brass

brass is a semi-precious metal. the material is a mix of copper and zinc. it is very popular for jewellery because it is sturdy and affordable. brass has a warm golden appearance. my brass jewels are always soldered with a sterling silver plug at the back and are nickel-free. 

brass can oxidise. oxidation is a natural reaction that occurs when the metal comes into contact with humidity and air. due to the oxidation process, the material will darken and acquire a natural patina. With brass, the shiny gold color will become less bright, slightly darker and more matte. this is a natural process. you can just leave it as is (if you like it).

In addition to storing your jewellery in a closed, dry place, you can lightly polish it. you can do this by regularly polishing it with a silver polishing cloth. this will remove the darker discolouration. you can also lightly sand your jewel with sandpaper.

silver 

sterling silver is a precious metal. while gold will only need a light polish at long intervals, silver is more sensitive and oxidises with time and wear. this natural patina develops from exposure to air and moisture, and can easily be removed with the soft cloth. to remove any possible grease or more prominent dirt, I recommend using a mild dish soap diluted into warm water and an extra soft toothbrush. gently scrub your piece of jewellery and rinse with fresh water. pat dry to avoid oxidation.