Copper jewelry is loved by many due to its beauty and versatility. Because copper is so malleable, it lends itself to many creative designs. In addition to its many innovative designs, copper also may provide some health benefits to its wearer.

Copper rings, necklaces, and bracelets are once again becoming very popular. It's a commonly held belief that by wearing copper jewelry, your skin will absorb certain minerals and as a result, impact your health positively. Copper is an essential trace mineral that helps melanin production in the skin, aids in the production of red blood cells, and increases the absorption and transportation of iron.

Although copper is an essential trace mineral, it is still debatable whether or not copper jewelry has any direct influence on overall health. Common assertions include pain relief, especially arthritis, and/or improving skin tone. If you suffer from arthritis, magnetized copper bracelets are widely sold over the counter at your local drug store. These types of bracelets can help alleviate pain due to rheumatoid and osteo arthritis.

Throughout history, copper jewelry has been favored by many people and cultures due to its malibility. There are striking examples of early copper jewelry from Egypt, Eastern Europe, and Iran. Copper was one of the first metals to be used by humans in its natural occuring state. By 8000 B.C., copper was used as a substitue for stone by Neolithic man. Around 4000 B.C., the Egyptians started casting copper, and by 3500 B.C. it was alloyed with tin to produce Bronze. One of coppers first "commercial" uses was in the ancient production of mirrors due to its shimmering beauty and was associated in mythology and alchemy to the goddess Venuse/Aphrodite. Copper takes its name from the Latin aes Cyprium, meaning "metal of Cyprus," shortened to cyprium and later corrupted to cuprum.

Copper jewelry will oxidize over time unless it has been treated. When copper tarnishes it turns a beautiful green color. Copper usually reacts harmlessly with skin oils to turn both itself and surrounding skin green. You will have a higher chance of your skin turning green the more often you wear your jewelry, especially rings.

One of the worlds largest concentration of native copper can be found in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan. Other deposits can be found in Australia, Germany, England, Bolivia, Russia, and in Arizona. Regardless of the myths and folk lore surrounding the medicinal value of wearing copper jewelry, the warm rich tones of copper jewelry make it a "must have" of any fashion conscious woman.