What Is electroforming?
Electroforming is a process that uses an electrical current is to plate objects with metal.

First I have to prepare the piece for plating: I start with the base of my piece, it can by anything from natural objects such as leaves/bugs/flowers/crystals to clay sculptures. I then seal the base piece to ensure it does not fall apart or get destroyed during this process (especially delicate items). Next I coat the piece with conductor paint wherever I intend the copper to plate; conductor paint must dry for a few hours before plating.

Next comes the actual plating process:

An electroforming bath has a few components: a copper electroforming solution bath, a copper anode (typically a copper coil or copper pipe - this is where the copper for the piece comes from), a cathode/substrate (piece of metal that allows electricity to be connected through the piece & the piece itself), and a rectifier (a battery/source of electricity). I attach my piece to the cathode that allows it to extend within the middle of the solution bath, and attach both the anode and the cathode to the rectifier. The positive charge will attach to the anode and the negative charge will attach to the cathode [imagine jumper cables when you are trying to jump a car battery]. Once everything is in place to create a complete electrical current then the rectifier is turned on and emits a small amount of electricity through the current. This electrical current causes the anode to break down over the course of 8-20 hours, and over that time all of the copper molecules that break off of the anode will travel along the electrical current through the bath and attach to the piece I am plating wherever there is conductor paint or compatible metal. The copper molecules build up over the 8-20 hours to create a thick copper layer that cannot be removed.

Once the piece is fully plated, I clean it and finish it by buffing it with a bronze brush, sometimes adding a patina, and then sealing it with a wax sealant.

Will copper jewelry tarnish or turn my skin green?

Your copper jewelry may change and gain personality over time with wear. Copper is an element that is found naturally in the earth.  When exposed to other chemicals and elements it can react with them, changing the color of the surface.  When it is exposed to air, it darkens or tarnishes, forming what is commonly referred to as copper “patina.”  After prolonged contact with human skin where it can interact with air, sweat and other chemicals, such as soaps, lotions and makeup, copper can turn green or bluish-green, and stain the skin in the process.  The reaction varies according to an individual’s body chemistry, both in how long it takes for the green discoloration to form and in how intense the color becomes.  Some people experience no discoloration. The discoloration, incidentally, is not harmful to one’s health, and is readily washed off with soap and water.  If not washed off, it is normally absorbed by the body overnight.

Initially I seal all of my pieces with a micro-crystalline wax which which should protect the piece from tarnish. The wax finish may wear over time, avoid wearing your copper jewelry in the water to preserve its color.

Why copper?
Some buy copper jewelry, for the purported healing properties that result from the direct contact of copper with their skin. Many wear copper for its ability to regulate blood flow and reduce cholesterol, and its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. Copper is a brain stimulant that increases energy and encourages creativity. Copper is a conductor of energy, and it is believed that when used and worn with crystals it can intensify their metaphysical properties.