# Copper

> Copper is a reddish, soft and conductive metal widely used in handmade jewelry, in gold and silver alloys, and as a base for enamel.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/copper/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-26
- Updated: 2026-08-26
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/cobre/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Copper is one of the first metals people ever worked, and it is still a staple of the jewelry bench. Its warm reddish color, affordable price and ease of forging, soldering and enameling make it ideal for learning and for creating handmade pieces with character.

## Properties

- **Color:** bright orange-red when freshly polished; it darkens over time.
- **Melting point:** about 1085 °C (1985 °F)
- **Hardness:** soft and very malleable (around 3 on the Mohs scale)
- **Density:** 8.96 g/cm³.
- **Reaction to air:** it oxidizes into a brown patina and, with prolonged moisture, a greenish verdigris.

## Uses in jewelry

- Handmade jewelry: bangles, rings, pendants and twisted or hammered wire.
- Alloying metal: it gives [rose gold](https://www.711grados.com/en/gold/) its pink tone and hardens sterling [silver](https://www.711grados.com/en/silver/) (7.5% copper).
- Enamel base: vitreous enamel is fused onto copper sheet.
- Techniques such as chasing, patination, electroforming or mokume-gane (layers of different metals joined with heat and pressure).

## Pros and cons

### Advantages

- Inexpensive and easy to work.
- Adds a warm, distinctive color.
- Takes patinas, enamels and textures well.

### Limitations

- It oxidizes and can leave a greenish mark on the skin.
- It is soft: it scratches and bends easily.
- It needs upkeep to keep its shine.

## Care and cleaning

- Dry it after wearing and keep it away from water, perfume and creams.
- Wipe it with a soft cloth; a paste of lemon juice and salt or a metal polish removes tarnish, then rinse well.
- A thin coat of microcrystalline wax or clear lacquer protects the surface and slows oxidation.
- Store it somewhere dry, ideally in a sealed bag.

> [!NOTE]
> The green mark copper sometimes leaves on skin is a reaction between the metal and sweat. It is harmless and washes off with soap and water.

## See also

- [Bronze](https://www.711grados.com/en/bronze/)
- [Brass](https://www.711grados.com/en/brass/)
- [Gold](https://www.711grados.com/en/gold/)
- [Silver](https://www.711grados.com/en/silver/)