PAMPERING

PAMPER YOUR JEWELRY

We chose brass as our foundation for many reasons: it is feather-light, carries a gentle resonance, and is a sustainable metal that can be endlessly renewed without losing its essence. Whether in pure form or gilded with gold, brass holds a vintage warmth and a timeless elegance. Yet, like all beautiful things, it needs a touch of care to preserve its glow. Here, we share our favorite rituals and secrets to keep your brass jewelry shining, graceful, and radiant through time.

MAINTENANCE

POLISHING: Don’t worry if your brass jewelry changes from yellow gold to a warmer red or brownish tone over time, this is completely natural. You can easily restore its glow with just four simple steps:

1. Soak the piece briefly in a mild acidic liquid such as tomato juice, lemon juice, Coca-Cola, or white vinegar to soften the surface layer and make cleaning easier. If none of these are at hand, toothpaste can also be used for polishing. Important: always keep pearls, corals, and other delicate beads out of the acidic liquid to prevent damage to their luster.

2. After a few minutes, gently rub the surface with a brush or your fingertips to remove the darkened layer and reveal the radiant golden color beneath.

3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to stop the acid from continuing to react with the brass.

4. Wipe the piece completely dry with a soft cloth and polish it with steady, medium pressure to achieve the best shine possible.

STORAGE: Keep your jewelry in a cool, dry, and dark place. For extra protection, place a small packet of silica gel in your jewelry box to absorb excess moisture.

POLISHING: All it takes is a soft, dry cloth and gentle circular motions to bring back the surface glow of your jewelry. This simple ritual removes impurities such as natural skin oils and the fine dust that clings to them, leaving the piece refreshed and luminous.

STORAGE: The same care applies to all gold-plated and silver-plated jewelry: proper storage is essential to protect it from unwanted scratches. Keep your treasures safe in soft velvet pouches or boxes lined with delicate fabrics, where they can rest undisturbed and retain their beauty for years to come.

THE NATURE OF BRASS

Brass is an alloy primarily composed of copper and zinc, celebrated for its naturally warm, golden hue. Zinc gives brass its strength, while copper imparts a rich, gold-like color. Interestingly, both copper and zinc are trace elements beneficial to our bodies and can be gently absorbed through the skin when we wear brass jewelry.

While brass is a beautiful and versatile material, it is also reactive, which means it may change color over time when exposed to air, moisture, or chemicals. To enhance its beauty, we often take it a step further with gold-plated brass: a delicate layer of gold is applied to the surface, creating a radiant and luxurious golden finish. This layer preserves the glow and elegance of gold, but because it rests on the surface, such pieces also require mindful care to maintain their brilliance.

avoiding moisture and chemicals

There will be no harm for your jewelry if you dry it immediately after contact with water. However, prolonged exposure to moisture or chemicals is unsuitable for most natural materials — from wood and stone to metal. Improper care and constant dampness are among the main reasons why brass and gold-plated pieces may darken or lose their shine. Chlorides in water can cause brass to oxidize, dimming its surface, while perfumes and cleaning agents may, over time, wear away delicate layers of gold plating.

That is why proper storage and gentle handling should become simple, effortless rituals — small acts of care that preserve the radiance of your jewelry.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Remove jewelry before showering or swimming: water, especially chlorinated or salt water, can lead to faster oxidation.

Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions and cosmetics: apply them before putting on jewelry and let them dry.

Always remove jewelry when cleaning to avoid contact with harsh chemicals.

Putting on jewelry should be the last thing in the morning and taking it off first thing in the evening.

Before storing, wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth to remove sweat and dirt.

For maximum longevity, it is advisable to store jewelry in a place that is as little exposed to oxidation as possible.

Oxidation is a natural process that occurs when brass is exposed to oxygen, leading to the formation of a patina. While many people find patina to have a special charm, some still prefer their pieces to look shiny and new.

TIP: Although it sounds radical, storing jewelry in airtight boxes will completely eliminate the need for polishing: there are special airtight jewelry boxes, and another option is to insert a packet of silica gel that will absorb moisture.

Keep your jewelry separate, especially gold-plated jewelry: store each piece separately in a soft bag or separate compartment in your jewelry box to avoid scratches.

This only applies to brass jewelry, while gold-plated brass does not produce reactions of this type.

Our brass is nickel-free, so it is suitable for allergy sufferers. We also use anti-allergic medical steel pins on our earrings, but with brass jewelry comes the possibility of a greenish tinge on the skin. This is due to copper reacting with sweat or moisture. Although it is not harmful, and in fact, desirable in the body, it can be an aesthetic nuisance for some.

TIP: If you want to create a barrier between your skin and your jewelry, apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to the part of the jewelry that comes into contact with your skin.

Avoid wearing brass jewelry during strenuous activities that may cause sweating.

JEWELRY AND TIME

As with most objects, jewelry will show signs of wear and tear over time. Brass can develop a patina, while gold plating can wear away. This aging process adds character to any piece of jewelry, just as we develop a few wrinkles as we age. Brass can always be polished to a perfect golden hue, and gold-plated pieces, if they hold a special place in your heart, can be re-plated.

We hope that by better understanding the chemistry behind jewelry, as well as applying our care tips, you will ensure that along with Kragrlica, all the other jewelry in your collection remains as beautiful as the first day you wore it. The better you take care of your pieces, the longer they will shine, and for years to come they will add a timeless touch to your jewelry collection.