Although we may have a couple of expensive jewelry in our box of collections, it is hard to say that we don't own a couple of some fake, fancy ...

5 Simple Steps to Care for Copper Jewelry and Keep it Shiny!

Although we may have a couple of expensive jewelry in our box of collections, it is hard to say that we don't own a couple of some fake, fancy ...

Although we may have a couple of expensive jewelry in our box of collections, it is hard to say that we don't own a couple of some fake, fancy jewelry, too. Unlike expensive jewelry pieces, these not-so-authentic trinkets need more maintenance than the real ones. This can be quite a challenge sometimes because untreated costume jewelry can have negative effects on our looks. One common jewelry metal that has this kind of effect is copper. In this blog, you will find ways to care for copper jewelry so you can enjoy its beauty more.

First, let us identify: what is copper jewelry? If you want to channel the medieval fashion, copper jewelry is for you. It's rich, and yellow-orange color stands out among the sea of rose gold, gold, and sterling silver. Copper, on its own, is a very fragile, very malleable metal. To increase its usability, copper is usually combined with other more durable metals to create necklaces, bangles, and rings. To date, it is estimated that copper has been used for about 10,000 years already! The ancients gave such high regard for copper jewelry because of its aesthetic and health benefits. Up till today, copper is still hugely sellable in the market!

However, even though copper is pretty jewelry, it still has some serious disadvantages that can make you gasp in horror. Can you still remember how, after a few days, your favorite copper piece has turned your skin into a green disaster? Yes, this is widespread concern for copper owners: the inevitability that copper will turn skin green. But luckily, there is a way out to this. With proper care and cleaning for your special copper trinkets, you can avoid the build-up of factors that make your skin green. Here are some guidelines that you can do.

Because of its natural components, copper is bound to tarnish and lose its original luster. This is because of several factors like sweat, natural elements, and exposure to air (oxidation). Some people tend to go for copper coating, a process that aims to extend the copper's luster by coating it with a particular chemical covering. However, this may not be the best shot for your jewelry babies because these coatings tend to break off after quite a while. Here are easy ways to clean and maintain the sparkle in your copper pieces. Read on, and you will know.

• Try to determine if you have a solid copper in your hand. If you are going to scratch your jewelry and it is only copper plated, you might remove the copper coating off. To test this, you can use the magnet test. Place your jewelry near a magnet. If it sticks to the magnet, your jewelry is made of another metal. If it falls off the magnet, your copper is pure. You can use a soft cloth, warm water, and a soft brush in the general cleaning process.

• If what you have is lacquered copper, some cleaning methods for cleaning copper may not work in favor of it. A lacquered copper is coated by a special covering to make the jewelry look more shiny and pretty. After some time, this covering can come off, resulting in uneven tarnishing. If you have a lacquered copper with a bit of damage, you have to remove the remaining covers first before you can proceed with the cleaning. However, if the cover is still intact, soak the jewelry in a solution of water and mild soap and wipe it with a soft dry cloth.

If you see some tarnish and discoloration on your copper jewelry, here are some several ways to clean them again. Always remember to use gentle care while using these methods.

1. Salt Method

5 Simple Steps to Care for Copper Jewelry and Keep it Shiny!

When it comes to bringing your copper jewelry pieces' original beauty to life, salt is your new best friend. This household commodity is one of the most effective (and safest) cleaning agents for your favorite copper pieces. In a small bowl, place an adequate amount of salt. Use the salt as a rubbing agent. Rub the salt in areas where tarnish is very evident. Wash thoroughly with water after cleaning. For a swift effect, you can also add lemon or vinegar to your salt. These liquids act as a catalyst making the result faster than ordinary salt. Create a paste by combining vinegar or lemon juice to a tablespoon of salt. You can also pour lemon juice to the jewelry before you rub salt onto it. Let the paste remain on the area that is affected for 15 minutes. Afterward, rinse the paste with warm water and wipe it dry with a soft cloth.

2. Flour Paste

5 Simple Steps to Care for Copper Jewelry and Keep it Shiny!

Using a flour scrub for your copper jewelry is like giving your trinket an excellent, soothing, rejuvenating facial. This process helps the jewelry look squeaky clean again, and gets rid of any build-up dirt on your jewelry. First is you need to place your salt and vinegar in a bowl. Mix these two items properly. After the right consistency is achieved, add the flour. The paste should not be too thick nor too thin. If it's too thick, add more vinegar and salt. Add more flour if you think that the mixture is compact. Cover the copper with this paste. Let the paste stay on the jewelry for some time. The more tarnish, the more minutes. Afterward, wash it with running water. Dry it with rubbing motions using a soft cloth.

3. Using Boiling Vinegar and Salt

5 Simple Steps to Care for Copper Jewelry and Keep it Shiny!

Although this process is one of the most effective ones out there, it should require most of our attention and caution. Also, note that boiling vinegar and salt can harm the pan you are going to use. Without proper discretion and timing, your copper may turn to silver, especially when it is left for long periods in the boiling solution. So as you do this, consider safety and quality first.

You do this by mixing salt and vinegar in a big enough pot to fit the item you are cleaning. Place the copper item inside the container. You don't need to have the pot covered with the solution because you will be filling the rest with water. Pour enough water to cover the entire item and bring the water and solution to a boil. Leave the item on the pot until the tarnish vanishes. Add water once you see it depleting. After the desired cleanliness is achieved, wash everything with clean water.

4. The Ketchup Affair

5 Simple Steps to Care for Copper Jewelry and Keep it Shiny!

Yes, it's true. One of the most common items you see in your kitchen cupboard is an effective jewelry cleaner. Ketchup can't only clean copper, and it can also do wonders for sterling silver jewelry, brass, and even gold! The process is easy and effortless. However, this process is only best for cleaning the smaller pieces. If you're about to clean a larger item, go for the salt and vinegar method. You start with this method by first spreading ketchup all over the item. Make sure that the ketchup is evenly distributed. Use your fingers or q-tip for hard to reach areas and let it stay for a few minutes. The acids that are in the ketchup will work fiercely to take off the sticking tarnish. After some time, remove the ketchup using a sponge or a dry cloth. You can also use running water. Afterward, polish it gently with a piece of soft fabric for extra shine.

5. Sulfamic Acid Method

5 Simple Steps to Care for Copper Jewelry and Keep it Shiny!

Although the methods mentioned above are super useful for simple tarnish, some tarnish is considered heavy for simple jewelry. If you are having this kind of dilemma with your copper jewelry, you can use sulfamic acid. Still, precautions are needed for this. It would be best to know that sulfamic acid works best for copper pieces only. This kind of acid can harm other metals that are sometimes mixed with copper. Also, you need to put on protective gear like rubber gloves and eye protection since you will be working with acids. Also, it's better to work with this acid outside since this can give off dangerous fumes—mix water with sulfamic acid with a ratio of 1 cup to 2 tbsp of acid. Dip the copper jewelry onto it. You will observe that once that the copper is dipped, and it will bubble up. Once the bubbling stops, remove the jewelry from the solution and let it air dry.

So, there you have it! There are many ways to take care of your copper jewelry. We always need to be cautious enough of the steps that need to be taken to have that sparkling sensation again. Taking care of your belongings is easy; just make sure that you won't be lazy! *wink* So, keep shining and flaunt those lovely copper jewelry items! Don't sit there waiting. Keep sparkling, darling.

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