Care & Maintenance

COPPER & BRASS CARE + MAINTENANCE

Each piece is hand-formed from solid copper or brass. These metals naturally evolve over time and develop a unique patina through exposure to air, moisture, skin chemistry, and daily wear. This is a normal characteristic of the material and part of the life of the piece.

DAILY WEAR

• Put jewelry on after applying lotions, perfumes, oils, or hair products.
• Remove before swimming, showering, exercising, or sleeping.
• Avoid prolonged contact with salt water, chlorine, and cleaning chemicals.

STORAGE

• Store in a dry location when not in use.
• Keep pieces separated to prevent scratching or tangling.
• A sealed bag or jewelry box will help slow oxidation.

CLEANING

For routine maintenance, gently wipe the piece with a soft cloth after wearing.

Brass

• Clean with ketchup or lemon juice in between wears. Rinse thoroughly. 
• Dry thoroughly.
• Polish with a jewelry polishing cloth or a non-abrasive brass polish to restore shine.

Copper

• Clean with mild soap and warm water as needed.
• For heavier oxidation, place the piece in lemon juice for 3–5 minutes or longer if needed. 
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Dry completely.
• Follow with a polishing cloth if additional shine is desired.

PATINA & OXIDATION

Copper and brass naturally darken over time. Some areas may become deeper gold, brown, or develop subtle color variation. This is not damage but a natural reaction of the metal.

If a brighter finish is desired, regular cleaning and polishing will restore much of the original shine.

PRESERVING A PATINA YOU LOVE

Once your piece has a color and finish you want to keep, stop polishing. Polishing cloths, metal polishes, and stronger cleaning methods can lighten or remove patina. The lemon juice and ketchup methods above are for restoring a brighter finish, not preserving an aged or intentionally darkened surface.

To preserve your desired finish, gently remove dust with a soft, dry, non-abrasive cloth, using light pressure rather than buffing. Avoid soaking, scrubbing, acidic cleaners, and abrasive pastes. Keep the piece dry and follow the storage guidance above; patina may still evolve with wear.

If residue remains, the finish changes unexpectedly, or you are unsure how your particular piece was finished, contact us with a photo before trying stronger cleaners or polishing. We can advise on care for your specific piece.

SKIN REACTIONS

Copper and brass may occasionally leave a temporary green or dark mark on the skin. This is a harmless reaction between the metal and individual skin chemistry and can vary from person to person.

HANDMADE CHARACTER

Each piece is individually made by hand. Slight variations, tool marks, and differences in finish are part of the work and make every piece one of a kind.