Silver Fusion Over Copper

Janice Stiles

A month ago, I wrote about silver reticulation, one of my preferred creative jewelry techniques. But my favorite and definitely the most fun technique is silver fusion, particularly over copper. It is the next step beyond silver reticulation and is a process that blends heat, instinct, and a bit of unpredictability. I begin with a copper shape and place small snippets of sterling silver on its surface. Using my beloved torch, I heat the piece until the silver starts to reticulate—wrinkling, rippling, and flowing - as it fuses naturally to the copper beneath.


The result is a one-of-a-kind surface where silver and copper merge into soft waves, and textures that can’t be repeated. Each piece has its own personality, with patterns that feel almost alive — a meeting of fire, metal, and chance.

These silver fusion over copper earrings have a bit more interest because I created a horizontal fold in the copper before I added the silver. They are simple but unique and look as if they have been dipped in silver.

 

 

The fold on the previous earrings is the same technique I used with this pendant. The process begins by folding and hammering a round copper disc to create a ridge or line. The piece is then heated with a torch - a step called annealing - which softens the metal and keeps it from becoming brittle. Once cooled, the copper is carefully opened to reveal its unique fold or crease. Finally, sterling silver is fused onto the surface, adding contrast and texture.

 

 

One of my newest pieces, this Wildflower pendant has silver beads that have been fused to the copper and silver, then flattened to achieve the extra contemporary texture.

 

 

Interesting and complex, this two-piece copper cuff utilizes fold forming with silver fused to the top layer, which is then riveted to the underneath cuff. Every fold and every bit of reticulated silver turns out a little differently, so each cuff is completely unique - there’s no way to make another one exactly like it.

 

 

These diamond-shaped earrings are simple and elegant, with silver fused over copper. They’re lightweight, catch the light as you move, and add a classic yet organic touch to your earring collection.

 

Silver fusion over copper brings out the best in both metals — warm copper tones and bright silver highlights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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