Bronze Jewellery Care – FAQs

How do I care for bronze jewellery?

Bronze jewellery is easy to care for with a few simple habits.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to water and moisture
• Remove bronze jewellery before bathing, swimming, or soaking
• Take jewellery off before applying perfume, lotions, sunscreen, or oils
• If your jewellery becomes damp, dry it thoroughly

Bronze is strong and well-suited to regular wear — it simply prefers not to be wet.

Does bronze jewellery tarnish?

Yes. Bronze naturally darkens over time.

This soft deepening is known as patina. It occurs as bronze reacts with air, moisture, and your skin’s natural oils. Patina is not damage or a fault — it’s part of the character of the metal.

Some people love this lived-in surface. Others prefer to gently polish their bronze back now and then. Both approaches are valid.

How do I clean bronze jewellery at home?

For everyday care:

• Gently buff your bronze jewellery with a clean, soft, dry cloth to restore warmth and lustre

This is usually all that’s needed.

We do not recommend chemical cleaners, polishing dips, or abrasive solutions, as these can damage surface detail and strip the character of the piece.

Bronze responds best to restraint rather than force.

Can I polish bronze jewellery?

Yes — gently.

A soft, dry cloth allows you to brighten bronze without removing its sculptural surface or detail. Avoid aggressive polishing or products designed for other metals.

If you enjoy a brighter finish, occasional gentle polishing is simply part of living with bronze.

About patina & surface finish

Some HerbertandWilks bronze pieces are intentionally patinated.

For these pieces, a museum-quality wax finish has been applied to help stabilise the surface, slow oxidation, and protect the patina — while still allowing the metal to feel natural and tactile. 

Other bronze pieces are left untreated, allowing them to age and develop patina naturally over time. This is a deliberate choice. Bronze has a long history in small sculpture and functional objects, where surface change is part of the material’s beauty.

Both finishes are intentional and suited to the piece.

If you ever have questions about how your bronze jewellery is finished or how it’s ageing, you’re always welcome to get in touch.

Will bronze jewellery turn my skin green?

Sometimes — and it’s temporary.

Bronze is a copper-based alloy, and on some skin types it can leave a faint green mark, particularly with heat or moisture. This washes off easily and is harmless.

It varies from person to person and does not indicate poor quality.

Can I wear bronze jewellery every day?

Yes.

Bronze has been used for centuries in tools, vessels, and small sculptures because it’s durable and reliable. In jewellery form, it’s well-suited to everyday wear — just avoid water and moisture where possible.

How should I store bronze jewellery?

When not worn, store bronze jewellery:

• In a dry place
• Away from humidity and moisture
• Ideally in a cloth bag or jewellery box

Keeping bronze dry helps slow oxidation and maintain your preferred finish.

What if my bronze jewellery has a patina and something changes?

For earrings or pieces with a deliberate patina — accidents do happen.

You forget to take them off in the shower.
You swim.
Life gets busy.

If a patinated bronze piece changes unexpectedly, please email:
sally.h@herbertandwilks.co.nz

We’re always happy to help — whether that’s advice, refinishing, or finding the best solution for your piece.

Is bronze jewellery hard to look after?

No.

Bronze is low-maintenance, but not zero-maintenance. If you’re comfortable giving your jewellery a quick buff now and then and keeping it dry, bronze is forgiving and rewarding to live with.

A final note

Bronze records touch, time, and movement.
It isn’t meant to stay static.

Whether you let it age naturally or gently polish it back, your bronze jewellery is doing exactly what it was made to do — live alongside you.

 

Written by: Sally Herbert
Designer & Maker — HerbertandWilks Jewellery
Handmade in Mt Eden, Auckland, New Zealand

If you have any questions please Get In Touch