Rebajes - Master of Copper Jewelry

As gold and silver prices continue to climb to ridiculous amounts, those of us who are involved with jewelry making using metals must look for more reasonable alternatives. The base metals like copper, brass, pewter, and bronze are being used more today by several of the top jewelry makers. I recently came across an article about a designer, Francisco Torres Rebajes, who was one of the leaders in using copper to make jewelry.

Rebajes produced jewelry in the 1930s through the 1950s. He was especially gifted in copper and sculpture design. His copper jewelry was made during the 1940s and 1950s He created creations from discarded cans and became popular with the affluent inhabitants of Greenwich Village, New York where he resided. Rebajes became very successful in his trade and was owner of a factory as well as shops throughout New York.

Rebajes designed and sketched all his designs by hand. His work is said to be influenced from many of the great artists including Picasso, Frank Lloyd Wright and Man Ray. Some of his favorite motifs were based on Brazilian masks, African figures and Pre-Columbian forms. A frequent theme of his work was to superimpose one piece on to another. He would also frequently create jewelry with moving parts. His jewelry today is sought after by collectors worldwide. Rebajes was the master of copper jewelry.

I love the look of copper jewelry with its rich warm color. I look forward to seeing all the new creations jewelry designers will produce using this very old metal.


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