How to care for brass and bronze jewelry: practical tips, patina and summer maintenance

Summer adventures – we all love them. But for jewelry, it is the most demanding time of the year. And especially for those made of materials that have their own story – brass and bronze. These metals are beautiful, durable, but they have one property that makes them both special and more demanding to maintain: oxidation .

If you're wondering how to properly care for your jewelry to maintain its beauty, or how to deal with patina (yes, that greenish or darker layer has its own charm), read on.

What is brass and bronze?

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Bronze combines copper with tin. Both alloys have a beautiful, warm, golden tone that looks sophisticated and natural. My jewelry made from these materials is not gold-plated – it is authentic, letting its natural color stand out.

Their beauty also lies in the fact that they change over time. They are not static, they live with you. They develop a patina that tells a story.

Why I love brass and bronze?

These metals fascinate me for several reasons:

• They have history – the Bronze Age, ancient crafts, historical bronze jewelry and sculptures.

• They allow for experimentation – organic shapes, textures, surfaces that come alive.

• They carry a perfect imperfection within them– and that is exactly what I look for in my work.

For me, the value of a piece of jewelry is not (only) about the price of the material, but mainly about the story, the idea and the craft. The material does not have to be expensive for the piece of jewelry to be valuable.

Patina – part of the story

Patina is a natural process. Copper, which is the base material of brass and bronze, oxidizes - and changes the color of the metal. For some, an "imperfection", for me, a sign of life. This gives each piece of jewelry its own personality.

If it suits you aesthetically, embrace it. If not, good news – the shine can be restored .

How to care for brass and bronze jewelry?

✔ After wearing, wipe them with a soft, dry cloth to remove sweat and grease.
✔ Store them in a sealed bag with an anti-tarnish strip - this will slow down oxidation.
✔ Avoid water, swimming pools, the sea - moisture and chemicals speed up the process.

Summer care :

• Sweat, sunscreen, high humidity = more oxidation.

• If the jewelry gets wet, dry it immediately .

• Do not wear it while swimming or playing sports.

How to clean brass and bronze

• Polishing cloths – soft, also suitable for silver.

• Brass/bronze cleaners – works just the same as silver cleaners, as all of these metals contain copper. For example, these:

  Hagerty Copper, Brass & Bronze Polish,

  Connoisseurs Silver Jewelery Cleaner,

  Other brands and cleaners are commonly available at drugstores. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging, the cleaner usually needs to be rinsed off completely after cleaning, and wear protective gloves.

• Natural hacks: vinegar + salt or lemon + salt. Apply, leave for a bit, rinse with water and dry thoroughly. Never leave jewelry soaked in vinegar for a long time, it could make the oxidation worse.

• Never use abrasive sponges or sandpaper - you will damage the surface.

Components in my jewelry

To make the jewelry more practical, the chains and some components are made of gold-plated stainless steel - it does not oxidize, so it will retain its appearance, but as with all gold-plated surfaces, it needs to be protected from certain influences, you can read more here, in the previous article about care.

Why is it all worth it?

Brass and bronze are not just materials – they are stories. They change, they react, they live with you. That is their beauty. And although they require a little care, they will reward you with a uniqueness that other metals cannot give.

If you want to see what the beauty of these metals looks like in jewelry, check out my creations.

Have a beautiful summer day!

Mya