Is it safe to wear
copper in earrings?
Yes, in many cases it is safe, but with
important conditions:
🔹 1.
Type of Copper Matters
- Raw (bare) copper can oxidize quickly and may cause green stains or skin irritation for some people.
- Coated or sealed copper (with wax, lacquer, or clear nail polish) is much safer for direct skin contact.
🔹 2.
Allergies and Sensitivities
- Some people have metal sensitivities, especially to nickel, but occasionally also to copper.
- For sensitive ears, even pure copper might cause itchiness, redness, or infection.
🔹 3.
Sterling Silver or Hypoallergenic Ear Wires
Help
- Many jewelry makers use copper for the decorative part of the earring and attach hypoallergenic metals (like sterling silver, stainless steel, or niobium) for the part that goes through the ear.
- That way, the copper is still part of the design but doesn’t touch sensitive skin.
🔹 4.
Hygiene
- Always clean any earrings—especially handmade ones—before first use.
- Avoid wearing copper earrings in wet or sweaty conditions to reduce the risk of tarnish or irritation.
🟡 So, what should you do?
If you’re making earrings for others, it’s a good idea to:
- Use hypoallergenic earring hooks.
- Seal the copper or coat it where it might touch skin.
- Offer a disclaimer or note saying “Made with copper; not recommended for sensitive ears.”
