Copper jewelry, green skin and health benefits

Copper is a beautiful natural material that is also affordable. I personally love it and think it looks great just by itself or combined with turquoises.

Unfortunately some of my galleries would not touch copper jewelry with a 10 feet pole. Why? mostly because their customers complain it makes their skin turn green. On another hand, I have heard of people seeking this green deposit as it is believed it helps with relieving arthritis pain. So, what’s with all of that?

1- about copper leaving a green deposit on the skin….

Well, it may happen or not because it is related to the wearer’s metabolism.

The green stains are caused by copper oxidation when in contact with sweat glands. Therefore, if you sweat profusely when working out, or gardening in the sun, maybe it’s not a good idea to wear your copper jewelry.

Copper oxidation can also occur in an acidic environment. Your body acidity is related to your alimentation. Junk food, processed food and lots of red meat will make your body acidic. Fresh fruits and vegetables won’t.

That said, people’s reaction to copper cannot be predicted. By the way, copper is a material used in many alloys like bronze, brass and sterling silver. And yes, in extreme cases, sterling can also turn your skin green!

The green stains can be washed off with soap and water. Otherwise you will notice that they are absorbed overnight by your body. This is in no way dangerous for your health and could even be beneficial…

2- about copper health’s benefits…

It is a fact that our body needs copper and can get it from food like milk, nuts, seafood and yummy chocolate. If you wear copper jewelry and it leaves a green deposit, your body will also absorb it and put it at good use.

But is it true that copper bracelets are effective to relieve arthritis joint pain? Many doctors say no. Many wearers say yes.

Copper has been used for medicinal purposes in Ancient Egypt, Greece and by the Aztec civilization. Hippocrates himself mentions copper as a treatment for leg ulcers. Could it be that doctors today prefer to prescribe expensive pills (and fuel the multi-billion drug industry) rather than recommend a natural and affordable alternative? or is copper really an old folks remedy?

The fact is, if it does not help you it cannot harm you. So, why not trying if you think it may help you. I just have issues with these commercials who claim that copper bracelets make miracles so that they can justify an exorbitant price.

I absolutely love copper jewelry and propose my jewelry in a choice of 2 kind of copper depending if you want to wear copper for fashion or function:

- natural pure copper. It will tarnish (which can be cleaned off if this effect is not desired) and may leave green stain on the skin.

- non tarnish copper. This is natural pure copper that has been covered with a thin layer of clear polyurethane. This layer is extremely resilient and will isolate your skin from the copper. Propriety which also makes it also hypoallergenic.

And in any cases, earrings are also available with sterling ear wires.

With sterling silver’s prices going through the roof, why not giving this beautiful and affordable material a chance? And if you decide you do not like it, maybe one of your friends will.

A bientôt!
Patricia

PS: the two bracelets have been photographed over a slice of natural copper. It has been polished but this is how copper looks just after being mined.