India House

Authentic Materials We Use: Pure Copper and Food-Safe Wood Explained

How to Choose the Best Handcrafted Copper Water Bottle in London

Authentic Materials We Use: Pure Copper and Food-Safe Wood Explained

When buying handmade products, materials matter as much as design. This page explains what we mean by pure copper and food-safe wood, how to identify genuine materials, and why honesty around sourcing and finishes is important for everyday-use items. At India House Stores, we believe customers should understand exactly what they are buying and how it is made.

What “Pure Copper” Really Means

Pure copper refers to copper that is used in its natural metal form, without inner lining, plating, or synthetic coating. A pure copper product:

Is made entirely from copper metal
Has no lacquer or varnish inside
May develop natural colour changes over time
Is shaped and finished without masking the material

Copper-coloured products, on the other hand, are often made from other metals and coated to resemble copper.

How to Spot Fake or Coated Copper Bottles

Not all copper bottles sold online are made from solid copper. Some are plated or lined, which changes how they function and age.

Signs of a genuine copper bottle: An unlined interior with a consistent copper tone; Noticeable weight compared to steel or aluminium; Subtle surface variations from hand finishing; Gradual patina forming with regular use.
Signs of coated or imitation products: Perfectly uniform shine that never changes; Inner surfaces that look silver or glossy; Labels that avoid clearly stating “solid copper”.

Understanding these differences helps buyers make informed choices.

Food-Safe Wood Explained

Wooden products intended for drinkware must be made from suitable hardwoods and treated correctly. Food-safe wood refers to:

Hardwood types suitable for regular handling
Proper seasoning to prevent cracking
Inner lining or sealant designed for beverage use

Food-safe does not mean untreated. It means the wood has been prepared in a way that supports safe, practical use when cared for properly.

Natural Finishes vs Synthetic Coatings

The finish applied to copper and wooden products affects both appearance and usability.

Natural Finishes:

Allow the material to age naturally, do not seal the surface completely, and show patina in copper and grain changes in wood.

Synthetic Coatings:

Preserve a fixed appearance, prevent natural ageing, and can limit proper use, especially for copper bottles.

At India House Stores, we prioritise finishes that respect the natural behaviour of materials rather than masking them.

Why Materials Matter for Daily-Use Products

Products used daily come into regular contact with hands, water, and cleaning. Using genuine materials ensures predictable behaviour over time. Authentic materials:

Age gradually rather than deteriorating suddenly
Can be cleaned using simple, traditional methods
Maintain their structure with proper care

Choosing real materials reduces uncertainty and improves long-term use.

Certifications, Testing, and Quality Checks

Handmade products are not always produced in certified factories, but quality checks are still important. Our approach includes:

Visual inspection of materials
Checking for inner coatings where not intended
Ensuring finishes match product purpose

Where applicable, we follow material guidelines suitable for handmade household products. Transparency is prioritised over labels that may not apply to small-scale craft.

How Authentic Materials Age Over Time

Real materials change with use. This change is expected and valued.

Copper Develops a darker tone or patina; Reflects regular handling and water exposure; Can be cleaned using natural methods.
Wood Shows grain patterns more clearly over time; May deepen slightly in colour; Retains strength with proper drying and care.

These changes are signs of authenticity, not defects.

Our Commitment to Honest Craftsmanship

At India House Stores, we work directly with artisans and small workshops. This allows us to remain clear about what materials are used and how products are made.

Our commitment includes: No misleading material claims, clear explanations of finishes and usage, respect for traditional methods, and honest communication with customers. We believe trust is built through clarity, not exaggeration.