CLEANING COPPER JEWELRY

Copper is one of my most favorite metals to work with and I use quite a bit.  It shines just like a new penny but can oxidates very quickly if not stored properly.  Most jewelry should be stored in a ziploc bag, making sure to squeeze out as much of the air possible in the bag before you close it.  I do this simply by rolling the bag.

Cleaning copper is real simple and does not require using any toxic or abrasive cleaners which usually breaks down the metal anyway.  I use 3 parts water and 1 part concentrated lemon juice in a glass bowl.  Stir the mixture around with your finger.  Submerge your copper jewelry in the mixture for about 10 minutes, longer if you have a lot of tarnish.  Remove the jewelry from the bowl and rinse under water.  Dry gently with a paper towel or soft cloth and store in a ziploc bag making sure to remove as much as possible.  Looks like new money!

Before Cleaning

Lemon and water solution with copper jewelry

After Cleaning

January Birthstone: GARNET

GARNET

The birthstone for the month of January.   The deep, glossy red color of garnet resembles the juicy seeds of a pomegranate, which is perhaps why its name is derived from the Latin word for pomegranate seeds, granatum. In Greek mythology, a pomegranate was often given as a gift of passion and associated with eternal love. In ancient history, travelers wore garnet gemstones because they were believed to light up the night and provide protection from nightmares and accidents.

In the middle ages, garnet was commonly believed to guard against poison. Royals would often drop a garnet gemstone into a glass of wine to ensure they were not poisoned to death. Garnets were also worn by the crusaders as an aid to safely find their way home. Eastern European folktales speak of garnets being worn around the neck to guard against night-wandering vampires.

Garnets were also used in burial jewelry and carved signet rings to proclaim royalty during the Bronze Age (300 BC).

PROPERTIES
Energizes. revitalizes: balances energy, brings serenity.  Activates other crystals, clears negative chakra energy.  Inspires love, stimulates controlled rise of kundalini energy.

Past life recall:  Place on the left third eye.  Treats spinal and cellular disorders, blood, heart, lungs;  regenerates DNA.  Aids assimilation of minerals/vitamins.

Red Garnet:  Represents love.  Attuned to heart energy, revitalizes feelings, enhances sexuality.  Controls anger, especially toward oneself.  Garnets species are found in many colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, pink and colorless. The rarest of these is the blue garnet, discovered in the late 1990s in Bekily, Madagascar

Traditional Meaning -  A Letter is on its way.
For Your Physical Well Being - Revitalizes and reenergizes


PROPER CLEANING
Clean garnet stones with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse the stone well after washing it. Ultrasonic treatments may be used for most garnets, except the demantoid variety. Steam cleaning garnets may cause color changes from the heat.

Protect garnet from sharp blows, extreme temperature changes and harsh chemicals.

*Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Trace Elements does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.