I found this cicada wing after it naturally passed - then collected, preserved, pinned, sealed, and plated it with electroformed copper. The pendant hangs on a handmade dark green seed bead necklace. Necklace is adjustable from 17-18.5”
Where I live in Ohio the sound of cicadas is synonymous with late summer nights. One small insect can make such a powerful sound! Cicadas symbolize rebirth, due to their life cycle of emergence from the ground, shedding their skin, and transforming into new winged adults. This natural transformation makes them symbols of renewal, spiritual growth, and the cyclical nature of life in many cultures.
This piece is plated in a thick layer of copper - but underneath that is the insect itself, which is fragile. Please take care to not smush this little one! She is durable but is still be treated kindly.
I hope you enjoy this magical piece!
ABOUT ELECTROFORMING
Electroforming is the art of turning natural or sculpted objects into metal through a slow, alchemical process. The piece begins with something fragile — a real insect, crystal, shell, or hand-crafted form. It’s carefully sealed, then placed in a special solution where copper molecules are guided to “grow” onto the surface using electricity.
Over many hours (sometimes days), a thick, organic layer of copper builds up, capturing every tiny detail of the original object. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry: nature preserved in metal, strong and everlasting, while still carrying the delicate textures of what it once was.
*Comes in a gift box.
About Copper Jewelry
Benefits – Copper is thought to relieve arthritis and circulation problems. On a holistic level it is considered a grounding metal for the human body and spirit.
Will it turn my skin?
It depends on several factors – body chemistry, skin sensitivity, skin products. Copper reacts with oxygen in the air along with your sweat and skin oils which can cause skin discoloration on some individuals.
Bracelets have air circulation between your wrist and the bracelet thus doesn't seem to produce as much discoloration of your skin. If you wear a copper bracelet or cuff that is tight against the skin, then most likely you'll have discoloration much like a ring.
Pendants worn over your clothes won't discolor because they aren't in contact with your sweat or skin oils. Pendants worn against the skin tend to move causing air circulation between the pendant and your skin. Unless you're a sweaty and oily person and jewelry tends to stick to your skin, you shouldn't have any discoloration.
I coat all rings with a layer of Renaissance wax, which helps prevent skin discoloration. This coating will eventually wear off, you can maintain this coat by applying a thin later of good quality car wax.
Care of Copper Jewelry
Avoid getting copper wet, take off rings when washing hands. Keeping your jewelry clean – take off your copper jewelry every night. Wipe your jewelry with a clean soft cloth when you remove it. Doing this will clean any body oils or sweat off your jewelry. The cleaner you keep your copper jewelry the less likely your skin will discolor from oxidation.
There are many methods of cleaning copper jewelry from vinegar to lemon & salt – please note if you do clean your copper jewelry the patina may change in color.
I found this cicada wing after it naturally passed - then collected, preserved, pinned, sealed, and plated it with electroformed copper. The pendant hangs on a handmade dark green seed bead necklace. Necklace is adjustable from 17-18.5”
Where I live in Ohio the sound of cicadas is synonymous with late summer nights. One small insect can make such a powerful sound! Cicadas symbolize rebirth, due to their life cycle of emergence from the ground, shedding their skin, and transforming into new winged adults. This natural transformation makes them symbols of renewal, spiritual growth, and the cyclical nature of life in many cultures.
This piece is plated in a thick layer of copper - but underneath that is the insect itself, which is fragile. Please take care to not smush this little one! She is durable but is still be treated kindly.
I hope you enjoy this magical piece!
ABOUT ELECTROFORMING
Electroforming is the art of turning natural or sculpted objects into metal through a slow, alchemical process. The piece begins with something fragile — a real insect, crystal, shell, or hand-crafted form. It’s carefully sealed, then placed in a special solution where copper molecules are guided to “grow” onto the surface using electricity.
Over many hours (sometimes days), a thick, organic layer of copper builds up, capturing every tiny detail of the original object. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry: nature preserved in metal, strong and everlasting, while still carrying the delicate textures of what it once was.
*Comes in a gift box.
About Copper Jewelry
Benefits – Copper is thought to relieve arthritis and circulation problems. On a holistic level it is considered a grounding metal for the human body and spirit.
Will it turn my skin?
It depends on several factors – body chemistry, skin sensitivity, skin products. Copper reacts with oxygen in the air along with your sweat and skin oils which can cause skin discoloration on some individuals.
Bracelets have air circulation between your wrist and the bracelet thus doesn't seem to produce as much discoloration of your skin. If you wear a copper bracelet or cuff that is tight against the skin, then most likely you'll have discoloration much like a ring.
Pendants worn over your clothes won't discolor because they aren't in contact with your sweat or skin oils. Pendants worn against the skin tend to move causing air circulation between the pendant and your skin. Unless you're a sweaty and oily person and jewelry tends to stick to your skin, you shouldn't have any discoloration.
I coat all rings with a layer of Renaissance wax, which helps prevent skin discoloration. This coating will eventually wear off, you can maintain this coat by applying a thin later of good quality car wax.
Care of Copper Jewelry
Avoid getting copper wet, take off rings when washing hands. Keeping your jewelry clean – take off your copper jewelry every night. Wipe your jewelry with a clean soft cloth when you remove it. Doing this will clean any body oils or sweat off your jewelry. The cleaner you keep your copper jewelry the less likely your skin will discolor from oxidation.
There are many methods of cleaning copper jewelry from vinegar to lemon & salt – please note if you do clean your copper jewelry the patina may change in color.
