We deal with diamonds, gold and sterling silver, precious metals and stones. But we  find Copper to be an attractive metal to make jewelry from as well. It has a look and feel that many connect too. While Copper isn't a precious metal, it is or can be considered the greatest discovery after fire. Ancient civilization took a giant leap into the bronze age due to its discovery and usage. history shows the early importance of Copper in many ancient worlds such as ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and early Americas.

The Island of Cyprus is one of the sources of Copper and its name given by the Romans. Copper first discovered 13,000 years ago, is the oldest mined mineral and was found in Egyptian and Sumerian household  items like cooking pots by 3800 BC.

COPPER JEWELRY
Ancient Egyptians were first to create an alloy of tin and copper, otherwise known as Bronze and an alloy if zinc and copper, known as Brass. And this propelled them toward modern Civilization. By 2500BC Copper had become a very valuable item, wealthy Egyptians wore Copper jewelry and the usage of it also meant higher social status. They created jewelry and crowns and the jewelry makers were highly regarded. One can see jewelry making on painted monuments and walls.  

ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICANS
Copper has been found in may archeological sites, timing the usage of the metal around the same time Egyptians were mining it. Early Native Americans made jewelry out of Copper, hammered and etched pieces and beads, and later traded Copper bracelets with the Europeans. The Navajo are credited with creating Copper jewelry for trading, and by late 1800's, Copper jewelry became common in the South West.

Arizona is the largest deposits of Copper. 

In the Mid 20th Century the interest in Copper soared for various reasons, from the early modernist Francisco Rebajes, the abstract and bold designs of Renoir-matisse by Jerry Fells, traditional symbols of Native American culture and the re-emergence of healing beliefs in the properties of Copper; to today's great appeal in the special qualities and healing properties  which is said to stimulate the mental flow of energy. Copper, since Prehistoric times, still catches the interest of many who see beauty and value in it. 

We get asked this question often, so here is a blog worth revisiting, Chrysoprase is a very rare form of the Quartz with colors ranging from light to dark greens, the traces of nickel found in it is what gives its color. Chrysoprase is a cryptocrystalline, it is not formed by large six sided crystals, the size of the crystals are extremely small and invisible to the naked eye, and why it is rare.

Chrysoprase has a hardness of about 7 to 8 and is a great gemstone to be shaped into beads or other shapes.

Chrysoprase was one of the most sought after stones during the middle ages. It was mined in Silesia (Northern Czech Republic and Southern Poland), and were used as architectural decorations, mainly in major churches. Today is it mined in Australia and often referred to as Australian Jade.

This magic stone was recharged outdoors at half moon to ensure good health and happy marriages. St Wenceslas chapel in Prague has decorations made with Chrysoprase. It has the healing power of balancing body, mind and body. If you suffer from high blood pressure, wear this stone against your skin. Chrysoprase calms you down and also clears the mind, you'll begin to think more clearly. It is believed to be an important stone for those born under the sign of Cancer. It provides balance between the conscious and subconsious.