Copper FAQs & Care
Copper has been used to make jewelry for thousands of years. Native Americans and Ancient Egyptians were the first to craft jewelry out of copper. It was used to symbolize wealth and status. The malleability of copper makes it easy to create complex and detailed designs.
Does copper have any health benefits?
Just like any other mineral, we need to have the right amount of copper in our body. We can end up with a copper deficiency if we do not consume copper rich foods, although there could be other factors that prevent our bodies from absorbing copper. When you wear copper jewelry, sometimes the body can absorb small amounts of copper into your system. The body will only absorb as much copper as it needs, but if your jewelry is plated or sealed then your body will not be able to absorb it. Chances of copper toxicity only occur when you actually consume the copper, wearing copper will not cause any damages to the body. There are some claims that copper can assists in alleviating various ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, joint pains and headaches. However, these claims do not have any significant evidence. Copper has antimicrobial and antifungal properties and is not harmful to our skin.
Can I wear copper every day?
Yes, copper jewelry can be worn every day. It does require regular maintenance to keep it looking bright and shiny. Copper is very durable, but constant exposure to moisture, lotions, and/or sweat can cause it to tarnish and change colors.
Can copper cause skin irritation?
You should be aware that copper tends to oxidize when exposed to air. this can lead to the skin turning green. It's completely harmless and will go away. To prevent this, avoid wearing copper jewelry for extended periods of time. It is also important to take off your jewelry before engaging in activities that involve water or sweating, such as showering, swimming, and working out. Be sure to clean your jewelry regularly (instructions below).
Can I wear my copper jewelry while sleeping?
It is up to the wearer whether or not they want to sleep with copper. There are potential benefits to sleeping with a copper anklet, bracelet, or even a ring. These benefits include improved circulation and blood flow, reduced joint pain, and an increase in emotional balance. If you have sensitive skin or you sweat while sleeping, it may be best not to wear copper jewelry to bed to cut down wearing time and avoid the skin turning green.
Why does the color of copper change over time?
Oxidation causes copper to develop a coating on the surface of the metal that starts off as a "dullness" then turns dark brown or black copper. This coating occurs naturally and causes the metal to look old. Oxidation occurs when the copper is exposed to oxygen and/or moisture in the air. There are other environmental factors that can speed up the oxidation process such as salt spray (coastal environments), sulfur dioxide, as well as industrial pollutants. There are some chemicals used in jewelry cleaning products that can also cause discoloration if they are left on for too long. Some people do appreciate the natural "aged" look, but there are ways to slow down the process and keep your copper looking bright and shiny.
Tips to Keep Copper Jewelry Tarnish-Free
Here are a few simple steps to prevent your copper jewelry from tarnishing too fast and/or turning the skin green.
Wipe your jewelry down regularly: Use a washcloth or microfiber cloth to gently wipe your copper jewelry before and after wearing it.
Store your jewelry properly: Keep your copper jewelry in an airtight plastic container, a zip-lock bag, or use an anti-tarnish bag. All of our pendants come stored in a zip-lock bag that has an anti-tarnish strip in it. For extra protection, you add a silica gel packet to your bag or jewelry box. This will help absorb any moisture.
Avoid exposing your jewelry to chemicals: Take off your jewelry when swimming, showering, applying lotions and perfumes or using household cleaners.
Clean your jewelry frequently: Clean your copper jewelry when it starts to look dull and brown.
How do I clean my copper jewelry at home?
Copper jewelry can be cleaned at home using a common household items like lemon, salt, baking soda, vinegar, or ketchup. Applying a mixture of salt and lemon juice or applying a baking soda paste can effectively remove tarnish. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth afterward. Below you will find the most common ways to clean your copper jewelry and their directions.
Avoid using acidic solutions when cleaning copper with gemstones
Often times copper jewelry includes gemstones, while these stones add a special touch to the jewelry, they need special care during the cleaning process. Acidic cleaners like vinegar and lemon juice can harm some of these stones.
For pieces that have gemstones, try to avoid any acid solutions. Use a mild soap and warm water solution with a soft toothbrush. This option is gentle enough to brighten the copper without risking the stones.
If you’re unsure about the stone's type and hardness, then it’s best to play it safe and stick to gentler cleaning methods (mild soap method). A quick wipe with a damp cloth can actually do a lot for your gemstone copper jewelry.
Natural Cleaners
Here are some everyday household items that can serve as a natural cleaning method for copper. They are gentle but very effective at breaking down tarnish and will leave your jewelry bright:
Lemon juice: Lemon juice is naturally acidic, so it is a great option for cutting through tarnish.
Vinegar: Is also acidic, it can dissolve tarnish quickly. This is a great cleaner for deeper tarnish.
Baking soda: Is known for its mild abrasiveness, it can help restore shine without scratching your jewelry. It's great for scrubbing stubborn spots.
Ketchup: The vinegar and tomato acid makes it effective for polishing copper. It does get a little messy, but it can bring back the shine.
Microfiber cloths are perfect for polishing copper. They are soft, so they won’t scratch the surface of your jewelry. This makes them perfect for bringing out the shine.
A soft-bristled toothbrush can come in handy for getting into intricate designs and small gaps. It can also help lift away tarnish without scratching the jewelry.
Methods for Cleaning Copper Jewelry
Mild Soap: Works best for lightly tarnished pieces or regular upkeep cleaning.
-Instructions:
Mix a mild dish soap with warm water and soak the piece for a few minutes, scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush if needed. Thoroughly rinse with warm water and then dry. Polish with a microfiber cloth or even a washcloth.
Lemon Juice and Salt: Works best on heavily tarnished pieces.
-Instructions:
Pour some salt in a plastic container and some lemon juice. Then gently shake the plastic container. The salt will act as an abrasive, while the lemon juice will help break down the tarnish. Shaking the container gently will speed up the whole process. Rinse with warm water and then dry. Polish with a microfiber cloth or even a washcloth.
Vinegar and Salt: Works best on heavy to moderately tarnished pieces.
-Instructions:
Mix white vinegar and salt in a plastic container. Allow your jewelry to soak for about 3-5 minutes or you can gently shake the container to speed up the process. The solution will work similar to the lemon juice and salt method. If needed, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away any tarnish. Rinse with warm water and then dry. Polish with a microfiber or even a washcloth.
Baking Soda Paste: Works best for lightly tarnished or just restoring the shine.
-Instructions:
Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the piece with your fingers, a soft-bristled toothbrush or a cloth. Gently rub the paste onto the tarnished areas. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove all of the paste and then dry. Polish with a microfiber cloth or a washcloth. Since there is no acid in this solution, it can be used on delicate pieces that have gemstones.
Ketchup: Works best for small, tarnished areas and intricate details.
-Instructions:
Spread a layer of ketchup over the tarnished areas of your jewelry, or you can submerge the whole piece. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The acidity will start to break down the tarnish. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush if needed. Rinse with warm water, be sure to rinse off all of the ketchup and then dry. Polish with a microfiber cloth or even a washcloth.