How to Clean and Care for Your Copper Bracelet So It Lasts a Lifetime

New copper has a bright, warm orange-red tone. Over time, exposure to oxygen, moisture, and the natural oils and acids in your skin causes the surface to oxidise. The copper darkens first to amber-brown, and in humid conditions may develop a greenish layer called verdigris. This process — called patination — is not damage. It is the natural chemistry of the metal. Our hand-beaten bracelets develop particularly interesting patinas because the hammered texture oxidises unevenly, the recessed hammer marks darkening first while the raised faces stay brighter longer.

The fastest way to restore bright copper is with lemon juice and salt. Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle salt on the cut surface, and rub gently over the bracelet. The acid dissolves the oxidation; the salt provides mild abrasion. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely and immediately. This takes two minutes and works on any level of oxidation — even heavily darkened copper comes back to near-original shine. For our carved bracelets (Om Mani), use a soft toothbrush to work the lemon into the carved grooves.

Ketchup: contains acetic acid and works the same way as lemon. Apply, leave for 10 minutes, scrub with an old toothbrush (especially useful for the carved mantra detail), rinse thoroughly. Gentler than lemon — good for more intricate work. Baking soda paste: mix with a little water, apply with a soft cloth in circular motions, rinse. A mid-strength option — better than nothing, not as effective as lemon for heavy oxidation.

Copper can leave a harmless green or dark mark on the skin in some conditions — more common in hot weather or on skin with higher acidity. It washes off easily. To prevent it: apply a thin coat of clear nail varnish to the inside of the bracelet (the skin-contact side only). This creates a barrier between the copper and your skin. Reapply every few months as it wears away. Keeping the bracelet dry also helps — remove it before swimming, showering, or prolonged water exposure.