HELP!! 

MY JEWELLERY HAS TARNISHED

Tarnish or patina occurs when the metal is exposed to chemicals, this can happen through the air, from water or from our skin.  The metal forms a protective layer around it.

But the great thing about Sterling Silver, Copper and Brass is it doesn’t take much to bring them back to new.  See below:

COPPER & BRASS CLEANING

Copper is a beautiful healing metal, but over time it loses its lustre and can turn green.  This is due to it reacting with the elements and it developing a green layer called ‘patina’.  In general, copper jewellery can be cleaned with a mildly acidic substances such as lemon juice, vinegar or tomato sauce.  Brass can be cleaned the same way.

~ Cleaning with Lemon Juice:

Take a lemon and cut it in half. You can also add some salt to the lemon’s cut side. Rub the copper bracelet with the lemon. Rinse the jewellery with water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Paste:  Add equal parts lemon juice and baking soda to make a cleaning paste. Use the paste to clean the bracelet by rubbing it gently with your fingers, a cloth, or an old toothbrush. After the bracelet is satisfactorily clean, rinse it and dry it with a soft cloth.

~ Cleaning with Vinegar:

Make a paste from the vinegar by adding some flour and salt to it (e.g., 1 part vinegar, 1 part flour, and 1 part salt). Rub the bracelet/item clean with the paste and rinse thoroughly with water.

~ Cleaning with Tomato Sauce:

Put some tomato sauce on your copper bracelet/item and clean it by rubbing with a soft cloth or toothbrush. Then rinse the piece with water and dry it.

IMPORTANT: Avoid applying lemon juice, vinegar, or any other cleaning substances to gemstones in your jewellery piece where possible, as it may cause damage to some stones.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS – IMPORTANT

I advise taking your Jewellery off before swimming and showering. The chemicals in pools and even the chlorine in drinking water can bleach the natural gemstones / crystals.