Jewelry Care

Caring for Bronze Jewelry

Bronze is a much more affordable alternative to gold, and its golden color far outlasts gold-plating. While it does tarnish, it can be easily returned to its original shine by polishing.

Daily Wear Tips

  • Avoid water exposure: Remove your bronze jewelry before showering, swimming, or exercising. Moisture can speed up oxidation and tarnish.

  • Avoid chemicals: Keep your jewelry away from lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and household cleaners, as they can cause discoloration or buildup.

  • Store properly: When not in use, store your jewelry in a dry, sealed container (like a ziplock bag or lined box) to minimize exposure to air and moisture.

Full disclosure, I don’t actually follow any of these tips! I just polish my pieces more often.

Keepin’ it Shiny

Bronze is a beautiful, durable metal that naturally develops a patina over time. The metal darken over time as it oxidizes — this is completely normal and part of its natural aging process. This can easily be remedied (and the piece restored to its original shine) by polishing.

Cleaning & Tarnish Removal

To restore its shine:

  1. Make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda or use white vinegar and salt.

  2. Gently rub the paste onto the piece with a soft cloth.

  3. Rinse thoroughly with water.

  4. Dry completely with a soft, clean towel.

You can also use a jewelry polishing cloth (I include one with each order), or soak in warm water with dish soap for 10 minutes then scrub with a soft toothbrush.

Green Skin? Totally Normal.

Bronze may sometimes leave a greenish tint on your skin — especially in warm weather or with rings.

This is a natural reaction between the metal and your skin’s pH, and it’s completely harmless (some might even say cool).

To reduce or prevent it:

  • Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to the inside of rings or areas that touch the skin most.

  • Keep your jewelry clean and dry between wears.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have any questions about caring for your piece or need help with a specific issue, feel free to reach out to me at molly@mollykirsch.com