Derived from 'Cuprum', the Latin name for Cyprus, the reddish-gold metal is easily worked and drawn into wire. Traditionally it has been one of the coinage metals along with silver and gold. Historically, copper was the first metal to be worked by people, and the discovery that it could be hardened with a little tin to form the alloy bronze gave its name to the Bronze Age. Dating back some 10,000 years, Copper has been used for cooking utensils, ornaments, armour and jewellery. Ancient Egyptians were thought to wear Copper to deflect evil, and it is believed by some to have healing properties.

Copper bracelet and objet d'art by Miranda Meilleur