There is something deeply magical about raw, artisanal jewellery. It carries a warm, golden glow that looks effortlessly vintage and royal. At Phemae, our handcrafted brass and German silver jewellery collections are designed to make you stand out.
However, because brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, it reacts naturally with moisture and air over time. This reaction creates a dark layer called tarnish.
The good news? Tarnish isn't permanent damage—it’s just a surface layer. With a little bit of mindful love, your jewellery can stay radiant forever. Here is your definitive guide on how to care for, clean, and store your brass pieces.
The Golden Rules of Wearing Brass
Preventing tarnish is always easier than scrubbing it off. To keep your statement necklaces and rings gleaming, follow the "Last On, First Off" rule.
- Avoid Moisture: Never wear your brass jewellery in the shower, pool, or ocean. Water accelerates oxidation.
- Beware of Chemicals: Apply your perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and makeup before putting on your jewellery. The chemicals in beauty products quickly dull the metal.
- Sweat is the Enemy: Take off your jewellery before hitting the gym or doing heavy household chores. The natural acids in human sweat trigger fast tarnishing.
How to Properly Store Your Jewellery
Where you leave your jewellery overnight dictates how long it stays bright. Leaving brass open on a vanity or hanging on a jewellery tree exposes it to humidity in the air.
- Airtight is Right: Store each piece in a small, zip-lock bag or a velvet pouch. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it.
- Keep it Separate: Keep your brass pieces away from your other metal jewellery collections. Different metals can react to one another if left touching in a drawer.
- The Silica Gel Trick: Save those little silica gel packets that come in shoe boxes or handbags! Toss one inside your jewellery box to absorb residual moisture.
Hope, you are able to care for your beloved pieces better and have a long time to enjoy them.
