Love Your Jewelry | Caring for Bronze

Bronze, an alloy consisting primarily of copper, has been cherished for centuries for its warm, lustrous glow and timeless appeal. With its rich history and inherent beauty, bronze jewelry makes a beautifully durable adornment for those of us that want the look of gold for a much more affordable price. 

Our beautiful bronze jewelry is ethically made from recycled metals and every piece sold plants 10 trees… so you can feel great about the fact that your purchase supports environmental restoration!

 To preserve the enchanting allure of your bronze Catori Life treasures, it's essential to embrace the art of caring for them. With a little knowledge and attention, you can ensure that your bronze jewelry continues to shine and stand the test of time.

1. Shield from Harsh Elements

Bronze jewelry is resilient, but it's not invincible. Exposure to harsh elements such as moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures can tarnish or damage your precious pieces. It's crucial to shield them from these threats. Remove bronze jewelry before swimming in anything other than natural waters or engaging in activities where it may come into contact with chemicals, such as household cleaning agents or hair products. Additionally, store your bronze jewelry in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent discoloration and oxidation.

2. Embrace Gentle Cleaning

Routine cleaning is an integral part of bronze jewelry care. However, it's vital to handle this process with care to avoid inadvertently damaging the metal. Begin by gently wiping your bronze jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust and dirt. Avoid using abrasive materials or rough fabrics that could scratch the surface. For a more thorough cleaning, mix a mild dishwashing liquid with warm water and immerse your jewelry for a few minutes. Gently scrub with a soft brush, cloth or toothbrush to remove any stubborn grime. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean cloth.

3. Polishing to Perfection

Over time, bronze jewelry may develop a patina—a natural tarnish that adds character and depth to the metal. However, if you prefer the original golden gleam, periodic polishing can restore its radiance. Use a specialized bronze polishing cloth or a non-abrasive metal polish designed for bronze. Apply a small amount of the polish onto a clean cloth and gently rub the jewelry in circular motions.

4. Guard against Scratches

Bronze is a relatively sturdy metal, however, it can still be prone to scratching if subjected to very rough treatment. To prevent surface damage, avoid storing your bronze jewelry alongside other harder materials such as gemstones, diamonds, or even harder metals like stainless steel. If you must store multiple pieces together, individually wrap them in soft cloth or place them in separate compartments of a jewelry box to prevent friction and scratches.

Remove your bronze jewelry while gardening or working with rocks or dirt so your pieces don't get scratched.

5. Preserve with a Protective Coating

We do not coat our bronze jewelry as we don’t want to expose our customers to chemicals, however, applying a protective coating to your bronze jewelry can provide an additional layer of defense against tarnish and oxidation. If youd like to go this route, look for specially formulated coatings made for bronze jewelry and apply them according to the manufacturer's instructions. This simple step can help maintain the luster of your treasures and reduce the frequency of cleaning and polishing, as well as prevent any green hue to the skin due to the copper.

6. Be Mindful of Chemical Interactions

Certain chemicals can accelerate tarnishing and cause irreversible damage to bronze. Avoid exposing your jewelry to substances like chlorine, ammonia, acids, and sulfur-containing compounds. These can be found in household cleaning products, hair dyes, cosmetics, and even some perfumes. When using these products, remove your bronze jewelry beforehand and put it back on only after you've completed your routine.