Copper Care

Pure copper is easy to live with. Here is what happens to it as you wear it, and how to keep it looking just the way you like.

Why copper darkens

Pure copper reacts with the air, with water and with the natural oils on your skin. Little by little, the bright rosy color turns a deeper, warmer brown. This is called patina.

Patina does no harm to the metal. It is what bare copper does when nothing is plated or lacquered over it. Some people love the darker look and let it grow. Others like their copper bright. Both are right, and a quick polish takes you from one to the other whenever you like.

How to bring the shine back

Lemon and salt. This is the quickest way, and you probably have both in your kitchen.

• Cut a lemon in half and dip the cut side in a little salt.
• Rub it gently over the copper for a minute or so, working into any hammer marks or engraving.
• Rinse in warm water and dry it right away with a soft towel.

Our Copper Care Paste. Put a little on a soft cloth, rub the piece for about a minute, then buff it with a clean cloth. You can add a tin to your order from our shop.

If your piece has small stones, crystals or magnets, polish the copper gently with the paste and a soft cloth, and keep lemon juice away from the settings.

How to keep it shiny longer

• Dry your copper after you wash your hands or take a shower.
• Put on lotion, perfume and hairspray first, and your copper last.
• Take it off for housework with bleach or strong cleaners.
• Store it somewhere dry, such as a small zip-top bag, away from a steamy bathroom.
• Give it a quick wipe with a soft, dry cloth every now and then.

Can I get it wet?

Yes. Water does not harm pure copper. You can shower, wash the dishes and work in the garden with it on.

Salt water and pool chlorine make copper darken faster. After a swim, rinse it in fresh water and dry it, or simply polish it back later.

Seeing a little green?

Once in a while, pure copper can leave a faint green tint where it touches the skin, most often in hot, humid weather. It is simply the copper reacting with moisture, and it washes off with soap and water. Keeping your skin and your piece dry helps.

Still have a question?

We have worked with pure copper since 1985, and we are always glad to help. Email us at support@helenhopehazel.com, or use the form on our contact page.