Jeweler’s brass is an alloy of 85% copper and 15% zinc. It is an excellent, eco-friendly alternative to gold plating. When kept clean and polished, brass closely resembles 14k gold, and unlike plating, it will never wear off of itself!
The best way to take care of any jewellery is to keep it clean and dry. Apply lotions and cosmetics before putting on jewellery. Wipe jewellery clean with a soft cloth after wear, and store in a cool, dry location.
Brass tarnishes most quickly when exposed to moisture (water or sweat) and dirt, and should not be worn to exercise or on hot, sweltering days.
Brass should never be worn in hot springs, as the sulfur will darken the metal.
Keep brass shining bright with a polishing cloth (such as Sunshine brand’s yellow cloth), or use a paste of baking soda and lemon and a soft brush. In a pinch, you can also coat the piece in ketchup, let sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse off. Be careful to keep these polishing agents away from gemstones and pearls on the jewellery.
