Understanding Copper Patina and Jewelry Care
Oxidization is a natural process that unfolds when copper meets the open air. It’s a fascinating transformation driven by the oxygen content in the atmosphere. This chemical reaction plays a vital role in creating what we call ‘patina’ – a captivating and evolving discoloration on the surface of copper. In this blog post, I will delve into the intriguing world of copper patina and how it relates to your jewelry.
Copper and Skin Interaction
Copper jewelry, in its raw form, can sometimes leave your skin with a greenish tint. Why does this happen? Well, when copper mingles with various environmental factors such as oxygen, acids, or chemicals, it undergoes a surface transformation.
Our bodies, in particular, can contribute to this change. When we sweat, copper reacts with the oxygen, oils, and salty acidic water present in our sweat. Over time, this interaction leads to discoloration on the copper, which, when worn against the skin, can rub off, leaving a coating on the skin’s surface. It’s important to note that each person’s body chemistry is unique, influencing the extent and speed of this oxidization process.
Moreover, our skin contains a variety of other chemicals, from perfumes and soaps to moisturizers and makeup. These compounds can accelerate or modify the oxidization process, making it more individualized. In essence, how the copper interacts with your skin depends on your specific body chemistry and the conditions it encounters.
The oxidization process of copper and other nonferrous metals is not harmful to your health and can usually be easily washed off the skin with soap and water.
Is GaleForce Design Jewelry Coated?
I take pride in crafting jewelry that not only embraces nature-inspired designs but also considers the wearers’ comfort. To safeguard the integrity of my pieces, most of the bracelets I create, as well as the front sides of my earrings, are coated with a high-quality jewelry sealer. This coating serves two important purposes: it preserves the color of the pieces and, in many cases, helps prevent the green skin reaction.
However, it’s essential to understand that even the best sealers can wear off with time and use. Rough handling, such as scratching or scuffing, can compromise the sealer’s effectiveness. Additionally, the underside of jewelry may lose its sealer when worn snugly against the skin or exposed to chemicals, lotions, perfumes, and the like. Remember, everyone’s body chemistry is unique, which can influence how long the sealer lasts.
The Beauty of Natural Patina
Sometimes, allowing copper to embrace its natural aging process can be a beautiful journey. Take for instance a bracelet I crafted with my father’s handwriting, see above photos. Knowing that I would wear it constantly, even during tasks like dishwashing and showering, I chose not to apply a sealer. Instead, I let the metal develop its patina organically. The difference is striking, with the newly finished piece in the first photo and the well-loved patina in the second photo, showcasing copper’s captivating transformation over time.
Polishing Your Copper Jewelry
If you have non-sealed copper jewelry that you’d like to maintain with a shiny allure, fear not – it’s entirely possible! However, it’s crucial to emphasize that this advice applies only to non-sealed pieces. Attempting to polish jewelry that’s been sealed can render the sealer ineffective and potentially alter the intentionally applied colors.
For this task, I recommend using Sunshine® polishing cloths. Make sure your item is free from dust and other abrasives, and then gently rub the surface with the yellow or blue Sunshine® cloth. These cloths are designed with special chemical cleansing agents and micro-abrasives that are non-scratching (blue and yellow) or scratching (pink), ensuring your copper jewelry maintains its shine.
Copper patina is not just a natural process; it’s a testament to the unique interaction between your jewelry and your body chemistry. At GaleForce Design Jewelry, I take great care to provide jewelry that embraces this natural transformation while also offering options for those who prefer to preserve the shine. With proper care and understanding, you can enjoy the timeless beauty of copper jewelry for years to come.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the care of your GaleForce Design Jewelry, please contact me. You may also visit the Sizing & Care page of this website.
