How to take care of brass jewelry

Brass is often called a "living metal" because, unlike other materials, it can change over time, developing a patina that adds to its character.

Brass reacts differently depending on the acidity of the wearer’s skin; it can darken and leave a greenish halo on the skin. This is completely normal and is not harmful to the wearer. Like silver, it is very sensitive to contact with external agents (air, water, perfumes, creams, etc.).

This patina is the result of oxidation, a natural process that can give the metal a vintage and charming look, but if you don't want it, it can be removed with the proper techniques.
Here are several methods:

-SOAP & WATER:
you can delicately clean your jewel with warm water and mild soap (dish soap is fine) leave it to soak for 5/10 minutes and rub with a soft cloth. finally rinse well under running water. Dry with a soft cloth.

-VINEGAR & WATER
Add equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl. Add a tablespoon of salt and stir until the salt dissolves.
Soak the jewelry to be cleaned in the solution for 10-15 minutes. The vinegar will destroy the tarnish layer.
Rinse thoroughly: After soaking, remove the jewelry. Place it properly under clean running water to remove any remaining vinegar residue and Dry with a soft cloth.

-BAKING SODA & WATER
Mix a little warm water with bicarbonate until you get a soft and homogeneous paste. Then apply it evenly on your jewelry. Leave it to act for about 10 minutes, rubbing with a soft toothbrush (times depend on the degree of oxidation), rinse everything well with water and lemon and finally dry everything very well with a soft cloth

-BAKING SODA  & LEMON
Add equal parts of lemon juice and baking soda. This should come together to form a thick paste.
Apply the paste: Coat the tarnished pieces with a thin layer of paste.
Scrub gently: Use a soft toothbrush. That said, gently scrub the tarnished areas in a circular motion. The lemon juice will remove the tarnish and the baking soda will provide a mild abrasive for polishing.
Rinse the jewelry under clean water to remove any remaining paste. Dry completely with a soft cloth.

-COMMERCIAL PRODUCT FOR CLEANING METALS:
In the supermarkets it is easy to find lotions for cleaning metals like brass copper and silver.
In italy we have "Sidol" or "Smac brilla metalli" and many others
Put a little on a soft cloth and pass it over the jewel. It will shine again!

* With every brass jewel I leave a free cleaning cloth. Just rub it on the brass parts. You can use it several times but do not wash it and do not wet it

when you are not using your jewelry, store it away from the sun in a dry place