Copper jewelry has long been recommended for its potential to support the body in treating joint inflammation, pain, skin conditions, headaches, epilepsy, and even lung-related issues. It's also believed to help boost energy levels and aid digestion.

While copper toxicity can occur in large amounts, the trace levels potentially absorbed through the skin by wearing copper jewelry are minimal and generally considered safe. However, individuals with metal sensitivities may experience irritation just as they might with gold or silver jewellery.

Yes, copper naturally tarnishes over time and may sometimes leave a green mark on your skin. This is due to an oxidation reaction when copper interacts with air, moisture, sweat, and natural skin oils, it can create a harmless green layer of copper carbonate. This mark fades once you stop wearing the piece and is not harmful to your skin or health.

At Purethica, we embrace raw, non-coated copper in our jewelry to preserve its natural health benefits. While this means some light skin staining may occur, it also allows your body to receive the energetic and wellness-supportive properties of copper one of the many reasons we love working with this beautiful, earthy metal.

Copper is easy to clean with natural or store-bought solutions:

DIY Method: Mix equal parts vinegar and bicarb soda in a bowl.

For plain copper pieces, soak the jewelry for about 5 minutes, then gently polish with a non-abrasive jewelry cloth.

For pieces with crystals or stones, make a paste using vinegar and bicarb soda. Gently rub the copper areas with a soft cloth, avoiding the crystals, and do not submerge the piece.

Store-Bought Option: Use a specialized copper and brass cleaner (such as Hagerty). Always follow the product instructions carefully and avoid contact with gemstones or crystals.

Regular cleaning helps maintain the beautiful shine of your copper while preserving the integrity of its natural materials.

Brass, which is an alloy primarily made up of copper and zinc, does indeed share some potential health benefits similar to copper, but the benefits can vary from person to person. Here are a few potential health benefits of wearing brass:

Copper Benefits: Since brass contains copper, some people believe it can help with joint pain, arthritis, and improving circulation, as copper is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and support the production of red blood cells.

Antimicrobial Properties: Copper, which is a key component of brass, is known to have antimicrobial properties. This means it can help in reducing the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms on the skin, which might reduce the risk of skin infections or irritations.

Improved Blood Circulation: Copper is thought to improve blood circulation by assisting in the formation of red blood cells. Wearing brass jewellery may help enhance this effect, though scientific evidence specifically for brass is limited.

Wound Healing: Copper is often touted for its role in wound healing and tissue repair, as it is involved in the production of collagen and elastin. Brass, by extension, may offer some similar benefits.

Cognitive Function: Zinc has a role in supporting brain function and may help in maintaining cognitive health.

Skin Health: Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties and is often used in skin care products to help with acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. It can regulate the production of oil in the skin and reduce inflammation.

Yes, brass does tarnish over time. This tarnishing is part of the natural oxidation process, where copper, a primary component of brass, reacts with oxygen in the air, sweat, and oils from your skin. This reaction creates a greenish layer called copper carbonate on the surface of the metal. This is the same phenomenon that causes your skin to sometimes turn green when you wear brass jewellery.

As you pointed out, leaving brass jewelry untreated with varnish allows the wearer to experience the natural benefits associated with the copper content in the alloy. Varnish or other protective coatings could prevent copper from reacting with the skin, thereby preventing the health benefits from being absorbed, according to some beliefs.

Cleaning your brass jewelry is relatively simple, and the method you use can depend on whether or not your jewelry contains gemstones or crystals. Here's a breakdown of the methods you mentioned, along with some additional tips:

1. Using Vingar and Bakind Soda

This is a natural and effective way to clean brass jewellery.

Materials:

• Equal parts vinegar and baking soda
• A bowl
• A non-abrasive jewellery polishing cloth

Steps: 

• Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda in a bowl. Stir until the baking soda dissolves.
• Place your brass jewellery in the bowl for about 5 minutes to soak.
• After soaking, remove the jewelry and gently polish it with a non-abrasive jewellery polishing cloth to remove any tarnish or residue.
• For extra shine, you can rub it with a clean, dry cloth after polishing
• This method works well for most brass pieces without gemstones or crystals. It helps clean off tarnish and restore the metal’s natural shine.

2. For Brass Jewellery with Stones or Crystals

If your jewellery contains stones or crystals, you need to take extra care to avoid damaging them.

Materials:

Vinegar and baking soda (same as above)

A clean, non-abrasive cloth

Steps:

Instead of soaking the jewellery, make a paste by mixing vinegar and baking soda. The paste should be thick enough to apply directly to the brass without dripping.

Apply the paste gently to the brass part of the jewelry using the non-abrasive cloth, avoiding contact with the crystals or stones.

Polish the brass carefully to remove tarnish, but do not scrub over the crystals. This helps to clean the brass without damaging the stones.

Important: Do not submerge jewelry with crystals or stones in the vinegar and baking soda solution, as prolonged exposure to the liquid may harm the crystals or cause discoloration.

3. Using Commercial Brass Cleaning Solutions

If you'd prefer a commercial product, like the Hagerty brass cleaner, this can be a great option for those who don’t want to mix their own solutions.

Steps:

Read and follow the instructions on the product carefully to ensure it is used properly and safely.

Typically, these products will involve applying the cleaner to the brass and then polishing it off with a soft cloth.

Avoid direct contact with gemstones or crystals, as some chemicals may damage them.

4. Addditional Tips for Brass Care

Avoid Abrasive Materials: When polishing brass, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Rough materials like paper towels or rough cloths can scratch the surface and damage the finish.

Regular Cleaning: To keep your brass jewelry shiny and tarnish-free, clean it regularly especially if you wear it often, as oils and sweat can contribute to tarnishing.

Storage: Store brass jewellery in a dry place, away from moisture. Using a jewelry box or pouch can help minimize tarnishing.

By following these methods, you can keep your brass jewelry looking beautiful and shiny while protecting any stones or crystals that may be part of the design.

Wearing silver is often associated with various health benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the potential health benefits of wearing silver:

1. Improved Circulation and Temperture Regulation

Circulation: Silver is believed to help improve blood circulation. It is thought to help the body’s natural processes by enhancing the flow of blood and promoting overall cardiovascular health.

Temperature Balance: Wearing silver is said to help with internal heat regulation by helping the body maintain an even temperature. This could be particularly beneficial for people who experience discomfort from fluctuating body temperatures.

2. Mood and Energy Boost

Some individuals report feeling an improvement in energy levels and mood balance when wearing silver. This could be due to the metal’s supposed ability to interact with the body’s energy fields, helping to offset outside electrical disturbances. The theory is that silver may act as a stabilizer for the body’s energy, which can lead to better overall well-being.

3. Antimicrobial Antibacterial Properties and Wound Healing

Fighting Infections: Silver has long been known for its antibacterial properties, which is why it’s used in medical equipment, wound dressings, and even in water purification. It is believed to help fight infections by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and other pathogens. Some people claim that wearing silver jewelry can help ward off cold and flu viruses, though this is not a widely accepted medical treatment.

Skin Healing: Silver is also thought to be beneficial for skin repair. It has been used in burn treatment and to heal wounds, as it is believed to have natural healing properties. It may also help with certain skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, as silver is known for its soothing effects on irritated skin.

Wound Healing: Silver has been used in medical-grade dressings for wound healing, especially for burns and cuts, as it helps promote faster tissue repair and reduce the risk of infection.

4. Immune System Support

Silver is sometimes thought to help strengthen the immune system, supporting the body’s natural defenses against illness. Its antimicrobial properties could play a role in helping the body stay healthy by combating bacteria and pathogens.

5. Cleansing Effects

Silver is sometimes said to have a cleansing effect on the body, helping to remove toxins and impurities. The theory is that the metal may assist in detoxifying the body by encouraging the elimination of waste and toxins, though this claim lacks strong scientific backing.

6. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Silver has also been associated with reducing inflammation in the body. It is believed that wearing silver jewelry or using silver items may help alleviate symptoms of inflammation related conditions, such as arthritis.

7. Electromagnetic Protection

Some believe that silver can help protect the body from electromagnetic radiation emitted by electronic devices. The idea is that silver, being a conductor, may help reduce the effects of EMFs (electromagnetic fields) on the body, although more scientific research is needed in this area.

While there are many claims about the health benefits of wearing silver, it's important to note that wearing silver can sometimes cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people, especially if the silver is mixed with other metals like nickel. 

As the price of silver climbs it is important to check the content of different metals in the jewelry piece you ae interested in buying as some makers will add cheaper metals like nickel to the silver to cheapen their costs. 

Purethica silver is not mixed with nickel.

Yes,sterling silver (.925) tarnishes over time due to a reaction with hydrogen sulfide in the air. The 7.5% copper in sterling silver also contributes to tarnish and may sometimes turn your skin green this is harmless.

Why it Happens:

• Silver reacts with sulfur in the air
• Copper in silver reacts with moisture and oils

Prevention Tips:

• Wipe jewellery after wearing
• Store in airtight bags with anti-tarnish strips
• Avoid water, sweat, perfumes, and lotions

Cleaning Tips:

• Use a silver polishing cloth
• Or soak in warm water with baking soda and foil (avoid for delicate pieces)

For Light Tarnish:
Use a silver polishing cloth to gently clean and restore shine.

For Heavier Tarnish:
Use a baking soda and vinegar paste (like for brass/copper) but avoid contact with stones, and do not submerge jewellery with gemstones.

Commercial Cleaners:
Products like Hagerty silver cleaner or Silvo Silver Polish work well. Always follow instructions and avoid getting the cleaner on crystals or gemstones.

Like silver, gold is believed to offer several wellness benefits when worn regularly. While the layer of gold in gold-plated jewellery is thinner than solid gold, it may still offer some of these potential benefits:

• Regulates Body Temperature May help balance body heat, reducing chills or hot flashes.
• Relieves Arthritis Symptoms Gold has been used in traditional therapies to ease joint pain.
• Reduces Stress & Anxiety Thought to promote a calming effect on the mind and body.
• Boosts Immunity Historically used for it believed immune-supporting properties.
• Improves Skin Health Can promote clearer, more radiant skin.
• Supports Nervous & Endocrine Systems believed to aid in balancing hormones and energy flow.
• Enhances Energy Flow Gold is even used on acupuncture needles to help release energy and alleviate pain more effectively.

Keep in mind, gold-plated jewellery may not provide the same intensity of benefits as solid gold, but many still enjoy its aesthetic and believed wellness effects. Let me know if you'd like this in a version for marketing or a jewellery care card!

In jewellery making, you’ll rarely, if at all, find jewelry labeled 24k gold. That’s for various reasons, including the fact that 24k gold is too soft to work with.  18k gold is a great option when wanting to wear a cost-effective gold jewellery piece. From the number, you can tell that’s not pure gold. That’s because jewellers add other alloys, typically copper, to strengthen the metal. That makes it less susceptible to tarnish and stronger.

Gold plating is delicate, so avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing so you should only gently clean it.

Steps:

• Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
• Dip a soft cloth or cotton ball into the solution.
• Gently wipe the jewellery’s surface don’t soak it.
• Rinse with a cloth dampened in clean water.
• Pat dry with a soft towel and let it air dry completely.