| Many people love copper jewelry because of its | | | | Neolithic humans around 8000 B.C. Around 4000 |
| beauty and versatility. Because copper is so | | | | B.C., the Egyptians started casting copper, and by |
| malleable, it lends itself to many creative designs. | | | | 3500 B.C. it was alloyed with tin to produce |
| But did you know that there may also be health | | | | Bronze. In mythology and alchemy, copper was |
| benefits from copper jewelry? | | | | associated with the goddess Aphrodite, relating to |
| If you look around, you might be surprised at | | | | its radiant beauty and use in producing mirrors. |
| how many people wear copper bracelets, | | | | Copper takes its name from the Latin aes |
| necklaces, and rings. It's a commonly held belief | | | | Cyprium, meaning "metal of Cyprus," shortened |
| that by wearing copper jewelry, your skin will | | | | to cyprium and later corrupted to cuprum. |
| absorb certain minerals and as a result, impact | | | | Copper jewelry will oxidize over time unless it has |
| your health positively. Key to efficient metabolism, | | | | been treated. Usually, copper will patina into a |
| absorption and transportation of iron throughout | | | | beautiful shade of green. Copper usually reacts |
| the body, and melanin production in the skin, | | | | harmlessly with skin oils to turn both itself and |
| copper is an essential trace mineral. | | | | surrounding skin green. Rings and other pieces |
| Even though copper is an important trace mineral | | | | that are worn more constantly have a higher |
| for a healthy mind and body, it is still quite | | | | chance of reacting with skin. |
| questionable whether or not wearing copper | | | | One of the largest concentrations of native |
| jewelry provides any direct health benefits. | | | | copper in the world is in the Keweenaw Peninsula |
| Common assertions include pain relief, especially | | | | of Upper Michigan. In the United States, Arizona |
| arthritis, and/or improving skin tone. Copper | | | | has the second largest copper deposit. Other |
| bracelets with magnets in them are a common | | | | localities include England, Australia, Germany, |
| over the counter arthritis remedy. These types | | | | Russia, and Bolivia. Although folk lore abounds with |
| of bracelets can help alleviate pain due to | | | | stories of how the wearing of copper helps ease |
| rheumatoid and osteo arthritis. | | | | the pain and discomfort of arthritis, you might |
| Since copper can be easily minipulated into many | | | | want to own jewelry made from copper just |
| forms, it has been favored by many ancient | | | | because it makes a beautiful piece of jewelry. |
| cultures. There are stunning examples of copper | | | | Whether classic or contemporary, handmade |
| jewelry from Iran, Eastern Europe and Egypt. | | | | copper jewelry by San Francisco jewelry designer |
| Copper in its naturally occurring state was | | | | John S. Brana is designed to set the wearer apart |
| probably the first metal to be used by humans. | | | | from the crowd. |
| Copper was used as a substitute for stone by | | | | |