Copper

Copper is one of the most popular metal used in making jewelry after gold and silver. The uses of copper are numerous as apart from jewelry it is also used in making currencies, antique utensils, weapons construction industry and so much more.

Copper is one of the four metallic elements with a unique color of its own. The two most important and commercially successful metal alloys ‘brass and bronze’ are formed using copper.

Origin: Since copper is naturally derived from nature it has been in the picture since the mankind. Now a days, it is quite popular in making jewelry pieces however, back then and it was used by early men to make tools and weapons. Copper is the oldest metal present on earth and hence is the first one to be used by humans. Due to the technological advancements the use of copper have only increased during the years, making it the 2nd most used metal in the world.

Native copper is the purest, uncombined form of copper. Historically this natural mineral was the most important source for Copper. Today small quantities of it is found mostly scattered around the world, Michigan being the only source which is still rich in native copper. In the present day copper is sourced from various other ores, the major ones being Chalcopyrite, Bornite and Malachite.

Copper in jewelry! Its a great metal to be used in making jewelry because of its qualities such as durability and unique reddish brown color. The first use of copper in making jewelry goes back to 8th century BC. It is also a great metal to be added with gemstones having colors like red, blue and green. It is perfect to be paired with precious metals like gold and silver as it adds on a vintage touch.

 

Copper Jewelry Benefits

Copper is not just like any other metal as it has many reasons why your next jewelry piece should be made of copper.

• The jewelry pieces made out of copper are generally durable. Copper in its pure form is not as durable and hence is often mixed with brass or bronze.
• Wearing copper for a while will leave green stains over your skin which are believed to have healing effects on your body because copper is an essential mineral in the body and copper jewelry pieces leave enzymes in form of those stains. However, they can be easily washed off with warm water and soap. Copper is an antimicrobial and anti-fungal metal and does not harm or irritate the skin.
• Copper is also known as the balancing element of spirit and mind and hence it is healthy to wear copper over a period of time.
• It is extremely versatile as it can be easily shaped, engraved and even imprinted.
• Another great thing about copper is that the value of copper is a upon your shopping. You can find expensive as well as affordable copper as per your needs.
• Copper has properties of an enhancer crystal, making it suitable for self-improvement. It also promotes love and peace.

 

Clean, care & store copper jewelry:

• Do not wear your copper jewelry when exposed to any kind of chemical
• Copper jewelry pieces require a little more maintenance than other metals as it needs to be cleaned often to ensure It stays shiny for a longer period.
• However it is pretty easy to clean copper jewelry as all you need to do is wash it with lukewarm water and soap. A soft bristle brush can also be used to clean the grime away.
• Interestingly, copper doesn't get spoilt when one take shower while wearing it. As the warm water and soap used for bathing will work as a cleaning agent for it.
• Unfortunately, copper often becomes a target of tarnishing and to avoid that you can soak it in vinegar or lemon for 20 minutes. However strictly do not use this method for the copper jewelry that is set with gemstones, as acidic vinegar or lemon can damage the stone. Please go for professional cleaning in such cases.
• Please ensure your copper jewelry is completely dried up after the cleaning is done, before you store it away, as copper tarnishes when exposed to air & moisture.
• Even the body oils can tarnish copper over the period of time, hence do wipe your copper jewelry thoroughly and regularly.
• Seal it in an air tight bag & store it in a cool & dry place.
• If possible wrap the jewelry in anti tarnish paper before sealing in into a ziplock.

This is pretty much you need to know about copper being used as a jewelry piece. It is worth your investment and will last longer than you can imagine.

Check out Copper Jewellery / Cocktail Collection - Silver & Copper mixed metal jewelry