Frequently Asked Questions

At my last few art fairs, people have been asking a lot of questions about copper as a jewelry material. It isn’t uncommon for people to ask if it will turn their skin green or wonder about caring for copper jewelry. Today, I’m answering a the top five questions I hear about wearing and caring for copper jewelry.

What type of wire do you use?

Copper wire for crafting and art is typically sold at craft, jewelry, or hardware supply stores. Hardware stores are more likely to carry raw copper wire, which means that the metal is uncoated and can be antiqued or patinaed with ease. Some copper artists use liver of sulfur solutions to deliberately give an antiqued look to their pieces or to highlight intricate woven wire projects. I favor coated copper wire, a type of pure copper wire that has a clear, flexible coating applied over the metal to prevent tarnish and preserve the shine of natural copper. I can’t help it- I really love shiny things!

Where do you source your wire?

I use a specific brand of craft jewelry wire called Parawire from the Paramount Wire Company. I have tested a lot of copper wires over the years, but this one has been my favorite for consistency, quality, and the durability of the clear coating on their wire. At 99% pure, Parawire also reduces the risk of allergic reactions to copper metal. An added bonus is that the Paramount Wire Company is an American company, with their wire shipping directly from East Orange, New Jersey!

Is copper jewelry safe for sensitive skin?

For those with sensitive skin or concerned about allergic reactions, copper is an extremely rare sensitizer. Roughly 4% of the population has a negative reaction to pure copper, compared to roughly 10-20% that react to nickel. In several studies, those who react to copper also were more likely to react to other metals like nickel, cobalt, and chromates. Copper compounds and alloys (such as copper sulfate) are more likely to cause issues than pure copper, which is why I use a 99% pure copper wire. As a rule, always trust your own body and reactions to different materials, even those generally considered non-irritating.

Will copper jewelry turn my skin green?

Uncoated raw copper can turn green over time with exposure to oxygen, in a process called oxidation. Water, skin oils, chemicals in lotion, etc. can all have similar effects on copper as well. Whether the copper turns green from oxidation or develops tarnish from chemical exposure, it reduces brightness and shine.

I don’t love that look in my jewelry designs, so I use a clear-coated copper wire that keeps the copper from oxidizing. Like all coatings, this will wear off over time, but in addition to proper jewelry care this coating will keep your pieces shiny and bright for a very long time.

How do I care for copper jewelry?

Like all jewelry, copper accessories require regular cleaning to stay looking their best. I include a tarnish cloth with every jewelry purchase to help keep your pieces clean during daily wear. For a more in-depth clean I recommend warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Using either a soft toothbrush or a microfiber cloth, wipe down your jewelry before drying thoroughly. It is important to store your copper jewelry in a dry place, as excess moisture can reduce the lifespan of the clear coating and contribute to oxidation. In place of water and dish soap, you can also use mild jewelry cleaners. Due the inclusion of gemstones and natural pearls in many of my pieces, I don’t recommend any harsh cleaners that could damage the stones.