Cleaning and Caring for Copper and Patina Jewelry

We’re Hooked on Copper, Patinas & Hand-Coloring

Chris and I first explored patinas in a holloware class at the University of Kansas in the 80’s. Those early (vintage) sculptural pieces are still on display in our home, and we’ve continued to create with patinas ever since. We’re combining our 30+ years of patina experience here with tips of ways to keep your patina and hand-colored copper pieces looking as good as new for years to come. Here's how.

Understanding Patinas and Clear Acrylic Finishes

A patina is a change to the surface of the metal due to oxidation or chemical treatments, adding color, character, and sometimes texture to a piece. Caring for the patina correctly will help your jewelry last and looking new.

We add a clear acrylic finish to our copper patina and hand-colored copper jewelry. See our copper handmade jewelry. This clear acrylic finish serves as a protective coating and a shine-enhancer. It helps protect the piece from scratches, chemicals, dust, and tarnish. Here are simple tips to care for your patina and hand-colored pieces with clear acrylic finishes.

Cleaning Tips for Jewelry with Patinas and Clear Acrylic Finishes

1. Gentle Dusting — Use a soft, microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surface of the jewelry to remove dust or dirt. Avoid using any material that can scratch the acrylic finish, such as paper towels, tissues, or brushes.
   Tip: Gently clean your pieces regularly to minimize residue build up.
2. Wipe with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water and dry immediately.
   Tip: Never soak jewelry with an acrylic finish, water exposure can weaken the adhesive acrylic and cause damage. 
   Drying: Carefully pat jewelry with a dry, soft cloth until all moisture is gone.
   Tip: Let the piece completely air dry before storing to prevent trapped moisture, which can cause damage or tarnish.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals — Never use alcohol, acetone, abrasives, or liquid jewelry cleaners that can dissolve, scratch, or change the clarity of the acrylic finish.
   Tip: Be sure to remove jewelry before applying lotion, perfume or hairspray, which can harm the acrylic finish.
4. Handle with Care — minimize touching the surface, as the oils and acid from your skin can affect the surface over time. Remove before swimming, exercise, or during activities that cause sweating.
5. Copper + Sterling — If your jewelry contains a combination of copper patina or hand-colored copper + sterling silver, please see our article on how to care for sterling silver, as the care instructions for clear acrylic finishes and sterling finishes differ.

Storing Acrylic-Sealed Jewelry

• Store Separately in a Cool, Dry Place: Prevent scratches by storing pieces separately in soft pouches, zip-bags, boxes, or compartments.
  Tip: Shield pieces from direct sunlight and heat, which can degrade the acrylic.

• Air-Tight Containers: Zip-bags or containers help prevent further oxidation and tarnish by keeping air and moisture at bay.
• Anti-Tarnish Bags: Use anti-tarnish bags to help keep your pieces in top shape. 

When to Seek a Jeweler’s Help

• Restoring the Surface: If the clear acrylic finish is scratched, or the patina has been worn or rubbed off, a jeweler can restore the piece. If yours is a Kristin Christopher piece, please contact us at kc@kristinchristopher.com.
• Complex Cases: Jewelry with gemstones, intricate designs, mixed metals, or patinas may require special cleaning methods. If you are unsure of how to clean your piece, contact a jewelry store in your town that does repairs. If it is a Kristin Christopher piece, please email us: kc@kristinchristopher.com, and we can restore or clean your piece. 

To Sum it Up

Patinas and hand-colored copper add a colorful, organic, artistic, and one-of-a-kind expression to our handmade jewelry. You can preserve the beauty of these pieces by understanding the finishes and mindfully following the care and storage instructions. Preventative care is the best way to keep your jewelry clean, shiny, and like new so your special pieces can be worn with joy and pride and eventually passed to future generations.

Shop our collection of copper patina and hand-colored copper designs.