Copper Jewelry - Its Comeback and Care

Arthritis is a common ailment that affects close to 43 million people in the United States. As more patients begin to look for holistic remedies that can be safely used with tradition medicine they learn of the healing properties of copper. Copper has been used in medical treatments since before 4000 B.C. and is believed to reduce inflammation related to arthritis. This belief has promoted the reemergence of copper jewelry.

When we look at jewelry, we see that copper is one of the most important metals of the jewelry industry. Copper is one of the most common base metals used to harden soft metals. In other words, your 14kt gold ring may contain up to 41% copper. Copper is also used as the base metal for many types of plating. Your silver plated bracelet may be a core of copper layered with several coating of silver.

Since copper is the 25th most abundant element in the world, it is a relatively common metal. In fact copper is so common that it falls second only to iron where usefulness is gauged.

With the recent rise in spot prices for both silver and gold, copper has emerged as a nicely priced alternative for artisan jewelers. By finding buyers in the artisan market and the holistic market, copper jewelry is now becoming main stream.

So this raises the question, how does one care for their copper jewelry?

When using any type of cleaners, be sure that any gems can with stand the cleaner with out damage.

Over time copper will tarnish as it is exposed to air. The oxidation creates a green patina. To avoid this patina, jewelry owners should attempt to store their jewelry in a sealed re-closable plastic bag with anti-tarnish paper. You should be able to find this paper through your local jeweler. If not, you can buy anti-tarnish paper online.

To clean copper jewelry, you can use commercial cleaners, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, or water with lemon juice and salt.

Commercial cleaners use chemicals to remove any tarnish or patina on your jewelry. Generally these cleaners are mild acids that with react with the oxidized metals to remove the tarnish.

The Worcestershire sauce and ketchup both contain natural mild acids like malic acid (a common acid in apples and tomatoes.)

A solution of water, lemon, and salt may also clean your copper jewelry. This solution will combine both a mild natural acid and an abrasive (salt) to clean your jewelry. This solution should not be used with soft gemstones such as pearls or fluorite.

You can also clean your copper jewelry with soap or ultrasonic cleaning methods. Tarnish will not be removed using either of these methods. By following these simple methods, you should be able to maintain a beautiful rosy color to your copper jewelry.

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