The Copper Age occurred from around 5000 BC to around 3000 BC and was the bridge from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age. Excavations indicate that it must have begun in Southeastern Europe, Asia Minor, and the Middle East. It was significant in that it was the beginning of smelting metal ore to make metal tools. Before then, tools were made by chiseling stones into the desired shape. Civilizations that possessed the ability to make tools and weapons out of metal were able to supercede those that relied only on stone, thus creating city states and kingdoms. The copper age ended with discovery of making bronze by alloying copper with other metals, mainly tin, to make a harder metal, more suitable for tools and weapons. Copper, being softer and more pliable, remains more suitable for jewelry, wire, and decorative purposes.
You can purchase the copper bracelet in the above photo at COPPER VIKING KNIT BRACELET (beadshaper.com)
You can read more about the history of copper on the web site of the Copper Development Association at Copper Jewelry in the Early Americas
