On Sep 9, 3:22 pm, "Peter W.. Rowe,"
wrote:
On Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:53:55 -0700, in rec.crafts.jewelry ChristopherL



Well, for one thing, be aware that despite lots of folk lore about copper
jewelry, especially as relates to arthritis, copper is actually somewhat toxic
to humans. Some people more than others, react poorly to it. Some folks are
very allergic to it. In some some other species (like fish, invertebrates,
etc) it's Highly toxic. (don't toss pennies into your aquarium...) If you're
hoping for health benefits from copper, do your research in respected medical
sources, not from those folks trying to promote or sell you something. While
there are lots of folks claiming benefits of copper who'd then like to sell you
some, there are no serious and properly done studies that actually show such
benefits, and any decent dermatologist can tell you about folks for whom it's
not a good thing. On the other hand, if all you are seeking is simply the
beautiful look of copper, then simply be on the lookout for any skin irritation
that might occur with some people where the copper comes in contact. If this
happens, you can isolate the copper from your body by coating the contact
surfaces with something like clear nail polish or another coating of the sort.
Works just like the clear lacquers sometimes used to protect the copper from
tarnishing.

A few things to consider:

As Peter says, if your copper is already protected by some sort of
varnish
there is nothing else you'd want to or have to do. (Conscientious as
Peter
is - I wish all newsgroup moderators would be.)

While copper sulphate is somewhat poisonous, and sulfur is what reacts
with copper, copper doesn't plain oxidize, copper sulphate is a rather
inert substance. You may want your copper bracelet to 'antique'
naturally. That 'tarnish' will protect you from the copper, and it's
mostly copper sulfide (black stuff) rather than copper sulphate
(blue-green stuff).

And, what most people (at least the people I know) are allergic to
isn't
copper but the cobalt and nickel that's usually in it.
One of my reasons to prefer surgical steel earring hooks over sterling
silver - but I know a person who's allergic to those too.

It depends on whether you're after the shiny appearance or what
else you're after.

Aloha,
Maren
HiloBeads: Beads - Beading Supplies - Hand-made Jewelry
http://www.hilobeads.com/
Blog at: http://hilobeads.blogspot.com/
(in Hilo, Hawaii, which has a rather high sulfur content in the air)