Tag Archives | safari bangles

How Do Copper Bracelets Really Work?

Recently, I decided to look into what the wider world thinks about copper bracelets and how they work. What I found surprised me.

There are endless debates and detailed medical studies discussing their effects. The most common scientific theory suggests that tiny particles of copper somehow break off, enter the body, and relieve arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or stiffness. These claims, however, have largely been debunked, with researchers concluding that any benefit is simply a placebo effect.

If that’s true, then why do we now have copper-infused gloves, pillows, and even footwear?

Because there’s another side to the conversation.

A fully rounded adjustable copper bracelet bangle with 4 copper knots
Sliding knot copper bracelet so copper is close to your skin

The human nervous system operates according to the laws of electricity—albeit at extremely small voltages. Our bodies generate electrical signals constantly. We also produce an electromagnetic field around us (whether you call it biology or energy). Under certain conditions, this field has even been photographed.

Now combine that with a basic principle of physics: copper conducts electricity exceptionally well. Copper coils generate magnetic fields—just like those used in electric motors and generators. Copper foil and plates are used as electromagnetic and heat shields in industrial applications. Copper wiring runs through our homes, cars, trains, and even spacecraft. In fact, some wires are so sensitive they must be shielded from interference.

So is it really so unreasonable to think that copper worn around the wrist might interact with the body in some way?

My uncle, a shopfitter in London, swore by his copper bracelet as he got older. His hands stiffened, but he still had to work. He believed it helped him keep going.

I understand why.

I spend long hours bending and crafting wire into bracelets. Some days my hands cramp so badly I can’t hold a coffee cup, grip a steering wheel, or even use small pliers. When I ask older jewelers and stone workers what to do, the answer is usually the same: there’s no cure—just live with it.

Yes, I can use lotions, massage, and stretching exercises. But I still have work to do.

What I’ve discovered is this: wearing one of my own handmade copper bracelets helps. Despite research saying copper doesn’t “cure” anything and any benefit must be the placebo effect, my experience tells me otherwise.

It doesn’t cure the problem.
It reduces the pain.

My personal observation is that copper around the wrist interacts with the body differently. Perhaps the electrical currents in our neurotransmitter systems are subtly influenced by the copper coil surrounding them. Maybe it helps conduct away or dampen stress signals. I don’t claim to know the full mechanism—but when the pain decreases:

  • I can continue working.
  • My body seems to recover faster.

And as you probably know, and any physiotherapist will tell you, healing happens more easily when the body isn’t fighting constant pain.

This raises interesting questions:

  • Would thicker copper bangles work better?
  • What about half-cuff designs?
  • If the bracelet is adjustable and sits closer to the nerves, does that increase the effect?

I don’t have definitive answers—but they seem worth exploring.

In future posts, I’ll look at questions like which wrist to wear a bracelet on, how close it should sit to the skin, the amount and purity of copper, why some of these copper claims go back hundreds of years and whether combining copper with other metals changes the effect. Maybe even delve into the bodies bioelectric system more.

In the meantime, you can see some of the copper bracelets and bangles I make here:

or on my Etsy shop https://safarigoldjewelry.etsy.com

Martin Foden
© SafariGold.com #copperbracelets #copperhealth

Gift bracelet sizing suggestions

There are many issues sizing bracelets and it is not a precise science. Some people like their bracelets tighter, some looser, some even over clothing or under another bracelet. There may even be a question of left wrist or right wrist if a person is very physically active with one or the other hand.

This chart below shows how wrist/bracelet sizing usually breaks down:

SIZEInchesCentimeters
Tiny (Kids only)< 6″< 15cm
Small6 – 6.5″15.2 – 16.5cm
Medium6.5 – 7.5″16.5 – 19.0cm
Large7.5 – 8″19.0 – 20.3cm
Extra Large8 – 8.5″20.3 – 21.6cm
XXL8.5 – 9″21.6 – 22.9cm

Compounding the problem here, especially when you want to send a gift bracelet to someone far away, is the fact that most quality bracelets are not easily (if at all) adjustable. Except of course, for those made in a traditional African elephant knot style. They are both adjustable to some extent and all are clasp free so they can’t break and come off accidentally. You can tighten them as needed with the magic sliding knots once on your wrist – even different amounts on different days when you are in different moods.

Sample 2 Knot Adjustable BraceletSample 3 Knot Adjustable BraceletSample 4 Knot Adjustable Bracelet
2 knot gold elephant hair bracelet3 knot elephant hair braceletSilver and gold 4 knot african elephant hair knot bracelet

These designs greatly simplify selections when buying online for yourself as well as for friends and family. But it is still not a “one size fits all” proposition. Rather a “one size fits many” decision, so I recommend ordering Small size for teenagers and skinny ladies, Large for big men (and very big ladies) and Medium for everyone else.

If ordering off me here at Safari Gold or on my Etsy store, all bracelets are made to order. So you can order the closest size you think is right, then give me your specific wrists size (if known) for the wearer, and I will tweak the actual bracelet specifically for you. For kids’ bracelets please contact me in advance.

Two knot bracelets offer the most variability. Same for three knots but you may want to give some thought as to where the knots end up. If you look at the sample pics here, notice the complexity of four knot bracelets. Popular though they may be, the knots will run into each other and go no further if it closed down too much or worn by someone who is too small for that mechanism. This also means I cannot make 4 knot bracelets in small size – especially if they have 5 or 7 strands. As a result, two knot bracelets are the best gifts when you are sending them to someone who’s actual wrist size you don’t know but suspect it could be skinny.

Note also that my SimbaCub designs are smaller and lighter, but not as strong for everyday wear, so they are more suited for slender people or children.

P.S. If all else fails and you order the wrong size, simply return it for a no charge adjustment or replacement. And include a wrist measurement!

#bracelets #elephants #safarigifts @elephanthair

Silver and Gold, or Gold and Silver?

Just when I was starting to think that there weren’t any more combinations of silver and gold, or metal and artificial elephant, a customer insisted she wanted a 4 knot gold bracelet with silver knots. I had thought of this before but gold people are usually very particular. On the other hand, I was an idiot because one of our most popular products is the 4 knot silver bracelet with gold knots. The gold knots just add a touch of class compared to an all silver model, but I thought the reverse would be true adding silver knots to a gold bracelet.

Gold on silver or silver on gold strands elephant hair knot bracelets.

Not only was I wrong but on further examination, I did offer 2-knots and 3-knots silver with gold strands bracelets that I had forgotten about. Isn’t it fun selling direct and interacting directly with your customers, even though we live 3 time zones apart?

Of course, being a passionate lover of these bracelets, and blaming her mother for the variations (while thanking her husband for letting her spend the money) she wanted earrings to match. So now they also come in both flavors as you can see here:

Did you know the knots really slide on these earrings? They are about 5 cm (1.5″) in diameter. I plan to make some even smaller petite ones to match our SimbaCub line soon.

And like all our bracelets, they are made from fully rounded wire in a traditional East African and Southern African style making them ideal for anyone with a love for African safari adventures. All silver is Argentium tarnish resistant 935 sterling silver and all gold products shown here are 20/14KY gold fill. Rose gold may be substituted for the same price and solid 14KY gold is available for those where only the best will do. See the Simba bracelet section in the Safari Gold shop for specific items.

Silver and Black bracelet collection

Black and silver african magic slide knots braceletThis all started when someone posted a picture of a competitor’s product on Pinterest. Then I started getting inquiries, as the Pinterest link did not lead to a site that actually provided such product (at least anymore). Maybe customers figured out the black would quickly wear off, as it was simply anodized silver which turns to dull grey in short order with regular usage, even though it initially makes for a nice bright photograph.

Well I felt I had been caught off base when these inquiries came in. After all, we already had a well-liked line of tricolor elephant hair knot bracelets. This line was triggered by a lady at the Dallas Safari Club show a few years back when she asked why not silver and gold and artificial elephant hair? They are a little tricky to make, as each of the materials react differently when you are trying to cox them into those magic knots, but suffice to say they have gone on to be popular items in both 5 strand and 3 strand narrow models. And the black will always remain black. And the silver is Argentium 935 sterling silver so it is tarnish resistant.

Black and silver elephant hair knot braceletToday we complete the offerings of silver and black strands. We have had artificial elephant hair bracelets(and giraffe hair too) with silver knots for a long time. Now you can also get silver and black strands in 3 strand narrow versions (2 silver one hair) or our standard 5 strand versions (3 silver, 2 black hair).

These are almost like the yin and yang of Africa. Traditional values via the artificial elephant hair in color and feel, modern elegance via the silver. They are available now via our www.SafariGold.com website or my Etsy store www.etsy.com/safarigoldjewelry/

Please do not support the poachers. Trading in elephant or giraffe hair products is now illegal across the board.

PS Of course, we have had all artificial hair with a touch of silver for quite a while now in bracelets and smaller pendants and earrings.

Artificial elephant hair bracelets, earrings and pendant

 

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Elephant Hair Knot Bracelets and Safari Jewelry

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