Copper jewels, even lacquered ones, oxidize with the passage of time, because they are continuously exposed to the sulphides present in the air and humidity. If your copper jewelry is not lacquered, you can easily clean it by following the steps below.
Steps
Step 1. Find out if your jewelry is pure copper
Non-lacquered pure copper jewelry tends to oxidize quickly. If in doubt, take the jewelry to a jeweler.
Step 2. Use a copper polishing cloth to clean the lacquered jewelry
To make them shiny again, just pass it gently on the pieces. Lacquered copper does not oxidize if the paint has been done properly, but over time it becomes dull. You can find the copper cleaning cloth in jewelry stores.
Step 3. You can clean unvarnished copper jewelry with a product sold in jewelers, or with simple household products
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Cut a lemon in half and put a pinch of salt on the cut side. Rub the lemon on the jewelry. You can also add a pinch of salt to the juice of one lemon (just enough to cover the whole piece). Dip the jewelry into the juice and leave it for a few minutes. Rinse it and dry it with a polishing cloth.
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Rub a small amount of ketchup or tomato juice on the jewelry. Rinse well and dry with the polishing cloth.
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Mix two equal parts of lemon juice and baking soda until it forms a paste that you will rub on the jewelry. Rinse and dry.
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Sprinkle a few drops of Worcestershire sauce on the copper jewelry. Rinse very well and dry with a soft cloth.
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Step 4. Now look what a glow
Advice
- Remove copper jewelry before washing dishes or doing any work that can scratch or damage it.
- Oils from our skin can discolor copper. You can apply clear nail polish to the parts of the jewelry that come into contact with the skin. Nail polish must be reapplied periodically.
- Grape juice, vinegar, and other mildly acidic products clean the copper, but lemon juice generally gives the best results.
- Use a cloth to polish the jewelry between cleanings. The copper will remain very shiny.
- Do not allow the lemon juice or other acidic substance to come into contact with the precious stones that are set in your jewelry.
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Your copper jewelry will retain its luster if you treat it with care - always clean your jewelry with a cloth after wearing it. You can also occasionally clean them with water and a mild detergent.
- You can purchase copper cleaning products, but make sure they do not damage any stones embedded in the jewelry.
- The tomato acid contained in Worcestershire sauce is, oddly enough, one of the substances that best clean copper jewelry, but this product, like all commercial copper cleaning products, should not be used on pearls or gemstones because they would not resist.
- Ketchup also does a good job, but is less comfortable to apply. You can apply it with a soft cloth or a used toothbrush and then rinse well. Take the same precautions that are recommended for the sauce
Worcestershire. You can also make a mixture of water, lemon or lime juice and a teaspoon of salt and mix gently. Leave the non-delicate pieces of your copper jewelry immersed in the mixture for a few minutes. Rinse them very well. If necessary, you can repeat the operation.
- Do not wear copper jewelry in the pool or while bathing. The treated water can damage them.
- If you buy antique copper jewelry (which has probably not been lacquered), removing the oxidation could devalue it. Collectors of antique jewelry usually don't clean them, and may not buy your piece clean if you decide to resell it one day.
- Make sure the jewelry is completely dry before putting it back in the box. You can keep your copper jewelry in an airtight container or in resealable plastic bags, to keep them away from air and humidity, which would cause them to oxidize.
- You can prevent copper oxidation by wrapping jewelry in special anti-oxidation paper.
- Some commercial copper cleaners may contain substances that damage gems and precious stones. If your jewelry has several gems or stones, it is best to take them to a jeweler for cleaning.
