1. Diagnosis: What kind of metal is it?
Silver: Oxidation is black/dark gray.
Brass/Bronze: Oxidation often looks brown, green, or dull.
Historic patina: Sometimes that dark layer is actually desired because it makes the jewellery look "old" and authentic. Be careful: If you completely remove the oxidation, the jewellery often looks "too new."
2. The method: Clean safely
Method A: The gentle cleaning (For all metals)
For daily maintenance or light oxidation:
Bath: Mix lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
Clean: Let the jewellery soak for 5-10 minutes. Use a very soft toothbrush to gently remove dirt from corners and holes.
Dry: Rinse with clean water and pat dry immediately with a soft cotton cloth.
Method B: The chemical/natural method (For silver)
Silver responds well to the "electrolytic" method:
Aluminum: Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom of a plastic container.
Solution: Place the silver jewellery on it, sprinkle some baking soda (sodium carbonate) over it, and pour boiling water over it.
Reaction: The oxidation shifts through a chemical reaction from the silver to the aluminum.
Finish: Remove the jewellery, rinse it off, and polish with a silver polishing cloth.
Method C: Polishing (For brass and bronze)
Brass and bronze often need a mechanical approach:
Polishing paste: Use a mild metal polish (like Brasso or a specialized metal cleaner from our shop).
Rub: Use a soft cloth. Rub in circular motions.
Attention: Don't use steel wool, it causes microscopic scratches where oxidation builds up faster.
3. Checklist for your workshop
[ ] Soft cotton cloths (essential for a streak-free result).
[ ] Soft toothbrush (for complex patterns).
[ ] Metal polish (specific for copper/brass).
[ ] Silver polishing cloth (impregnated for silver).
Expert tip: A jewellery piece that is "exposed" after polishing oxidizes faster than ever before. After cleaning, apply a paper-thin layer of microcrystalline wax (like Renaissance Wax) or neutral beeswax. This seals the metal from oxygen and moisture, keeping your jewellery shiny for months without polishing.
