How to clean copper jewelry?
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Copper is a largely underrated metal compared to silver and gold. Extremely versatile, it offers excellent durability and malleability, making it a popular choice for jewelry, such as bracelets or an antique brooch !
Unfortunately, copper tends to lose its shine and tarnish over time . It reacts with external elements such as oxygen, moisture, other chemicals, and even human skin that can corrode copper.
This results in the development of a green layer on the surface of the metal, called copper patina. If you're wondering how to clean copper jewelry , you've come to the right place. Below, we'll give you the best ways to refresh your favorite pieces!
Some precautions before cleaning copper jewelry
It's easy to clean copper jewelry using a few household ingredients . Naturally acidic ingredients like vinegar, lemon, and ketchup are great for removing tarnish from copper.
While cleaning a copper fashion accessory is easy, it becomes more difficult if it is set with precious stones. Acidic substances can damage your precious stones , so be aware of this before following any of the methods below.
If you are tackling the cleaning of a very precious family heirloom, do not hesitate to ask your jeweler for advice.
Quick and easy ways to restore the shine to your copper
Lemon juice and salt
Using a mildly acidic substance like lemon juice removes mineral deposits from your jewelry, while salt acts as an abrasive that removes them. This homemade trick works wonders against traces of oxidation!
- Wet the copper with a little lemon juice
- Sprinkle some table salt on the surface of the copper
- Using a soft cloth, rub the copper piece to remove the tarnish.
You can also sprinkle salt on the cut half of the lemon , then rub the copper with the lemon. After a few minutes, the copper will be shiny and lustrous! Rinse and dry.
This method is also effective for other materials. For more information, see our article on how to clean stainless steel jewelry .
If the tarnish still persists, you can also soak the copper in lemon juice and salt for about ten minutes. Then rinse it with warm water and dry it, preferably with a microfiber cloth.
Lemon juice and baking soda
You can make a cleaning paste with acidic and abrasive components by adding equal parts baking soda and lemon juice.
Use this paste to gently clean the bracelet by rubbing it with a cloth, an old toothbrush, or your fingers. This method works very well on jewelry with crevices. Once it's as clean as possible, rinse it and dry it with a soft cloth.
Good old ketchup
Thanks to the vinegar it contains, classic ketchup works like a charm for cleaning copper jewelry.
- Apply a thin layer of ketchup to the tarnished areas of the jewelry.
- Leave to act for 15 minutes
- Rub with a non-scratch pad
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all ketchup
Salt and vinegar
A quick heads-up: Don't use this method if your copper jewelry contains gemstones! Soaking it in acidic vinegar could damage it. In that case, it's best to skip this method and try another one.
- Pour vinegar into a glass or plastic bowl
- Immerse your copper jewelry in vinegar
- Add a little salt for a more intense cleaning
- Let the copper soak for 15 to 20 minutes
- Rinse it well to remove all the vinegar
- Dry it with a soft cloth
When you take it out, your copper jewelry should be sparkling!
You can also put a tablespoon of salt and a cup of vinegar in a saucepan, fill it with water, and place the jewelry inside. Remove the jewelry as soon as the water begins to simmer , then wash it with soap and water once it has cooled.
Vinegar, salt and flour
This quintessential grandmother's recipe is particularly effective for cleaning very tarnished copper jewelry!
- Mix one tablespoon of salt and one cup of white vinegar in a bowl
- Gradually add flour and mix until you get a dough
- Then apply this paste to your jewelry
- Rub the tarnished areas
- Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes to an hour, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Commercial industrial cleaners for copper
In most cases, you should be able to restore the shine to copper jewelry using the methods above.
However, if your jewelry is particularly tarnished, it is possible to use industrial cleaners specially designed for cleaning copper .
These cleaners are most often sold in liquid form. Simply soak a microfiber cloth in the solution and use it to gently rub your jewelry . Then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Make sure the product you choose is specifically designed for copper. A product that's too harsh could scratch the jewelry instead of making it shine.
Lacquering copper jewelry
It is not uncommon for copper jewelry to be coated with lacquer to prevent corrosion or tarnishing. This makes it easier to restore their original appearance , and simply using a polishing cloth can restore the shine of the lacquered copper. The downside is that the lacquer slightly reduces their original shine.
If your copper has not been lacquered, you can do it yourself by purchasing a commercial copper lacquer from a jeweler. You can also use nail polish or car wax .
How to polish copper jewelry?
An effective way to maintain the shine of copper jewelry is to polish it regularly . This is most effective when you use a polishing cloth specifically designed for copper jewelry.
Just watch your favorite Netflix show and put a little elbow grease into it. It may take a little time , so be patient and above all, be gentle with your jewelry!
How to store copper
Before storing your copper, make sure that the copper jewelry has been thoroughly dried . Since exposure to air and moisture causes copper to tarnish, always store copper jewelry and accessories in a cool, dry place.
Place copper jewelry in a jewelry box or airtight bag ; this will reduce the copper's interaction with air, thus slowing down the rate of tarnishing. If possible, wrap your copper jewelry in anti-tarnish paper before packaging.
Avoid wearing copper jewelry when exposed to chemicals such as chlorine from swimming pools or household detergents. Even body oils can cause copper to tarnish over time.
Although copper requires regular cleaning to stay sparkling, it is very easy to restore your pieces and make them look like new.
How to wear your copper jewelry?
It is not uncommon for copper jewelry to leave a green mark on the skin . This is completely normal! This is not rust, but simply a slight deposit of copper. The skin naturally absorbs small amounts of it for the body's needs.
If you want to avoid these marks, however, you can simply apply clear nail polish to the areas of the jewelry that come into contact with your skin , but remember to keep the polish away from the gemstones.
Remember not to wear your copper jewelry in the shower or swimming pool. Frequent contact with water can eventually damage your jewelry . Also, always remove your copper jewelry when washing dishes to prevent damage.
Recommended reading: How to care for and clean gold-plated jewelry?
How to Clean Copper Jewelry: Final Tips
Taking care of your copper jewelry is essential to keep it in good condition for as long as possible. Ideally, you should not have to worry about how to clean copper jewelry . There are no secrets to this! Pamper your copper bracelets, rings, pendants, or costume jewelry with the utmost care.
The quality of the copper is also an essential element to consider. Before purchasing a copper jewelry piece, make sure if possible that the material is authentic. It is not uncommon to confuse copper, which is a pure metal , with brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc. Bronze is also a material with a fairly similar color.
To make sure you are dealing with genuine copper, a trick is to compare the color of the jewelry to 1, 2, or 5 cent coins . Since these are copper-plated, the color should be similar.
