Wearing Copper Jewelry For Fun And Good Health

Many people love copper jewelry because of its beauty and versatility. Because copper is so malleable, it lends itself to many creative designs. But did you know that there may also be health benefits from copper jewelry?

You may have seen many people wearing copper bracelets, necklaces, or rings. The belief is that by wearing copper next to the skin, certain minerals will be absorbed and have positive health effects on the body overall. Copper is an important mineral essential to body metabolism and red blood cell production.

There is some debate about whether copper jewelry can help improve your health. Frequent claims include easing pain relief due to arthritis and enhancing skin tone. Copper bracelets with magnets in them are a common over the counter arthritis remedy. They are reported to help both osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.

Throughout history, copper has been favored by many people and cultures due to its malibility. There are striking examples of early copper jewelry from Egypt, Eastern Europe, and Iran. Copper was one of the first metals to be used by humans in its natural occuring state. Copper was used as a substitute for stone by Neolithic humans around 8000 B.C. Around 4000 B.C., the Egyptians started casting copper, and by 3500 B.C. it was alloyed with tin to produce Bronze. In mythology and alchemy, copper was associated with the goddess Aphrodite, relating to its radiant beauty and use in producing mirrors. Copper takes its name from the Latin aes Cyprium, meaning "metal of Cyprus," shortened to cyprium and later corrupted to cuprum.

Unless its treated, copper jewelry will oxidize over time. As copper tarnishes, it usually produces a beautiful green patina. Copper usually reacts harmlessly with skin oils to turn both itself and surrounding skin green. You will have a higher chance of your skin turning green the more often you wear your jewelry, especially rings.

One of the largest concentrations of native copper in the world is in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan. Other deposits can be found in Australia, Germany, England, Bolivia, Russia, and in Arizona. Regardless of the myths and folk lore surrounding the medicinal value of wearing copper jewelry, the warm rich tones of copper jewelry make it a "must have" of any fashion conscious woman.

Unique copper jewelry by San Francisco jewelry designer John S. Brana include beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces designed to set the wearer apart from the crowd. Whether classic or contemporary, each piece is unique, meticulously handcrafted, and made from top-quality copper.