Handmade Copper Jewelry Care Tips
Placing your handmade copper jewelry in re-sealable plastic bags along with anti-tarnish jewelry paper will keep it bright and shinny flor a long time. Be sure to only store clean and moisture free jewelry, otherwise you will accellerate tarnishing. Look for handmade copper jewelry that has been treated with a protective coating that resists tarnishing. This coating usually wears off over time, especially if the jewelry is in direct contact with skin, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and cuffs. Copper earrings usually remain shiny the longest.It's surprisingly easy to care for handmade copper jewelry once the protective coating wears off, just as it is for caring for Sterling Silver jewelry. A good point to remember is that copper is the catalyst that speeds up oxidation/tarnish in precious metals, so only 24K Gold and Fine Silver will not tarnish, since they are not alloyed with copper.
One of the simplest ways to bring back shine to your handmade copper jewelry is by using a jewelry polishing cloth that can be purchased at most local drugstores or from your local jeweller. Most jewelers polishing (or rogue) cloths can last for years and is well worth having. Have a professional jeweler use an unltrasonic clearner or steam cleaner on more delicate jewelry pieces. If the piece is set with gemstones, don't attempt to clean the piece yourself, or you could damage the piece and reduce the value. Don't be penny wise, pound foulish. Most gemstones can be easily damaged if cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner. Touch base with the artist you bought your handmade copper jewelry from. Most artists will clean their own work for a nominal fee, or sometimes even for free.
* Vinegar - (White, Apple Cider, Wine, Balsamic) - Place the item in a glass or plastic container (not metal). Pour enough vinegar into the container until it covers the entire piece of jewelry. Let it soak in the solution for about 15 minutes. Rinse under warm water, dry off, and your finished!
*Lime or Lemon Juice - Follow the instructions for vinegar as detailed above and throw in a pinch of salt to speed up the reaction.
*Ketchup or Worcestershire Sauce - Squeeze a dab onto a soft cloth or toothbrush, then rinse throughly under lukewarm water. Make sure not to expose gemstones, as they should not be exposed to any natural or chemical cleaners.
One of the simplest ways to bring back shine to your handmade copper jewelry is by using a jewelry polishing cloth that can be purchased at most local drugstores or from your local jeweller. Most jewelers polishing (or rogue) cloths can last for years and is well worth having. Have a professional jeweler use an unltrasonic clearner or steam cleaner on more delicate jewelry pieces. If the piece is set with gemstones, don't attempt to clean the piece yourself, or you could damage the piece and reduce the value. Don't be penny wise, pound foulish. Most gemstones can be easily damaged if cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner. Touch base with the artist you bought your handmade copper jewelry from. Most artists will clean their own work for a nominal fee, or sometimes even for free.
* Vinegar - (White, Apple Cider, Wine, Balsamic) - Place the item in a glass or plastic container (not metal). Pour enough vinegar into the container until it covers the entire piece of jewelry. Let it soak in the solution for about 15 minutes. Rinse under warm water, dry off, and your finished!
*Lime or Lemon Juice - Follow the instructions for vinegar as detailed above and throw in a pinch of salt to speed up the reaction.
*Ketchup or Worcestershire Sauce - Squeeze a dab onto a soft cloth or toothbrush, then rinse throughly under lukewarm water. Make sure not to expose gemstones, as they should not be exposed to any natural or chemical cleaners.
Comments
