Caring for Bronze:
Bronze is one of the oldest metals used in human adornment. It’s an alloy of copper and tin, dating back thousands of years. It was worn by ancient civilizations not just for its warm, golden hue, but for its strength and beauty. I also like it for its affordability.
My bronze pieces are unfinished as I prefer the natural aging that happens to this metal with wear. I find wearing them often and washing my hands with soap and water keep my rings shiny and my fingers clean. But do note, some people might find their ring &/or finger will turn green. This is totally natural and is due to the copper content in the bronze, which can oxidize when combined with moisture. This reaction creates that green tint of copper carbonate on your skin after wearing a piece for awhile. If you find your ring &/or finger turning green a simple wash with mild soap and water should clean it off. If the tips I mention here don’t help and you are continually getting the oxidation reaction, you can apply a thin coat of clear nail polish to the inside of the ring (be sure it it clean and dry first). Reapply as needed.
How to clean/care for your bronze rings:
Regular mild soap and water is the simplest way to clean. I often wear my rings when washing up.
Use a polishing cloth to remove any oils or residue.
You can make a cleaning paste with baking soda and lemon juice. Rub the paste on the ring and let it sit for a few minutes then rinse and dry.
You can apply a thin coat of clear nail polish to the inside of a clean and dry ring to help provide a barrier to skin contact.
The chlorine in swimming pools will darken the bronze. It is also not good for a pearl. Try not to wear your jewelry while swimming. If you do and the metal tarnishes you can just use the above steps to clean and polish. No major harm done. A pearl can withstand an occasional dip but will begin to loose it’s luster with repeated exposure.
