Unique and attractive in so many ways, brass jewelry only continues to become more popular with each passing year. Brass is a metal material that is widely used by jewelry designers. Because of its colour and texture, we use this material as a base material for our designs. Therefore, you should make sure that your jewellery is properly worn, cleaned, and stored. Humidity also accelerates the rate of tarnishing for all metals. There are some methods that you can use to clean your brass jewelry to keep it well-maintained and looking new! 

When jewellery changes colour, it’s actually the result of a chemical reaction. On a daily basis, your jewelry is in contact with the oils and sweat from your body, as well as the various chemicals in the air. The metal of your jewelry will be affected over time after long-term exposure to these chemicals, and the surface will begin to form compounds that change the color of the metal.

For silver and gold plated jewelry, occasional cleaning with a soft cloth will keep your jewelry shiny and remove the oxidation, however, excessive polishing may rub off or scratch the plating.

— KETCHUP

It’s quite a surprise but ketchup actually works without being a harsh cleaning agent. The acidic blend of tomatoes and vinegar in ketchup makes it a great brass cleaner. Just squirt a little ketchup onto a soft cloth or brush, then rub it gently into the surface of the jewelry. If the piece is badly tarnished, you may need to submerge the pieces in the ketchup, in a bowl for 3-5 minutes, but you should be able to see it working right away. Rinse the ketchup away with warm water and dry the jewelry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

— LEMON JUICE & BAKING SODA

These are powerful natural cleaners on their own, but when united, this dynamic duo removes brass buildup with ease. Start by squeezing the juice from half of a lemon into a bowl. Add 1 tsp. baking soda and mix. With a clean cloth, rub some of the mixture onto the brass. Polish and buff away grime, reapplying the mixture as needed. Wipe away any leftover residue with a wet rag, then dry with a clean cloth. Use a toothbrush to get into spaces that are hard to get to.

— SOAP & WATER

Sometimes the simplest brass cleaning methods are the most effective. If you're short on cleaning supplies, try soap and water to clean tarnished brass. Make a warm bath for your brass in a clean container, then mix in a few tablespoons of soap. Soak the brass for a few seconds, then use a microfiber cloth or clean toothbrush to work out any stains. The warm water and soap will do some of the work, but this method may still require a bit of elbow grease! Once all of the tarnish is gone, remove the brass piece from the soapy water. Rinse and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

— TOOTHPASTE

Toothpaste helps whiten your teeth, and you can use that same cleaning magic on brass. To clean brass with toothpaste, first pick a plain, white toothpaste (you don't need any gels or fancy flavors). Then, apply a thin layer of the paste to your brass object. Let rest for a few minutes, then polish with a clean cloth. For tough spots, you'll likely need to use a little force. Feel free to apply extra dabs of toothpaste to particularly stubborn areas. Once the brass is polished to your liking, rinse with cool water and dry with a microfiber cloth.

— BRASSO

If you prefer to use a commercial brass cleaner, be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for brass, such as Brasso metal polish. Always wash the item with mild soap and water to remove dust or other debris before polishing.

Brass polishes typically leave a protective coating on the surface, which helps prevent future tarnish and discoloration. To keep your brass looking shiny and clean, avoid touching the piece too often (the oils on your skin can accelerate tarnishing) and use a soft cloth when cleaning or polishing to prevent scratches on the surface. With regular upkeep, your brass will maintain its beautiful shine for years to come.

OTHER CARE TIPS

Remove your jewellery before engaging in practical activities. We do not recommend to wear jewellery when you are sleeping, going into water, or participating in sporting activities. Water will contribute to the tarnishing of your jewellery. Therefore, always remover your jewellery before entering the water. Chemicals, as found in soaps, cleaning products, and swimming pools, will increase the tarnishing process.

Please note that our jewellery pieces are gold plated and which may darken or tarnish with normal wear. Exposure to air, light, and humidity can cause your jewellery to tarnish over time. Besides, excessive light, heat, or moisture will deteriorate the quality of the gold plating.

Therefore, when storing your jewellery, we recommend doing so in an airtight box or the similar to Ashepa cloth bags and store it in a dark place.