I love copper and I love chain maille. Put the two together and I'm in heaven.Some people prefer the shiny new copper and it is very nice, but I like the antique look of oxidized copper. When I'm putting on airs, I say it has a patina but you and I both know it's actually tarnish. Whatever we call it, the color of oxidized copper gives it character. It feels old and you can imagine that it has a story surrounding it.
Don't be worried about your skin turning green from wearing copper. Wear it at home for a few hours and see what happens. If you do turn green, it will wash off. But don't clean the copper. You body's natural oils will coat the jewelry and protect it and you from future Martian impersonations.
If you do prefer the shiny new penny look of copper, there are several ways to clean it. There are many preparations available at jewelry stores and online. But I wouldn't waste my money when I have the materials in my own kitchen. You can use lemon juice and table salt if you like. But my favorite copper cleaner is ketchup. Done laughing? Good. All you do is put a little ketchup on the copper and rub it in. If the piece has a lot of nooks and crannies, use an old soft toothbrush to get to them. Rinse it really well under running water and ooh and shh over the shine. To be extra safe, you might want to use some baking soda when you rinse it to offset the acidity of the ketchup.
Shine or patina, copper is a gorgeous material and is perfect for casual jewelry as well as high fashion.
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