Caring for Brass Jewellery

Brass oxidises and tarnishes, this is a normal phenomenon and not a defect.
Like silver, the best way to make brass come back to its shine is with some care.

All brass pieces of mine have been finished with a protective polish but this will wear off over time.

To keep your brass looking shiny and clean try and follow these steps:

  • Always protect the jewellery from scratches, chemicals and extremes of temperatures.

  • Store your jewellery in a clean, dry space.

  • Remove before swimming or near chlorine.

  • Avoid spraying perfume or lotions directly on to jewellery.

  • Clean with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly. Brass retains water spots which can create unsightly whitish stains.

Some pieces may have an intentional green/blue patina, or the brass will naturally develop this over time. If you want to keep this you just need to clean with soap and warm water, and be sure to dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

If you wish to remove patina - or just polish up a naturally tarnishing piece to a shine, there are several home methods.

  1. Lemon and salt 

    Squeeze the juice of a lemon and pour into a glass or plastic bowl along with one cup of water. You can add a teaspoon of salt for a deeper clean.

    Place your brass jewellery into the mixture and allow it to be completely submerged. Leave in the juice for about 15 to 30 minutes. You can use a soft cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently remove the tarnish. Once the jewellery is clean, rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry. Optionally seal with a brass safe sealant.


    2. The Vinegar and Flour Paste

    All you need is a teaspoon of salt, half cup of vinegar and some flour. Mix these three ingredients to create a smooth paste, adding flour as required. Apply this mixture onto your brass jewellery and leave it for about 15 minutes. Next, use a soft brush to gently scrub the mixture off under warm running water. Optionally seal with a brass safe sealant.

    You can also find some polishing creams and wipes on the market, which are also good to use, just follow the instructions of the manufacturer.


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