I've heard that some people are a bit unsure of purchasing brass jewelry - it’s not as common as gold or silver for this reason, but for me, it’s awesome. In case you have ever wondered, brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and it has a warm yellow tone. It’s quite sturdy but if you are rough on your jewelry like I am, you can definitely scratch or dent it.
Brass carries with it a comfortable weight that bears a sort of substance that makes me feel its presence when I am wearing it. A lot of the witchy jewelry pieces here at Elemental Child are created using lost wax sculpting and then cast in solid brass and they certainly make a statement.
Brass jewelry doesn’t rust ( though it does tarnish). Because it is much more reactive to the elements than fine metals, brass reacts with the oxygen in the air, and your natural oils play a part in the tarnishing process. Brass jewelry can tarnish quickly if not cared for properly.
Cleaning and taking care of your brass jewelry is important to keep it looking its best and prevent it from tarnishing. Below are some simple tips for cleaning and taking care of your pieces.
To clean your brass jewelry:
If you are dealing with a light tarnish:
- Use a soft cloth: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean your brass jewelry. Avoid using abrasive materials such as paper towels or tissues, as they can scratch the surface.
- Use warm water: Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Dip a soft cloth in the soapy water and gently clean your jewelry.
- Rinse and thoroughly dry immediately: Rinse your jewelry thoroughly with clean water and fully dry it with a soft, clean cloth - it’s important to dry it quickly as any water that lingers can cause dark marks.
If there is a lot of tarnish:
- Miix together 1 tbsp of lemon juice and 4 tbsp of baking soda in a bowl. Create a wet paste then use it to gently scrub your piece making sure to avoid any stone.
- You can also use Ketchup - yup – the acidic nature of ketchup makes it perfect for clearing away that tarnish.
To care for and store your brass jewelry:
It’s best not to wear your brass jewelry in the shower or when swimming ( better safe than sorry).
Store your pieces properly: Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place, such as a jewelry box or a cloth bag. Avoid storing it in humid areas such as bathrooms. Try to keep your pieces in something that lessens its exposure to the air around. You can always add a piece of anti tarnish paper in with your jewelry to really protect it. It’s easy to find on Amazon but here’s a link.
Avoid exposure to chemicals: avoid exposing your brass jewelry to chemicals such as perfume, hairspray, and cleaning products. These can cause discoloration and damage. And it will speed up the oxidation process of your brass jewelry.
Protect your jewelry from scratches: Brass jewelry can easily scratch, so be sure to store it separately from other jewelry and avoid wearing it while doing activities that may scratch it, such as gardening, cleaning, or sports.
So there you have it - a few simple steps to help you care for your brass jewelry and keep it looking beautiful for years to come. Now that you've got your brass jewelry handled, you may be wondering about your silver jewelry, we'll we've got tips for that also, head on over to our post "Keep that Sterling Silver Shiny! Happy accessorizing!
