Welcome to our mystical corner of the internet! If you've recently invested in one of our handcrafted brass jewelry pieces or are considering it, I’ve got some helpful tips for caring for your brass jewelry, ensuring it remains a cherished part of your collection for years to come.
Why Does Brass Tarnish?
Brass, a beautiful alloy of copper and zinc, is celebrated for its warm, golden tone and affordability compared to gold or silver. It tends to darken (patina) naturally over time, giving it a vintage feel. Brass jewelry can start to darken, or tarnish, over time when exposed to air in water. This is because brass contains copper, which reacts with oxygen and other elements in the environment to form a patina. While some people love the vintage charm of a brass piece with a patina, others prefer to keep their brass pieces looking as bright and shiny as possible.
Tips for Keeping Your Brass Jewelry in Good Condition
While a little patina won’t harm your brass jewelry, you may want to prevent tarnishing to keep your pieces golden and shiny.
Keep It Dry: Moisture accelerates tarnishing, so try to remove your brass jewelry before swimming, showering, or engaging in activities that may cause sweating.
Avoid Chemicals: Keep your jewelry away from harsh chemicals like perfumes, lotions, sunscreen, and cleaning products. These can react with brass and lead to tarnishing or discoloration. (This doesn’t mean you can’t use these products on days you’re wearing your brass jewelry, just try to let your skin dry completely before putting your jewelry on.)
Store Properly: When you’re not wearing your brass jewelry, store it in a dark, dry container or pouch (like a jewelry box). The more airtight your jewelry storage is, the better. This will minimize exposure to air and moisture, slowing the tarnishing process.
Clean Regularly: Regular cleaning will help maintain the shine of your brass jewelry. You can use a soft cloth to gently polish your pieces and remove any dirt or oils.
Rotate Pieces: Give each piece of jewelry time to “breathe” by rotating which ones you wear. This prevents constant wear on a single piece and helps maintain their appearance. (Although you can definitely use brass jewelry as everyday pieces. It just may speed up the patina process a little.)
Handle with Care: When putting on or taking off your jewelry, do so gently to avoid scratching or bending the pieces.
Avoid Excessive Pressure: Avoid applying excessive pressure or force, especially on intricate designs or pieces with delicate crystals, as this can cause damage.
Tips for Cleaning Tarnished Brass Jewelry
If your brass jewelry has developed a patina or tarnish, don’t worry! It can be cleaned and restored to its original beauty with a few simple methods:
Soap and Water: For a gentle cleaning, use a toothbrush to gently clean the brass in your piece with mild dish soap and warm water. Try to avoid getting the crystals in your piece wet.
Lemon Juice and Baking Soda: Mix equal parts lemon juice and baking soda to create a paste. (If the mixture is too watery, try adding more baking soda.) Carefully apply it to the tarnished areas using a soft cloth or toothbrush, taking care not to get any on the crystals in your piece. Gently rub the paste onto the brass, then use a soft wet cloth to rinse off the piece. Dry with a soft cloth.
Vinegar and Water: Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then use a soft cloth to gently scrub the tarnished brass. (Again, make sure not to get any of the vinegar solution on the crystals in your brass jewelry.) Rinse the vinegar off the brass, and dry completely with a soft cloth.
Ketchup: Carefully apply ketchup to the tarnished parts of your brass jewelry, avoiding getting any on the crystals in the piece. Let it sit for about a minute or so, then gently scrub it off with a soft cloth.
Polishing Cloths: Shine your piece with a jewelry polishing cloth designed specifically for brass. These cloths contain special cleaning agents that help remove signs of oxidation and bring back the natural shine in your brass jewelry.
Professional Cleaning: If your brass jewelry has intricate details or you’re unsure about cleaning it yourself, consider taking it to a professional jeweler for cleaning and maintenance.
Brass is a durable, versatile metal that, with the right care, can be passed down for generations. By using these care and cleaning tips to keep your brass jewelry in good condition, you can help ensure that your pieces will be a lasting, meaningful addition to your jewelry collection.
A final note..
Please reach out to me if you have any questions about cleaning or caring for your brass jewelry! I’m happy to help by giving you pointers or referring you to helpful products that can make sure your brass jewelry remains as enchanting and beautiful as the day you brought it home.
Feel free to explore our collection of brass jewelry and find the perfect piece that resonates with your inner magic and whimsy. Thank you for being a part of our beautiful community, and may your jewelry always reflect the magic within you!
With warmth and whimsy, Cat.
