Vintage Copper Jewelry

Q: I was hoping someone could point me to a source, online, for ordering copper earwires. I only need a few, and have searched all my links and come up empty handed. T

A:Copper is NOT something you want to put through your ear. Antique copper-colored niobium earwires are the hypo-allergenic way to go. Well, besides the fact that copper will turn your skin green, then black with oxidation crud... The important reason not to use copper for earrings is metal sensitivity. You know how cheap nickel jewelry can cause rashes and oozing ear holes? Copper can do the same thing to many people. I use copper for finger rings, but I coat them with a clear laquer before they go into use.