Tuesday, November 5, 2013

CARE FOR YOUR BRASS!



Caring for your Lateef Accessories can be as simple as caring for your fine jewelry. Giving it a little extra love and care will give you a lifetime of wear with your jewelry. First it's a good idea to understand that tarnishing is a natural characteristic of brass. This is caused by oxidation, the result of your brass coming into contact with oxygen. Depending on the makeup of your skin extended wear may result in a tinted stain on your skin and jewelry. There are many many ways however to reverse and delay this process.


Cleaning your brass:
The following methods are for cleaning brass only.
Use liquid dish soap or soapy water with either your fingers, a cloth or toothbrush to remove any dirt, oil, or grime build-up. Remember to wipe or polish your brass in the direction of the brass' natural grain or pattern. Rinse your piece and be sure to dry thoroughly to avoid leaving wet spots (great way to re-tarnish your brass).

If you desire more polishing, brightening or tarnish removal it would be a good idea to invest in a polishing cloth or fine steel wool. Purchasing a bottle of Brasso would also be a great investment. These are all quick and easy ways to restore shine! If you prefer non-chemical methods you could use a mixture of water, baking soda, and lemon juice with a toothbrush to get into those nooks and crannies. Some other options I've heard of people using to clean brass include using: Worcestershire sauce; ketchup; vinegar and salt; olive oil. There you have it! All the ingredients you need to give your brass jewelry a long, healthy life of wear and fabulousness.