.png)
This is a Hercules beetle, it's been electroformed layering him with copper. This is a Hercules beetle is a species of rhinoceros beetle native to the rain forests of southern Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Lesser Antilles. It is the longest extant species of beetle in the world, and is also one of the largest flying insects in the world.
Beetle Measurements: 3in length x open wing span of 5inches.
Suncatcher Measurements: 10 x 5 in (L x W)
Materials: Hercules beetle, all the magical things that go into electroforming, copper wire, evil eye beads, one large upcycled crystal/glass bead from an antique chandelier and 7 smaller beads from the same chandelier.
Color: Copper
NOTE: Handle with care, do not drop this item. It's been electroformed, layering it with copper, but it still needs to be handled gently.
****************
What Does Electroforming Mean?
Electroforming is a metal-forming process widely used to develop and manufacture metal parts that can be used on a specific machine or piece of equipment. The resulting metal parts are formed with the aid of electrode position or electroplating on a model known as a mandrel.
A unique feature of the electroforming process is that the metal part grows atom by atom, and this process imparts absolute accuracy and high aspect ratios in a new metal.
************************
Copper information-
This item has been sealed with a copper sealer but copper can change color when exposed to air and moisture; this natural process is called oxidation.
Time Frame-
It may take several months of regular exposure to the elements for a copper to show visible color change. It may change color more quickly if the air is high in moisture or if there is a high concentration of sulfur in the air.
Electroformed Hercules Rhinoceros Beetle Suncatcher
- -The copper obtained when electroforming jewelry has a somewhat different structure than cast copper, and it is strongly advised not to bend the pendant. It is sturdy enough for normal wear but handle/wear with care.
- -This piece of jewelry has been covered with a special sealing to preserve it as long as possible; this could be one year or ten, depending on your care for it. Here is some useful information and helpful tips to help keep your electroformed copper jewelry as beautiful as it is the day you purchase it.
- -If you want to prevent your copper from tarnishing, keep it in an air-tight environment (such as a ziplock bag) when it's not worn.
- -Keep your copper jewelry away from humidity - (don't store your jewelry in the bathroom!)
- -Copper is a naturally reactive metal, meaning that without the sealer, it will change color as the metal reacts to oxygen and moisture; this natural process is called oxidation. In addition, copper reacts to our skin's chemistry; some of us have more acidic skin, which is the culprit for copper skin discolorations. Some report that copper jewelry turns their skin green when it touches their skin, yet others can wear copper daily and have no skin discoloration issues.
- -If you see that your copper jewelry is starting to change color, you can use fine steel wool to remove the layer of oxidization, then reseal it with a copper sealer.
Electroforming is a metal-forming process by means of electrodeposition, similar to Electroplating and Electrorefining. The electrodeposition process takes place in an electrolytic bath and involves two electrodes (an anode and a cathode) and an electrolytic solution. The mandrel is placed in the bath, and the electrodes pass a DC through the solution. The DC converts metallic ions into atoms that are continuously deposited on the conductive areas of the mandrel until the desired metal thickness has been achieved.
Compared to other traditional metal forming technologies, for example, casting, forging, stamping, or deep drawing, Electroforming can deliver mass volume at superior accuracy and extreme design complexity due to the fact that it can replicate the shape of the mandrel at extreme accuracy.
