✨ [ CareCard ] How to Care for Copper Jewellery

Copper jewellery brings warmth, richness, and heritage into everyday styling. Known for its earthy hue and malleability, copper evolves beautifully over time—but like all treasured materials, it deserves intentional care. Whether your piece is pure copper, alloyed, or plated, here’s how to preserve its charm and avoid unwanted tarnish.

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🧡 What Is Copper Jewellery?  Copper jewellery is crafted from either pure copper or copper alloys (like bronze or brass), and includes rings, bracelets, earrings, and pendants. It’s loved for its earthy tone, affordability, and ability to develop a natural patina over time—a greenish surface layer formed through oxidation, similar to the Statue of Liberty.

🔍 Key Characteristics

• Colour: Warm reddish-brown that deepens with age
• Texture: Soft and malleable—ideal for hand-forged or sculptural designs
• Durability: Strong when alloyed; develops patina but doesn’t rust
• Styling: Pairs beautifully with natural gemstones, leather, and bohemian aesthetics
  

🧼 Care Tips: Do

• Wipe with a soft cloth after wear
• Store in a dry, airtight pouch
• Polish with lemon juice or vinegar

🧼 Care Tips: Don't

• Use harsh chemicals or abrasives
• Leave in humid or wet environments (Copper may leave a green mark on skin due to oxidation—harmless and easily washed off. Sealed or lacquered copper jewellery can prevent this.)
• Submerge in water for long periods 

🔍 What does "Gold-plated or Silver-plated Copper" mean?  Gold-plated and silver-plated copper jewellery combines the warmth and affordability of copper with the luxe appearance of precious metals. In this process, a thin layer of real gold or silver is electroplated onto a copper base, creating a surface that looks high-end but costs significantly less than solid gold or silver. This technique allows for more intricate designs thanks to copper’s softness, while the plating gives a polished, tarnish-resistant finish. Over time, with exposure to moisture, friction, and chemicals, the plating can wear—revealing hints of the base metal beneath. To extend life, wear plated pieces gently, avoid harsh cleaners, and store them in dry, padded spaces. This fusion of value and beauty makes plated copper jewellery an accessible entry point into the world of elegant adornment.

• White K Plated Copper → Silvery-white, sleek, and modern
• Gold-Plated Copper → Warm, golden, and traditional

🌞 Wear Mindfully
Copper is soft and reactive—avoid wearing it during bathing, swimming, or intense workouts. Contact with sweat, lotions, or perfumes can accelerate tarnish and cause a harmless greenish mark on skin. To minimise this, coat the inner band with clear nail polish or wear copper occasionally.

🧽 Clean Gently
Wipe your copper jewellery after each wear with a soft cloth to remove oils and moisture. For deeper cleaning, use natural solutions like lemon juice with baking soda or white vinegar and salt. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately to restore its warmth without damaging the surface.

🗃️ Store with Intention
Store copper pieces in a dry, airtight pouch or box—preferably lined and separated from other metals to prevent scratches and oxidation. Silica gel packets help absorb humidity and slow down patina development, preserving the original glow longer.

🌿 Sustainability & Recycling
Copper is fully recyclable and highly valued in circular design systems. By choosing well-crafted copper jewellery, you support low-energy production and a longer life cycle. Whether you embrace the natural patina or maintain its shine, copper invites connection over consumption.

• 100% recyclable without loss of quality
• Often used in small-batch artisan jewellery, reducing waste
• Patina development is natural and can be embraced or polished away