Copper Jewelry, Is it Good?

I love wearing jewelry of all kinds, but I especially like copper.  Copper has an edgy and rustic look that is perfect for casual occasions, but it doesn't get the admiration it deserves. 

Last year, I was working on designing and having my own line of copper rings. I was excited about sharing them with the world and seeing everyone (in my head it was EVERYONE) wearing them around. But, I learned that copper, being its beautiful self, has a not-so-good side and I backed off until I learned more about all the benefits of copper. Let me share with you what I've learned.

First of all, copper jewelry has been around for centuries, and for a good reason. Not only is it gorgeous and versatile, but it also has some potential health benefits. Who knew? However, there are also some downsides to wearing copper jewelry. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the pros and cons of wearing copper jewelry.

First, let's talk about the benefits. One of the most well-known benefits of copper jewelry is its potential to reduce inflammation. According to a study conducted by the University of Arizona (Hamman, 2013), copper has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and stiffness in people with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. And let's be real, who doesn't love a piece of jewelry that can help you feel better? Additionally, copper has been shown to have antimicrobial properties (NCCIH, 2015) which could help to prevent the spread of germs. So, you will not only look good wearing copper jewelry but also be less likely to catch a cold. Bonus! That seems like a stretch (catching a cold part), but in this age of weird viruses, wearing copper jewelry might be a great idea if it works.

Another benefit of copper jewelry is that it is often less expensive than other types of jewelry, such as gold or platinum. This makes it a great option for those of us who want to add a little sparkle to our wardrobe but don't want to sell a kidney to do so.

Now, let's talk about the downsides of wearing copper jewelry. One of the biggest concerns is that copper can cause skin irritation or discoloration for some people. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH, 2015), some people may experience a reaction called "copper toxicity" which can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, and discoloration. To avoid this, it is important to clean your copper jewelry regularly and remove it if you experience any discomfort. Nobody likes their skin reacting to jewelry, but thankfully, a quick wash of the hands with soap solves the problem.

Another downside of copper jewelry is that it can tarnish over time. Copper is a reactive metal that can change color when exposed to air and moisture. To keep your copper jewelry looking its best, it's important to store it in a dry place and to clean it regularly. Or you could just embrace the patina and enjoy the eccentric beauty it creates, and remember, it's not because it's bubble gum machine quality, it's a diverse metal that reacts to the elements and skin and unique ways.

In conclusion, copper jewelry has some potential health benefits and is an affordable option for jewelry enthusiasts. However, it can also cause skin irritation and discoloration, and tarnish over time. To enjoy the benefits of copper jewelry without any downsides, it is important to take proper care of it. Or you could just embrace the patina and unique beauty it creates.

*** As a side note, we learned that if you paint clear fingernail polish on the inside of the copper ring, or on the side of the jewelry touching your skin, a barrier is created and you’ll forgo the discoloration.  

References:

Hamman, M. (2013). Copper and Inflammation. The University of Arizona.

NCCIH, (2015). Copper. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.