Today, we will talk about one of our favorite metals: copper. In this guide, we’ll focus on what is copper, the types of copper, its history, the benefits associated with copper, the pros, the cons, etc. When we’re done, you will know everything about copper jewelry like the back of your head.
Let’s jump right into it!
What is copper?
Copper, represented by the atomic number 29 and symbol ‘Cu’, is one of the most popular metals in the world. Copper is found naturally in the earth and typically sports a red-brown color. It is a good conductor of heat and electricity and plays a crucial role in the day-to-day activities ranging from air conditioning, and cookware, to automotive parts and power utilities.
Copper is not necessarily the strongest of materials, but it is not an understatement to say that it is very tough and malleable. It is exactly because of these properties that copper has been widely used in jewelry making for generations.
Fun Fact: In some cultures, copper is associated with love and affection. Specifically in Mexican cultures, copper is used in symbolizing characteristics such as beauty, charisma, affection, and artistic creativity. It also has a healing property.
Copper Types
Copper comes in three different ore forms: Bornite, Chalcopyrite, and Malachite. These produce most of the world’s natural copper (native copper). Native copper is usually unreactive and tends to have little value. When discovered, these natural ores go through a refining process to become pure copper.
Presently in the world, there are roughly 400 types of copper and copper alloys that are grouped under the main categories: copper, leaded copper, high copper alloy, copper-zinc, copper-nickel, bronzes, brasses, and special alloys. That’s a lot!
Bronze and brass copper alloys are usually used in jewelry making. While we select 99.9% solid copper to make magnetic jewelry, as the purest copper carries the best healing health effectiveness.
History of Copper
Copper is one of the oldest dated metals known to mankind. It was discovered as early as 10,000 years ago on Cyprus island and in other areas of the Middle East. Before it became a popular industrial metal, it was being used for primitive tools back in the early years of 3300 and 1200 B.C.
A few examples of items that were made back then with copper include:
- Mirrors
- Lamps
- Balances
- Adornments
- Crowns
- Weapons and tools
Today, because of copper’s innate ability to conduct heat and electricity, it is used to make items such as:
- Motors
- Electrical wiring
- Radio and TV sets
- Electrical generators
- Home heating systems
- Vehicle radiators
- Medical instruments
In addition, because of copper’s pleasing red color, it is used a lot in jewelry making and by artists/architects. Copper, having been used from as early as its discovery till now, has been proven over the years.
What type of copper is best for jewelry?
It depends on which style of jewelry you choose. Pure copper, brass, and bronze are the three types most used in jewelry making.
Pure copper which means 99.9% copper above, is softer than brass and bronze, and easier to produce various designs. What is more, it comes with maximum healing properties. That is why we choose T2 Copper to make medical items and magnetic jewelry.
T2 Copper composition
| Cu | Bi | Sb | As | Fe | Pb | S |
| >99.9% | 0.001 | 0.002 | 0.002 | 0.005 | 0.005 | 0.005 |
Brass and bronze are stronger and more durable and could make more fashionable jewelry.
Please see this article on three types differences: Copper Vs Bronze Vs Brass
Pure Copper Jewelry Health Benefit
There are a lot of health benefits associated with copper jewelry. I have listed a few of them below.
- Relieve Arthritis, stiffness, and joint pain
The health benefits of copper relate to its anti-inflammatory actions that assist in reducing the symptoms of arthritis.t is good for swelling and general body pain.
2. Anti-aging Properties
The chemicals that produce toxins in the body, causing it to age fast, are known as radicals. Copper contains antioxidants that help to fight against these radicals. It also helps to produce collagen, which aids in the antiaging process.
3. Good for Cardiovascular health
A copper a day, keeps the doctors away. When you wear copper jewelry, properties are absorbed into the body’s circulatory system helping it to remove toxins and produce hemoglobin.
4. Brings balance to the body
Copper helps to keep the body healthy and strong with active red blood cells. And a body with healthier cells and fewer toxins will be strong and well-balanced. So, the next time you’re doing yoga, bring that copper jewelry along for some extra balance.
Why does copper jewelry turn your skin green?
The answer is oxidation! The green substance that forms due to oxidation is known as patina.
There are typically three ways for a color change to occur:
1) Sweating – the salt from your skin can react with the copper to produce patina.
2) Excessive exposure to heat can cause a color change.
3) Acidity – Too much acid can affect the copper. So, if possible, avoid eating too many acidic foods.
Of course, this color change doesn’t happen overnight. One thing I can assure you though is that this green substance is not harmful to your health. Just get some soap and water and wash it off.
How to clean copper jewelry?
Cleaning your copper jewelry has never been easier. You probably have all the necessary materials right there at home. It might come as a shock to you, but ketchup and lemon are good cleaning agents for your copper jewelry. The secret is their acidity. Here’s the outline:
1) Pour the cleaner (lemon or ketchup) into a bowl and place your jewelry in it.
2) Let it stay for about 20 minutes
3) Using a soft toothbrush, carefully clean out the crevices.
4) Wash/Rinse with mild soap and water.
5) Using a soft cloth, dry the jewelry by patting it.
Your copper jewelry should be as good as new.
Copper Jewelry Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Versatility: Copper is very malleable. You can mold, bend and form copper easily so there is a variety of styles and designs. | Discoloration: The main disadvantage associated with copper jewelry is the possibility of it turning your skin green. |
| Affordability: Not only is there a variety of designs available, but copper is also relatively affordable compared to other metals. | Durability: As mentioned before, copper is a soft, malleable metal. This means it is more prone to scratching, bending, and breaking compared to other metals. |
| Health Benefits: Copper is not only good for fashion, but it is also good for your health. It has anti-aging properties, relieves pain, is good for balance, and is good for heart health. | Copper Allergy: These are very rare, but they do sometimes happen. Copper can irritate the skin, forming red spots, in certain individuals. If you’re allergic, then this might not be for you. |
FAQs on Copper Jewelry
Can you shower with copper Jewelry?
No, I would suggest you remove your copper accessory before you shower. Just like other metals, copper will interact with moisture to rust and tarnish. The copper jewelry will lose its appealing red-brown appearance, and I’m sure you wouldn’t want that. So, avoid wearing your jewelry while performing activities surrounding water.
Is Copper Durable?
Copper is a soft, malleable metal. This means it is more prone to scratching, bending, and breaking compared to other metals. However, with proper care, copper jewelry can last a long time.
Are there side effects of copper jewelry?
One common side effect of copper jewelry is copper allergy. These are very rare, but they do sometimes happen. Copper can irritate the skin, forming red spots, in certain individuals. If you’re allergic, then this might not be for you. Another side effect is toxicity. You already get copper from certain foods and supplements so an extra source might lead to toxicity.
Is copper jewelry valuable?
Copper jewelry ranges from fine jewelry to inexpensive. Whichever one you purchase dictates the price and worth. For example, a piece of copper jewelry purchased at a street fair will naturally be less valuable compared to a piece of vintage copper jewelry. The choice is yours!
Does copper jewelry scratch?
Copper is a soft, malleable metal. This means copper jewelry is prone to scratching if rubbed against a sharp object. So please be careful with your accessory.
Final Thoughts
Like any other piece of jewelry, copper jewelry has its pros and cons, but there are more benefits than there are disadvantages. Not only is copper jewelry versatile and affordable, but it also carries a lot of health benefits with it. So, what are you waiting for? Get your piece of copper jewelry today!
