Copper jewelry is loved by many due to its beauty and versatility. Since copper is so easy to work with, due to its malleability, many imaginative designs can be created using this metal. In addition to its many innovative designs, copper also may provide some health benefits to its wearer.

If you look around, you might be surprised at how many people wear copper bracelets, necklaces, and rings. 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.

There is some debate about whether copper jewelry can help improve your health. Frequent claims include easing pain relief due to arthritis and enhancing skin tone. Magnetized copper bracelets are commonly sold as arthritis remedies and can be purchased 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 has been favored by many people and cultures due to its malibility. Eastern Europe, Egypt, and Iran have many astonishing examples of early copper jewelry. Copper in its naturally occurring state was probably the first metal to be used by humans. Copper was used as a substitute for stone by Neolithic humans around 8000 B.C. Around 4000 B.C., the Egyptians started casting copper, and by 3500 B.C. it was alloyed with tin to produce Bronze. In mythology and alchemy, copper was associated with the goddess Aphrodite, relating to its radiant beauty and use in producing mirrors. The name copper is derived from the Latin aes Cyprium, which means "metal of Cyprus," which was later shortened to cyprium, and later corrupted to cuprum.

Copper jewelry will oxidize over time unless it has been treated. As copper tarnishes, it usually produces a beautiful green patina. Skin that has reacted with copper will often turn green as well and the reaction is completely harmless to the body. Copper rings have the highest chance of turning skin green, since rings are in constant contact with your skin.

The Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan has probably the world's largest concentration of native copper. Other localities include Bolivia, the Ural Mountains in Russia, England, Australia, Germany, and 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.