Copper Jewellery
Why copper jewellery turns your skin green & how to prevent it
Copper jewellery has been adored for centuries — from ancient Egyptian cuffs to modern bohemian bangles — for its warm glow, affordability, and healing associations. Copper is an essential mineral, meaning it occurs naturally in the human body, but also out in nature. Copper is extremely malleable and great for jewellery making, especially is you wish to add a different colour to your designs.
But if you’ve ever worn copper and noticed a green tinge on your skin, you’re not alone.
Let’s explore why this happens and what jewellery makers can do to prevent it.
That greenish mark isn’t harmful — it’s simply chemistry at work.
When copper comes into contact with skin, sweat, and oils, it reacts with the acids and moisture present. This creates copper salts, most often copper carbonate, which are green in colour. It’s the same process that turns the Statue of Liberty’s copper surface a pale green patina over time.
Factors that can make the green effect more likely include:
- High humidity – Moisture speeds up oxidation.
- Sweating – Wearing copper during exercise or in hot weather.
- Lotions or cosmetics – Some skincare products accelerate the reaction.
- Body chemistry – Natural pH levels in skin vary, so some people experience greening more often than others.
Is it dangerous?
For most people, the green discolouration is harmless and washes off with soap and water.
However, if someone has a copper allergy they might experience itching, redness, or rash instead of simple discolouration. Please do not wear copper jewellery if you have an allergy to copper!
How Jewellery Makers Can Prevent Copper from Turning Skin Green
While you can’t change copper’s natural chemistry, you can slow or stop the skin reaction. Here are some tried-and-tested methods:
1. Apply a Clear Protective Coating
A thin layer of jewellery sealant, clear lacquer, or even clear nail polish on the skin-contact areas creates a barrier between the metal and skin. Make sure your piece is clean before apply the coating.
Pros: Affordable, quick to apply.
Cons: Needs reapplication over time.
2. Use a Clear Wax Finish
Renaissance Wax or microcrystalline wax adds a protective layer without altering the appearance of the metal.
Pros: Invisible finish, easy to buff on.
Cons: Requires occasional re-waxing.
3. Add a Plating Layer
Electroplating copper with gold, rose gold, or rhodium can provide a more permanent barrier.
Pros: Professional, long-lasting.
Cons: Requires specialist equipment or outsourcing.
4. Mix Metals in Design
Combine copper with sterling silver, brass, or gold in areas that touch the skin. This minimises direct copper contact. I’ve also seen other jewelers use materials such as leather of felt to create a barrier between the bare copper and the skin. I have an antique copper bangle in my own collection that has a layer of green felt on the inside. Not only does this create a barrier but it also makes the bangle feel more comfortable to wear!
5. Offer Care Instructions to Customers
As a seller of copper creations I offer advice on my Etsy page & Website. For example:
- Remove jewellery before swimming, showering, or exercising.
- Store in a dry place.
- Wipe clean after wearing.
- Aviod contact with skin care products and perfumes
I also provide information on simple cleaning methods that will restore your jewellery’s colour and shine!
The following YouTube video I created shows you how to clean your jewellery, including copper pieces:
Conclusion
The green mark from copper jewellery is a sign of a natural reaction — a little reminder that your jewellery is alive with history and chemistry. I’ve always adored copper jewellery and will continue to work with this versatile metal. It helps me to feel connected to the earth and nothing else compares to the bright orange colour of copper.
I work mostly with tarnish resistant copper wire and also use various methods to prevent tarnish. Over time the tarnish barrier will wear away and when this happens you could easily purchase some Renaissance Wax and reapply.
The wax is easy to apply and a little goes a long way!
Copper is also believed to possess various healing properties including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Copper bracelets have been developed to to worn by people with arthritis, providing anti-inflammatory benefits for the wearer.
Copper is also considered an energy amplifier, believed to enhance the flow of divine vibrations and magnify the effects of mantras and spiritual practises.
If you’d like to expand your copper jewellery collection or simple try copper for the first time, why not check these pieces out over in my Etsy Shop:
