text: Copper jewelry was very popular in the generation growing up during the depression and even into the 1990s.  Copper is supposed to reduce the symptoms of arthritis. \n\nJust as people are using magnets today for the same purpose, copper was the "hope" of choice during your Grandma's time.  Give her a treat---from someone who has arthritis---get some heat rub or ben gay or even just some lotion and very gently massage the lotion into her hands and wrists and fingers.  Be gentle, though.  Arthritis can make your bones feel as if they've been broken.