Why brass?
I love working with brass. It is a beautiful metal and a lot more ethical than silver or gold. This is because it is an alloy that is typically made from recycled metals. All my jewellery is made from off-cuts of previous manufacturing processes which allows me to create collections that are not only accessible where cost is concerned but also where resources are concerned.
Much like wood, stone, concrete and many other naturally resourced materials (ourselves included!) brass will age with time and create it’s own natural patina. We can view this ageing process as one to celebrate as a process of evolution or one that we would prefer to control.
The following guidelines will assist once you have made a purchase with brass + bold.
General Care
Below are some easy care instructions to help look after your brass+bold jewellery
-store your jewellery in a pouch or box.
-it is best not to sleep, shower, swim or exercise whilst wearing your jewellery.
-sprays and creams including soap, perfume, moisturiser and suncream will cause the brass to tarnish quicker, so it is best to remove your jewellery before using any of these products.
-clean gently with a soft cloth.
Brass Care
Brass naturally tarnishes over time, and I think the wearer should embrace this evolving patina.
However if you want to get back to the shine of your piece it is easy to clean and look after.
Here are my tips:
-brass components can simply be cleaned back to the original appearance using a standard brass metal polish like Brasso or Maas. These are my favourite brands.
-always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your polish.
Or you may prefer some good old traditional household methods.
-lemon juice – Take half a lemon and squeeze it into a small bowl. Dip a soft cloth into lemon juice and polish the brass surface in gentle circular motions. Wash the item with warm water and dry immediately.
-toothpaste – First wash your brass item with soap water and dry it. Then squeeze a bit of toothpaste onto a piece of soft cloth. Polish brass rubbing toothpaste on the entire surface of the piece. When done, clean and dry with a piece of paper towel or soft cloth.