Copper is a bold choice for jewelry. It has a great color and is very strong. Copper is a needed mineral in our bodies and some people think that it has healing properties. Others consider it a spiritual metal and it is used in sacred jewelry. With proper care, copper rings, bracelets, pins, earrings, and necklaces can retain their luster and shine for a very long time. Cleaning copper is an important way to care for it.
Protect And Clean Your Copper Jewelry
Keep all jewelry away from harsh chemicals or abrasives. Soap, household cleaners, lotion, and sweat can all cause wear and tear on your copper jewelry. Remove it before showering, swimming, or doing rough activities.
Store your copper jewelry in a cool dry place. Try not to get it wet or dirty, but if this happens clean it quickly and well. Over time, it will tarnish, so you will want to clean it and polish it regularly.
What to Use To Clean Copper Jewelry
You don’t need to go out and buy special jewelry cleaners to take good care of your copper jewelry. Lots of things you have around the house will do the job quite well. Basically, any kind of slightly acidic liquid or paste paired with a very mild abrasive will be just what you need.
Sometimes just warm water and dish soap are all you need to wipe down your copper jewelry. You can also dip a cloth in vinegar and gently rub the piece. The vinegar can be mixed with salt to add extra cleaning power. A paste of lemon juice and baking soda is sometimes used to clean copper. For that matter, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce can also clean copper jewelry. You can use a soft cloth to rub these cleaners on your copper jewelry and a soft bristle toothbrush will get into all the crevices.
One thing you have to be aware of when cleaning copper jewelry is any gemstones that are a part of it. Many stones can not be exposed to water or other cleaners at all. So, while the copper could be soaked in water or a cleaner, if there are stones in the jewelry, you would have to just wipe it down.
Special Jewelry Cleaners For Copper Jewelry
Copper can also be cleaned with jewelry polishing cloths and ultrasonic cleaners. There are clothes and polishes specifically made for copper that you can buy. Once again, if there are stones in the jewelry, don’t put it in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Lacquer Your Copper Jewelry To Keep It Clean
Some copper jewelry comes with a lacquer coating. This will help protect it, keeping it clean and preventing tarnish. If you don’t have a lacquer coating on your jewelry you can get one put on professionally. The experts at Luvari would be happy to help you with this.
Alternatively, you could put clear nail polish or a commercially available copper sealant on your ring yourself. Many people find success in preserving their copper jewelry with DIY cleaning and sealants. If you have any questions about any of your jewelry care, call Luvari at 385-213-1553 or email us. We are always happy to help.
