Copper Bracelets

After making the copper bracelet on the right from recycled water pipe, I decided to purchase copper tubing and try to perfect my technique. Two sizes of copper tubing were available-one fourth inch outside diameter and on fourth inch inner diameter. Since both were inexpensive, I purchased both sizes.

To make a variation, the smaller tube was selected for the new bracelet. The smaller tubing was much easier to bend around the bracelet mandrel than the recycled tubing probably due to the thinner tube wall. The thinner wall has not affected the sturdiness of the bracet. To give variety, I wrapped the extending wire before making the swirls. This bracelet is definitely better looking and will be a welcome addition to my grand daughters' copper jewelry collections.

Recycling Copper Pipe For Jewelry

We replaced copper pipe under our sink. I saved the two eighteen inch lengths we removed in hopes of making copper jewelry. You can imagine my delight upon reading Sharilyn Miller's new book Contemporary Copper Jewelry to see directions for a copper bangle bracelet using copper pipe. The old dark dingy copper pipe was polished to a gleaming shine with very fine steel wool according to the directions. Using the pipe cutter was a new experience, but not very difficult. Bending the pipe around the bracelet mandrel took patience. An advantage to using the old pipe was the bracelet did not have to be textured or distressed. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the bracelet was completed. New pipe which I purchased for another bracelet was not as difficult to bend around the mandrel. I am now busy trying to develope variations to the design. This book is an excellent reference and resource with detailed easy to follow directions. This is one time being a pack rat paid off!!

Copper Jewelry

We have been working with copper to make necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Copper jewelry tarnishes very quickly on some individuals. Information on the internet suggested that soaking copper jewelry in tomato juice would brighten it again. Instead, I tried soaking in white vinegar also an acid. The tarnish was removed, but the necklace looked dull. After rubbing it with salt and rinsing thoroughly, it looked brighter but was not restored to previous luster. Experimenting again, I put the necklace in a tumbler and it was brightened. Not many people have a tumbler so this is not a feasible solution. The best solution seems to be to use a metal polish or a polishing cloth being careful to avoid the gemstones.



You should realize that if you find that silver jewelry tarnishes (turns black) very quickly when you wear it, then copper jewelry will tarnish much more quickly. The copper content of the silver combines with the oxygen in the air to form tarnish (black). I found that copper tarnishes within an hour or so when worn against sweaty skin in the summer time.
We debated using a coating over copper jewelry, but decided that the coating would wear through eventually making the jewelry appearance unacceptable. Many folks like the tarnished look of aged copper. I have seen some very attractive pieces that were deliberately aged and polished for highlights giving an antique look.


Consider the damage of the chemicals to the stones in copper jewelry. The treatments suggested above (except the polishing cloth and possibly metal polish) are feasible to use with jewelry having no gemstones.


This information should be considered when evaluating the amount of your time or money to invest when making or purchasing copper jewelry.

Private Stock Jewelry Studio sent us this comment.
"I clean all my copper jewelry in my tumbler, it is amazing!! I also offer my customers free cleaning. The copper is so bright it looks like rose gold!!"