Turquoise jewelry

How to Clean Copper Jewelry With Household Items


Copper is one of the most popular metals in the jewelry industry. Copper is used as a base metal to harden softer metals. For example, if you have 14kt gold jewelry it may have 40% copper. Copper is also used as a base metal for different types of plating. Silver plated jewelry may have copper as the core metal then layers with several coatings of silver. Copper is commonly used with gemstones such as turquoise. Since copper is found mostly in the southwest region of the United States many pieces of turquoise jewelry embedded in copper can be found in Mexico, Texas, and surrounding southwest states.

Besides iron, copper is one of the most useful metals in the world. However, over an extended period of time, copper becomes tarnished and develops green patina from oxidation. So what is the best way to clean copper jewelry?

To clean any type of copper jewelry you can always use commercial cleaners, however, there are cheaper alternatives that you can find right in your kitchen cabinet. Commercial cleaners use very mild acids that remove the patina without harming the copper. To avoid the cost of these cleaners try Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. Both of the condiments contain mild acids such as malic acid which is found in tomatoes and apples. You can also use a combination of lemon, water, and salt that is an excellent copper cleaner. The combination uses the right amount of abrasion from salt along with the mild acid from lemon. Keep in mind that if you have copper jewelry that has gemstones especially pearls or fluorite you should not use this solution.

One of the safest ways to clean copper jewelry that also has gemstones are sonic cleaners or everyday hand soap. However, the patina will not be completely removed using these methods but the gemstones will be cleaned effectively.

To keep your copper jewelry looking beautiful everyday you should think about purchasing plastic bags and anti-tarnish paper. Simply place your copper jewelry in the bag with one sheet of anti tarnish paper to keep the green patina from oxidation from accumulating on your jewelry.

( Articles By Ryan L. )