Jewelry Care for Raw Copper and Sterling Silver

In general…

Copper and silver jewelry oxidizes over time with contact with water, salt, sweat, and more. You should avoid exposing it to moisture, keep it dry, and protect it from abrasive and corrosive materials.

  • Avoid wearing your jewelry in the bathtub, shower, pool, or ocean… and if you get your jewelry wet, dry it completely before wearing it again.
  • If you apply perfume or lotion, wait until your skin is fully dry before putting on your jewelry.
  • Store your jewelry in a dry location (avoid the bathroom), and add a desiccant packet to its storage container.
  • Polish your jewelry with a soft, jewelry-specific cloth to keep it in good condition. This also lets you inspect its condition and clean it thoroughly.
  • Notice a buildup of residue in the crevices? No problem! A soft-bristled toothbrush, water, and a little patience will have those crevices free of skin cells, sebum, and other debris. Afterward, dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth, then let it air dry overnight, and your jewelry will be ready to wear.
  • Avoid old wives' tale remedies (baking soda, vinegar, ketchup, baby oil…) which can cause micro-scratches, corrosion, or even faster oxidation… not to mention risking the integrity of many natural stones!
  • To fully dry a piece of jewelry, store it in an airtight container filled with dried peas, dry rice, or desiccant packets overnight (at least 8 hours).

Intentionally Oxidized Jewelry (Antique Finish)

Some pieces in our collections are intentionally oxidized using a specially formulated product for this purpose, then meticulously polished with special compounds. This gives them a darker, more aged appearance compared to natural bright metal. This oxidation can wear away with friction. As a result, your jewelry may fade in areas that regularly touch your skin, or if you clean it too often, too aggressively, or with overly abrasive products. A gentle polish with a soft cloth is usually sufficient to care for these pieces.

Non-Oxidized (Bright) Jewelry

Bright metal, non-oxidized jewelry can tarnish over time. Regular polishing with a soft cloth is usually enough to keep your jewelry in good condition. If your jewelry has become heavily tarnished, you can use a gentle copper or silver jewelry cleaner, rinse it thoroughly, and dry it completely before wearing it. Local jewelers can advise you on which products to use.

Cleaning Natural Stones

Some stones can be damaged by water, others will fade when exposed to sunlight, and some may crack if submerged in acidic liquids. Please refer to the specific properties of the stones in your jewelry to avoid damaging them!

Copper and Green Skin Stains

Copper jewelry can sometimes leave green or brown stains on your skin. This is not an allergic reaction and is not permanent. It is a very common oxidation reaction caused by sweat. Some sources claim this stems from a deficiency in vitamin D or zinc, while others say it is due to overly alkaline or acidic sweat. If your jewelry stains your skin, dry it every night before bed, and clean it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water once a week to prevent sweat from causing corrosion on the piece.

ALLERGIES

Some people may have allergic reactions to jewelry. The usual signs are redness, swelling, or bumps at the site where you wear the jewelry. If you notice signs of contact allergies, consult your doctor and stop wearing your jewelry.

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