With the current high cost of silver, gold and other precious metals, it’s a good time to try some alternatives. Copper and stainless steel are two metals with increasing popularity in the jewelry industry, especially with younger clients. Copper has been used for centuries for jewelry; some wearers believe it helps relieve arthritis and other ailments.

Hobbyist Joe Glassman engraved the design he calls "The Meeting of Four Comets" on this copper bracelet as a gift for his wife. The “head” of each comet is a 1.8 mm natural orange sapphire that is burnish-set. The “tails” are made by joining flat graver cuts. The tails are interwoven together to suggest a third dimension in the design. As a metalsmith, engraver, jeweler or stone setter, copper can be a satisfying metal to work. Be aware that a few people may be allergic to copper jewelry

The engraving was done before the copper bracelet was bent with the GRS Metal Former. A flat surface is easier to engrave than a curved one, so bending this type of bracelet after engraving is recommended. However, the stones were added after the bracelet was formed. Other tools used include the GraverMax with a Magnum handpiece, a flex shaft system for drilling and bur work, and a Magnablock.