Jewellery is made to be worn, not hidden away — but wearing it daily means giving it a little love now and then.
Here’s how to keep your brass, silver, and gold-plated pieces looking beautiful, without needing a chemistry degree or a fancy cleaning kit.
Brass: warm, earthy, and a bit moody
Brass naturally darkens over time — it’s part of the charm. But if yours is looking more grunge than glow, here’s how to freshen it up:
- Quick polish: Use a jewellery polishing cloth or rub with a bit of lemon juice and baking soda. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
- Storage tip: Store in a dry place, ideally in a pouch or box. Avoid bathrooms — humidity speeds up tarnishing.
- Wear it often: Brass actually stays brighter the more it’s worn (your skin helps!). So don’t be shy.
Sterling Silver: bright, classic, and tarnish-prone
Silver loves to shine, but it hates being left out. If it’s not worn often, it will start to dull.
- To clean: Use a silver-specific cloth or soak briefly in warm water with a touch of mild soap. Avoid harsh cleaners.
- Prevent tarnish: Store it in an airtight container with an anti-tarnish strip, or even a bit of chalk (really).
- Bonus tip: Put your silver on after moisturiser or perfume to avoid residue buildup.
Gold-Plated Jewellery: beautiful but delicate
Gold plating is a surface layer over a base metal — which means it needs gentle care.
- Clean gently: Use a soft cloth dampened with water. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing — it can wear off the layer.
- Don’t wear in water: Showering, swimming, or doing the washing up can strip the plating fast.
- Store with care: Keep pieces separate to avoid scratches. A soft pouch or cloth roll works best.
General Tips for All Jewellery
- Take it off before bed, showers, workouts, or cleaning.
- Keep it away from perfumes, lotions, and cleaning sprays.
- Store it well: dry, cushioned, and ideally not all tangled in a bowl (we’ve all done it).
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