Need a ruling, please...

[Orrex]

My wife and I have an etsy shop through which she sells original painitings and needlework, while I sell chainmaille jewelry and accessories.

For the jewelry, I work chiefly in aluminum, bronze, stainless steel and copper. I am aware that copper is reputed to have beneficial healing properties. Would it be unethical or hypocritical of me to cite these properties when I myself don't believe in them?

Naturally, I wouldn't make any claims with certainty, and I would instead describe a given piece by saying something like "copper is prized by some for its reputed health benefits" or "some believe copper to help maintain health" or the like." These statements would not be false, in that people truly do believe these things, and I make no assertions about my own beliefs, nor do I actually endorse these healing properties.

Still, I can't help feeling that it would be a bit shady of me to do this.

What do you think? (I haven't done it yet, by the way...)

[digonswine]

1. How about-

you say some of the things you mention in your third paragraph, but have a disclaimer somewhere that these works are not intended to be used medicinally, or something similar.
It's not like you are lying-just stating some of its historical uses.
If you still feel shady, don't do it.

[Orrex]

2. Good point about the disclaimer!

I should definitely include something to that effect. As to the rest, I suppose I need to ruminate on it further.

I guess what bugs me is that I don't want to deceive anyone, nor to leave anyone feeling deceived...

Thanks for your insight!

[digonswine]

3. No problem-it is a tough one, and

I am not sure how I would deal with it. I think, though, that you can't be faulted if you do not make the claims as if they are true and backed up by research, etc.
Conscience-clear!

[findrskeep]

4. Hi Orrex!

IMHO, If I were you, I would post it in the description because it is true that copper is reported to have healing properties. I would put the disclaimer in there too like the other poster suggested. I would bet that a lot of people buying copper jewelry are already aware of the healing properties. You could even ask for feedback from some of your customers to let you know if the jewelry made of copper actually helped them. Then if you get enough good feedback, you may even begin to believe it yourself!

[Orrex]

5. Good answer--thanks!

Hmm.... Leaning toward including a mention, now...

[Manifestor_of_Light]

6. If you feel OK about it, do it.

Some people buy gems and minerals and metals for specific alleged healing properties. I think it's all right to put that info up with a disclaimer, as you are talking about. It would expand the market for your items.

[Howler]

7. I say go for it Orrex.

Whether you believe in it or not there is a market out there that does and I think its just good business sense to advertise to that consumer. Plus has several posters have already mentioned it works regardless of your beliefs anyway. And Who knows you just may find reason to change your mind later.

[NuttyFluffers]

8. if you don't feel comfortable, don't do it.

you already got your gut answer. if you cannot stand behind your work (including any claims or aside comments) then don't include them. your better judgment is already giving you its answer, the challenge is to listen.

[magical thyme]

9. if you feel uncomfortable, then don't do it.

Your discomfort may hurt your sales.

If you can add it without discomfort, then do so.

Just go with your gut.

[Orrex]

10. Alas, I've learned not to trust my gut's decision-making ability

Lots of good suggestions in this thread though, so maybe my gut's off the hook this time.

[magical thyme]

15. I'll put it this way....if you can do it in a way that you don't feel "shady"

then by all means, do! So if describing the history of its use and/or that "some people believe..." or whatever removes feelings of shadiness, you're good to go.

But as long as you feel a little "shady" then don't. Your feeling is your gut talking.

I'm sure you'll do the right thing, btw. That you even felt the need to ask tells me that.

[shraby]

11. How about a little history on how copper was used and that might be a part of it.

[Orrex]

12. Not a bad idea!

I'd have to keep it really short, or else no one would bother reading it, but a quick two-sentence summation might go a long way.

[Why Syzygy]

13. My vote = no

If someone is shopping for copper to use for a health enhancing purpose, they already know that.

etsy itself may have a policy about that. In browsing quickly through etsy for copper jewelry, I did not find any
that mention health. One is made from pennies, and the description asks, "Feeling lucky? Or constantly broke?"

Your gut is good enough reason. But it doesn't seem like a logical thing to do either.

I like this!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66682257/whoa-check-this-out-etched-copper?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=copper+jewelry&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=handmade

[Orrex]

14. A good suggestion, but on the other hand...

If you search for search for copper healing, you get about 2,200 hits, so I'd have plenty of company at the very least!


http://www.etsy.com/search?q=copper+healing&view_type=gallery&ship_to=ZZ&min=0&max=0

[Why Syzygy]

16. Good catch.

A question. If you were looking for a piece of copper jewelry, wearing your skeptic hat, would a health disclaimer influence you one way or another? Would you reject a purchase due to the description?

[Orrex]

17. Great question

It probably wouldn't influemce my purchase one way or the other, all else being equal. If an identical piece were available at the same price from a seller who didn't make any claims about healing, I might buy from them instead, but probably only of I had the sense that the first seller were pandering or dishonest. That's why I'm inclined to make a generic disclaimer and let the shoppers decide from there.