Copper jewelry is a durable and long lasting metal; however, if not cared for properly, copper jewelry can become tarnished and lose its shine. In order to ensure your copper jewelry remains in great condition, it is important to take extra care when cleaning and storing it. This article will provide tips on how to best care for your copper jewelry so that it will last you a lifetime.
Care Tips:
Do not shower, swim, clean or wash dishes while wearing your copper jewelry. This will cause your copper to darken and stain your skin green.
After wear, wipe your jewelry with a clean cloth or a polish cloth to remove skin oils, dirt and makeup before storing it in a dry, non humid environment like an airtight jewelry box.
Indigo jewelry has been sealed with museum wax, which helps to protect the metal from oxidation and tarnish and helps to keep your jewelry looking its best for longer. A good buff with the polishing cloth can remove dullness. I like to use Sunshine Cloth for polishing, but any jewelry cloth will work.
If the wax wears away, reapply a wax polish like Renaissance Micro-crystalline Wax Polish or other wax. One to two coats will renew the piece.
Cleaning copper
Eventually, the wax will wear away and the copper will tarnish. I don’t recommend using harsh cleaners because it can take away the finish.
Dish soap Method:
If the bracelet is dirty, you can wash it with warm water and dishwashing liquid or gentle soap. Rub gently with a cloth or an old toothbrush. Rinse the bracelet well and dry it gently with a soft cloth.
Lemon juice/salt method:
If your jewelry has an antiqued finish, I don’t recommend this method. This method works best for copper with a bright finish.
Use the lemon juice to wet the copper then sprinkle some table salt on the surface of the copper. Using a soft cloth, rub the copper piece to remove the tarnish. A pro tip is to sprinkle the salt on the cut half of the lemon and then rub the copper with the lemon. After a few minutes, the copper is going to be shiny and lustrous. Rinse and dry. You can also leave the copper to soak in a lemon juice salt solution for 5-10 minutes.
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