Copper
has been worn for centuries, both for its great beauty as well as its purported health benefits and antimicrobial properties.
In Greek mythology, copper was thought to be the metal of the goddess Venus.
Copper is the main metal used in making bronze and is used as an alloy in traditional sterling silver (92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.)
Copper is also added to red gold and rose gold.
Most of the sterling silver that I use is either 93.5% or 94.0% silver, 5.5% copper and 1% germanium.The germanium adds tarnish resistance.
When wearing
uncoated copper, bronze, sterling silver or copper alloyed golds close to the skin,(such as a ring) the copper can react to environmental factors combined with an individual’s body chemistry.
For example, if your skin ph tends to be more on the acidic side than the alkaline side (some people report that this may have to do with a stressful or particularly hot day!) or if you have worn your ring in a salt water bath, you may see a green or bluish skin discoloration where the metal meets the skin.
As far as I know, this is not harmful and can be easily washed off with soap and water or be absorbed by your body overnight.
Some people report that simply keeping their metal clean by washing it with soap (mild) and water daily,(or plain toothpaste to bring out shine) prevents any skin discoloration.
Many people experience no discoloration.
Sealing or coating your metal
is an option if you experience discoloration.
I prefer NOT to coat the copper pieces that I make (unless someone asks me to) because many people prefer the bare copper to skin contact.
Some of the methods that people use for coating or sealing metal in order to create a barrier between the skin and the piece are as follows:
Clean the piece of jewelry by either washing with soap and water,or by wiping with rubbing alcohol. Dry thoroughly.
Coat just those areas that touch your skin with one of the following:
Non-toxic, solvent free, Jewelry wax or * Wood wax appropriate for metal. Applied and buffed according to instructions.
* I recommend these eco-friendly, solvent free, paste waxes:
a) Doctor's Woodshop Walnut Oil Paste Wax Doc-102 ( made with Walnut Oil and pure Carnuba wax )
b) Food grade Wood Wax from BayouCityCraftedCo ( made with Beeswax, Carnuba wax and fractionated Coconut oil )
Similar to hand washing or dry cleaning for some articles of clothing, periodic waxing for copper jewelry maintenance may be required.
The metals I use in my work are:
Sterling silver .935 and .940 ( and a small amount of .925 )
Rose gold (14 karat)
Yellow gold (18 karat)
Copper
Bronze
Brass
If you find that a particular metal really doesn't work with your body chemistry, I encourage you to exchange your jewelry piece for another that's made of a different metal.
Refunds are also available if you cannot find another piece from my collection that you are thrilled with!