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Articles / New Copper Jewelry — No Comments
12
Jul 10

Wearing Copper Jewelry For Fun And Good Health

Copper Jewelry Health Benefits

Copper jewelry is quite popular thanks to its attractiveness and versatility. There are so many creative designs available because of the softness and malleability of copper. But did you know that there may also be health benefits from copper jewelry?

Copper rings, necklaces, and bracelets are once again becoming very popular. Many people believe that by wearing copper jewelry, your skin will absorb minerals from the copper and provide the wearer with positive health benefits. Key to efficient metabolism, absorption and transportation of iron throughout the body, and melanin production in the skin, copper is an essential trace mineral.

Blue Green Patinated Copper Tear Drop Earrings

Blue Green Patinated Copper Tear Drop Earrings

There is some debate about whether copper jewelry can help improve your health. Common assertions include pain relief, especially arthritis, and/or improving skin tone. Copper bracelets with magnets in them are a common over the counter arthritis remedy. Magnetic copper bracelets can help reduce pain if you suffer from osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.

Copper Jewelry History

Since copper can be easily minipulated into many forms, it has been favored by many ancient cultures. Eastern Europe, Egypt, and Iran have many astonishing examples of early copper jewelry. In its natural occuring state, copper was likely the first metal used by early man. By 8000 B.C., copper was used as a substitue for stone by Neolithic man. Around 4000 B.C., the Egyptians started casting copper, and by 3500 B.C. it was alloyed with tin to produce Bronze. In mythology and alchemy, copper was associated with the goddess Aphrodite, relating to its radiant beauty and use in producing mirrors. The name copper is derived from the Latin aes Cyprium, which means “metal of Cyprus,” which was later shortened to cyprium, and later corrupted to cuprum.

Copper jewelry will eventually oxidize, unless it has been coated with varnish or a protectant. When copper tarnishes it turns a beautiful green color. Skin that has reacted with copper will often turn green as well and the reaction is completely harmless to the body. You will have a higher chance of your skin turning green the more often you wear your jewelry, especially rings.

The Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan has probably the world’s largest concentration of native copper. Other localities include Bolivia, the Ural Mountains in Russia, England, Australia, Germany, and Arizona. Regardless of the myths and folk lore surrounding the medicinal value of wearing copper jewelry, the warm rich tones of copper jewelry make it a “must have” of any fashion conscious woman.

Anticlastic Jewelry / Articles / New Copper Jewelry — No Comments
3
Jul 10

Distinctive Handmade Copper Jewelry

Texturized Anticlastic Copper Bracelet

Texturized Anticlastic Copper Bracelet

Properties of Copper Jewelry

Copper jewelry has been worn for ages, to a certain extent for overall health factors as some think that it enhances good blood circulation and eases the symptoms of arthritis. While those promises have not been scientifically confirmed, copper has been shown to possess antimicrobial components (helping to ward off microbes as well as illness). Still, it is more likely that the continued use of copper jewelry has much more to do with its exclusive luster and color than it does with its germ-fighting capability!

Copper jewelry can be sought-after by those who like an earthy, ethnic look but more and more it can also be found making an appearance among the many collections of quality jewelry manufacturers. It provides an very affordable alternative to popular higher priced rose gold due to its charming pinkish color when copper is at its most basic form. The warmness of copper also creates a satisfying contrast alongside silver’s cooler tones.

Countless artisans additionally take pleasure in working with this particular metal because of its toughness and versatility. With time, oxidation may cause unprotected copper to darken into a warm brown color which generally increases the look of jewellery pieces. Moreover, contact with the elements causes untreated copper to form a bluish-green patina that is generally coveted by individuals who appreciate a unique look. Gifted jewellery designers use this natural discoloration of copper to create distinctive and modern patterns and designs.

Care Tips for Copper Jewelry

Uncoated bright copper jewellery can tarnish as time passes but tend to be easily restored to its original state. You can aquire commercial restoring cloths or dip your jewellery in a bath of warm water, a number of drops of lemon juice and some salt. Dry with a delicate cloth and the classic warmth and beauty of your pieces will quickly return. Note: silver polish should not be used on copper jewelry as it is harsh and can mar the finish.

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28
Jan 09

Care Tips for your Handmade Copper Jewelry

Embossed Bubble Copper Earrings by John S. Brana

Bubble Embossed Copper Earrings

Keeping Your Copper Jewelry Shiny

The best method to keep your copper jewelry nice and shiny, is to store it in a re-sealable plastic bag or jewelry case with anti-tarnish paper.  Make sure your jewelry is clean and moisture free before storing.  When you receive my copper jewelry, the piece has been initially treated with a protective coating to provide you with the easiest care possible. With extended wear, however, the coating will eventually wear off (especially on surfaces that are in direct contact with the skin – rings, bracelets, necklaces).  Once this occurs, it is surprisingly easy to care for copper jewelry just as it is for sterling silver or gold jewelry.  A good point to remember is that copper is the catalyst that speeds up oxidation/tarnish in precious metals, so only 24K Gold and Fine Silver will not tarnish, since they are not alloyed with copper.

Copper Jewelry Cleaning Tips

The best way to bring back luster to any piece of jewelry is to use a jewelry polishing cloth that can be easily purchased at most jewelry stores, online, and at many drugstores.  A jewelry polishing cloth can last for years.  For those more delicate pieces, have a professional jeweler steam clean or use an ultrasonic cleaner.  Don’t attempt to clean the piece yourself, especially if set with a gemstone(s).  Gems are easily damaged by ultrasonic cleaners, so you could end up with a worthless gemstone by trying to save a few bucks by doing things yourself.  When in doubt, take your jewelry to a professional.

At any point in time, you can mail any of my designs back to me for a free cleaning.

If you find yourself in a pinch for time, here are a few copper cleaning tips (do not use with gemstones or pearl set jewelry), you can use any of these acid based household products:

  • Vinegar – (White, Apple Cider, Wine, Balsamic) Place the item in a glass or plastic container (not metal). Pour enough vinegar until it completely covers the piece.  Let stand four about 10-15 minutes.  Rinse.  Dry.  Done!
  • Lemon or Lime Juice – Follow the directions used above for vinegar…add a dash of salt.
  • Worcestershire Sauce or Ketchup Apply it with a toothbrush or soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid getting ketchup on gemstones that should not be used with chemical cleaners.
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