals cannot even tolerate sterling silver. I have available surgical implant grade titanium for those customers. This product is known to be the most hypoallergenic metal on the planet. To request ear wires made with it, please just add a note to your order or send me an email.

The majority of items will ship from Portugal via standard post, unless you choose DHL Express shipping at checkout. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, normal international shipping times were anywhere from 1-3 weeks. Because of the pandemic much of the world’s postal services have experienced a tremendous slow down. In general you can expect it to take about 3-4 weeks. (UPDATE: As of 11/21, some orders are reaching the US in about one week!) You will receive a tracking number once your order has shipped. You can track it through your local post office website. However, the status will ONLY update AFTER it has cleared customs in your country.