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COPPER (AND OTHER METAL) JEWELRY TURNING YOUR SKIN GREEN
So why can or does your skin turn green while wearing copper? It's known as the oxidation reaction. The copper reacts with oxygen in the air, your sweat and skin oils creating a green layer of copper carbonate on your skin. Relax; it shouldn't be anything to be concerned about, it just looks terrible. Most likely you're not allergic to the copper, very few people are. Simply keep your copper clean and dry and remove any oil or sweat which may be on your jewelry. It's as simple as that.
Rings which are worn close to the skin are the worst because of no air circulation between your finger and the ring. Your finger sweats and produces oils which are trapped between your finger and the ring.
Bracelets have air circulation between your wrist and the bracelet thus doesn't seem to produce as much discoloration of your skin. If you wear a copper bracelet or cuff that is tight against the skin, then most likely you'll have discoloration much like a ring.
Pendants worn over your clothes won't discolor because they aren't in contact with your sweat or skin oils. Pendants worn against the skin tend to move causing air circulation between the pendant and your skin. Unless you're a sweaty and oily person and jewelry tends to stick to your skin, you shouldn't have any discoloration.
There are plenty of people who wear copper pendants, chains, or bracelets almost every day and everywhere including the shower and seldom take their copper jewelry off. It doesn't turn their skin colors, why? Simply put it's because they are keeping the jewelry clean by showering in it; cleaning off any oxidation caused by your body.
Keeping your jewelry clean will help in the prevention of oxidation turning your skin green. Take off your copper jewelry every night. Wipe your jewelry with a clean soft cloth when you remove it. Doing this will clean any body oils or sweat off your jewelry. The cleaner you keep your copper jewelry the less likely your skin will discolor from oxidation.
IS YOUR COPPER JEWELRY PROTECTED OR COATED TO AVOID SKIN DISCOLORATION?
Yes it can be requested.
Copper jewelry pieces can be specially coated with a specialized protective wax to prevent oxidation and discoloration; which in turn prevents your skin from discoloration. Each piece can be treated with several coats of Renaissance Wax. Renaissance Wax polish was originally formulated in the British Museum research laboratories in the early 1950’s. It is free from acids (pH neutral) and will not damage even sensitive materials. Renaissance Wax has a unique quality and is ideal for protecting copper surfaces from environmental attack and handling. It dries hard and does not, like oil, remain sticky and attract atmospheric acidy making it ideal for copper.
With prolonged use Renaissance Wax will wear off however, you can maintain a comparable finish by simply applying a thin coat of good quality car wax; either paste or liquid to copper jewelry. It will leave a beautiful high polished finish as well as protect your jewelry from your body oils and prevent oxidation. The lack of oxidation will prevent your skin from turning green. The key is to keep your copper clean, wax coated or not. Dirty copper means eventually your skin may turn green. Not to worry; it’s not harmful in any way; just annoying and can be avoided. By following our suggestions on keeping your copper clean you shouldn’t have a problem. Keeping your copper jewelry clean is the key to keeping your skin from turning green, period.