I’ve been getting this question a lot lately, and figured it was time to spill my beans on the subject.

It seems a lot of people are worried about being allergic to copper. With all of the metal allergies out there, I can understand the concern and worry. I have gone to great lengths to make sure I’m not offering something that is harmful to my customers. I’m very lucky that I have access to some very knowledgeable people in the world of body piercing, who I have questioned extensively on this topic. Their highly educated opinion? Copper in an unhealed piercing is not a good idea. Putting anything other than an inert material in an unhealed piercing is not a good idea.

Metal allergies are a common thing. The most common allergy is nickel. If you have a nickel allergy, you’ll now it. Nickel is everywhere. It’s in the buttons and rivets on your jeans, zippers, buckles…everywhere. Signs of a nickel allergy are itching, redness, rash, and blisters.

Genuine copper allergies aren’t as common, however. Sterling Silver usually contains copper, so, if you can wear sterling, you can wear copper. Oftentimes the problem with copper is that it may turn the wearer green, or occasionally, black. This is the oxidization process, and NOT an allergic reaction. To remedy the green, just wash the affected area, and dry. Copper worn in jewelry is rarely the source of contact dermatitis.

Now, copper earrings. In well healed ear piercings, they are perfectly safe. The key being “well healed”. No oozing of puss or blood. Well healed piercings will produce crust, that is simply the accumulation of dead skin in the piercing canal mixed with perspiration. Gross, I know, but that’s what it is.

Why copper? I love it’s color. It mixes well with so many colors and elements and lends a unique appeal to jewelry creations.

As you wear your copper jewelry it will tarnish. Copper can be polished up easily with a jewelry polishing cloth, silver cleanser, or for the DIY folks out there, you can use kosher salt and lemon juice to bring it back to a shine. Ketchup works as well, but, I hate the way the stuff smells so I don’t use it.

If you suffer from a copper allergy, you’ll know it. You won’t be able to wear certain types of clothing, eat certain foods, and drink certain beverages. It’s no mystery!

Give copper a try! You may find that you love it. :)

Copper and Chrysocolla Necklace

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