Bronze Care & Information

How to Care for Your Bronze

I work with solid bronze because it has that beautiful, warm glow of gold without the high price tag. My bronze is a high-quality mix of copper and tin. It does not contain any nickel, so it’s a great option if you have metal allergies. Unlike plated jewelry that eventually peels or fades, this is a solid metal that lasts as long as you take care of it.

The "Living Metal" Reality Bronze reacts to the world around it. Over time, it will naturally darken as it interacts with the air and your skin. This isn't a flaw; it's just what the metal does.

If you love the high-shine, golden look, a quick 30-second buff with a polishing cloth brings that shimmer back. If you prefer a darker, more antique look, you can just wear it and let that character develop on its own.

Daily Wear

  • The Green Mark: Since bronze is a solid, unplated metal, the copper in it can sometimes react with your skin’s natural oils and leave a faint green mark. It’s harmless and washes right off. To avoid this, keep your skin and the charm dry.

  • Beauty Products: Put on your lotions, perfumes, and hairspray before you put on your jewelry.

  • Water: I recommend taking your bronze off before you swim or shower to keep that high-shine finish looking good for longer.

Cleaning and Polishing

  • Routine: You can clean your jewelry with mild soap and warm water. Just make sure to dry it immediately with a soft cloth.

  • Polishing: I include a Sunshine brand polishing cloth with every bronze order. Use it to buff the metal whenever you want to bring back that bright, gold-like contrast.

  • A Deep Reset: If your piece gets very dark and you want to start fresh, you can use a silver polish cream (like Weiman Silver Cream) on your bronze too. It works perfectly to strip away the darkness and return the metal to its original shine.

Storage When you aren't wearing your jewelry, keep it in a dry place. Using the pouch I provided or an airtight container will help slow down the natural darkening process.

These pieces are made to be a solid part of your story for a long time. If you ever have questions about how to keep your bronze looking its best, you can always reach me at help@ingavaughn.com.