How to Care for Copper Body Jewellery — The Complete REPIOR Guide
By Pilar, Designer & Founder of REPIOR® · 6 min read
Copper is one of the most beautiful materials for intimate body jewellery — warm, organic, alive against the skin.
It is also one that rewards attention. Unlike steel or aluminium, copper changes with wear. It develops a patina, deepens in tone, and gradually becomes uniquely yours. This guide explains how to keep your copper REPIOR piece looking exactly as you want it — whether that means preserving its original brightness or allowing the patina to deepen naturally.
Understanding Copper Patina
Copper reacts with the natural oils and chemistry of your skin. Over time it develops a patina: a deepening, darkening of the surface that ranges from warm amber to deep brown. This is not damage. It is a natural property of the material, and many REPIOR customers prefer the patina look. It gives each piece a history, a record of being worn.
Daily Care: After Wearing
After each wear, clean your copper piece with a soft, dry cloth. This removes skin oils before they oxidise on the surface and slows the patina process significantly. Dry the piece thoroughly before storing — moisture accelerates patina and can leave watermarks.
Deep Cleaning: Restoring the Original Shine
If your copper piece has developed a patina and you want to restore its original brightness, there are two methods:
Lemon juice method (recommended)
Squeeze a small amount of fresh lemon juice onto a soft cloth. Rub gently over the copper surface in small circular motions. Rinse immediately with clean water. Dry thoroughly and polish with a dry cloth. The acidity dissolves the oxidised layer instantly. Safe for all REPIOR copper pieces.
Salt and vinegar method
Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Apply with a soft cloth, rubbing gently. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Dry and polish immediately. Use this for heavier patina.
What Not to Use on Copper
Avoid abrasive scrubs or scouring pads (these scratch the surface), bleach or harsh chemical cleaners (these damage the metal), ultrasonic cleaners (not suitable for hand-formed wire pieces), and leaving wet — always dry immediately after any cleaning.
Storing Your Copper Pieces
Store each copper piece individually — wrapped in a soft cloth or in the REPIOR pouch it arrived in. Copper stored touching other metals can accelerate oxidation. Keep away from direct sunlight and humidity. Do not store in plastic bags — plastic traps moisture and speeds up patina.
Wearing Copper Safely
REPIOR copper is untreated and free from coatings. It is hypoallergenic for most people. A small number of people have sensitivity to copper. If you notice any skin discolouration (a green tinge — entirely harmless), a barrier coating of clear nail varnish on the inside contact surface will prevent this.
→ See our full FAQ for sizing and care: repior.com/faqs/
→ Shop copper pieces: repior.com/shop/
Crafted with Passion. Worn with Confidence.
Pilar — Designer & Founder, REPIOR® · Handcrafted in the UK since 2012