Brass is an amazing material that does “Patina” but can always be brought back to life with polishing. Wearing your brass often will keep it clean from dirt and oil collection on the jewelry. If build-up occurs on the jewelry, it can cause irritation, so it is important to keep it clean - if you are not wearing it often. Solid- uncoated brass jewelry is extremely durable and sustainable and will never wear, it will only ever need to be cleaned.

Gold-dipped vintage brass chain is often used in Always Afternoon jewelry for lockets, and other thin chain necklaces. Special care is advised for these pieces. The lockets and charms will always maintain their brass quality- and can be polished, but once the gold dipping is worn from the chain- it can appear silver. It can last for years to come if cared for. If worn recklessly- (which is totally okay), the chain will need to be replaced every 9 months- which would cost about $25-40 to replace depending on length.

How to care for your gold-dipped items:

Keep in a cotton bag when not being worn

Keep away from other jewelry

Take off before showering

Take off before sweating

Polish using a silver polishing cloth alone or with a gentle fine jewelry cleaner

Treating your thin necklaces with a little TLC can make them a forever piece.

Thick chain pieces- such as bracelets, necklaces, and any other solid brass pieces- can quite literally be thrown around or to the bottom of your purse and be sustainable forever with casual cleaning as needed.