Why I've worn a copper bracelet every day for years, and why so many women ask me about it.
A short guide to copper: where the tradition comes from, why it's such a lovely metal to wear, how it changes over time, and how to look after it.
Dear friend,
I'm Mae. People often notice the copper cuff on my wrist before they notice anything else I'm wearing. It's warm and rosy, a little worn at the edges, and it has been with me through gardening, cooking, travel and more ordinary Tuesdays than I could count.
When someone asks about it, the conversation always goes the same way: "Is it real copper? Does it go green? Why copper?" So I've written down everything I usually tell them.
4 reasons women have worn copper for 3,000 years
A tradition older than history books
Copper was one of the very first metals people learned to work. Ancient Egyptians, Romans and many other cultures shaped it into bangles, rings and everyday objects, and the habit of wearing it never really went away.
Made for everyday life
A good copper cuff is light enough to forget about and solid enough to last. It happily comes along to the kitchen, the garden and the shops, which is exactly how it should be worn.
A patina that is yours alone
Real copper slowly changes colour as you wear it, darkening into a warm patina shaped by your skin and your days. No two pieces age in quite the same way.
Finished by hand
Our pieces are shaped, hammered and engraved by hand, and most are made from 99.9% pure copper. It is a simple material, worked with care, that only gets more character with time.
Where the tradition comes from
Copper has been part of human life for an extraordinarily long time. It was traded across the ancient world, worked into tools and jewellery, and treasured for its warm colour. In many cultures, copper bangles were given as gifts, passed down through families and worn every single day.
That's what I love most about it: wearing copper connects you to something very old and very human. It isn't a trend. It's one of the oldest habits we have.
What copper is, and what it isn't
Many people tell me they wear copper as part of their daily routine and simply feel good doing it. I understand that completely, and I wear mine for the same reason. But I'd rather be honest with you: copper jewellery is jewellery. It isn't a medical treatment, and I'll never promise that it will fix anything.
What I can promise is a beautiful, natural piece that feels warm on the skin, ages gracefully and is made to be worn every day for years.
How copper changes over time
Prefer the bright look? A quick polish brings the shine straight back. Love the aged look? Just keep wearing it.
Caring for your copper
- To bring back the shine, rub gently with a little lemon juice and salt, then rinse and dry.
- Dry it after swimming or a long shower to keep it looking its best.
- Most cuffs are gently adjustable. Bend them slowly and only a little at a time.
- Some skin reacts with copper and shows a faint green mark. It's harmless and washes off with soap and water.
A few pieces from our copper collection
Petal Copper Bracelet
Canopy Copper Bracelet
Bloom Copper Bracelet
Trine Copper Bracelet
The Milly & Mae Sydney copper collection
- Bracelets, cuffs, rings, necklaces and more
- Most pieces made from 99.9% pure copper
- Shaped and finished by hand
- A natural patina that develops as you wear it
- Tracked delivery and 30-day returns
If you've been curious about copper, start with one simple piece and wear it every day for a month. Watch it change, and see how quickly it starts to feel like part of you.
With love,
Mae · Milly & Mae Sydney
Copper jewellery is not a medical device or treatment. If you have a health concern, please speak with your doctor. · Milly & Mae Sydney · Tracked delivery · 30-day returns · Prices in AUD.