Anyone who knows me knows how passionate I feel about copper jewellery. Perhaps it started because I was referred to as "Copper-top" as a child, but now I love and appreciate it for the warm glow it emanates and the way its richness deepens with time and I love the way it works "with me" when it is in my hands. I love copper. I also love the versatility copper gives you by way of aging. I have been known to hang my copper necklaces in the bathroom while I shower for a week or so, to hurry things along. But what makes it truly endearing is how quickly I can restore it to its orangy shine with a quick cleaning. (by quick, I mean 30 seconds or less).
Copper was one of the first metals that human hands worked with when creating jewelry. Its malleability allowed for early tools to easily manipulate it in to many forms.
Copper is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity.
Copper and Health
Copper has long been associated with many health benefits. I will touch a few of the better known associations, but as with any responsible Internet citizen, research for yourself before trying everything your read.
You can find a wonderful overview on many of the uses of copper here.
Biocidal copper is used in doorknobs and plumbing systems for its antibacterial properties. There is a wonderful article here that covers many of these aspects of copper.
Copper is also used to aid in relief from Bursitis, Rheumatism and Arthritis. You will see many people wearing copper bracelets for this reason, ask them their opinion!
Coppers Metaphysical Properties
Copper is associated with opening and activating the base and sacral chakras -and directing these energies to ones path to evolution.
Copper is said to allow for mental agility and quick wit.
Astrological signs related to Copper: Taurus and Sagittarius
Elements: Earth and Fire
In alchemy the symbol for copper was also the symbol for the goddess and the planet Venus.
Caring for and cleaning your raw copper jewelry
Dipping your copper jewellery in a mixture of lemon juice and salt will clean it and restore it to a bright shine. Rinse the piece well after dipping and dry it before storing. When storing your copper jewellery, keep it in a moisture proof container or zip lock bag. You can also add a "silical gel" package (those little packets you find in new purses, backpacks, etc that say "do not eat") to absorb any moisture and prevent tarnishing.
If you have a piece of copper jewelry that has been treated to obtain a patina, simply wipe it clean with a soft cotton cloth to preserve the patina.
It is normal for copper to leave a slight green mark on your skin. This is because the copper is reacting to the salts in your skin. This is easily washed off with bit of soap and water. A clear coat of nail polish on the areas where the copper touches your skin will prevent this from occurring, however, you will not receive any of the health benefits associated with copper once you coat it.
Wear your copper jewellery proudly, love your copper jewelry dearly and enjoy your copper jewellery fully.
