Before

After

Brass and copper are two of my favorite metals to work with.  I love creating jewelry designs with these metals.  One of the downfalls is that over a time they begin to change color and tarnish.  Like any other precious jewelry pieces, even your costume jewelry needs cleaning every now and then.  By cleaning them and storing them away properly you will help to preserve your jewels.  Here’s a simple cleaning solution that will make your copper and brass metal jewelry look as good as new and they can be found right in your kitchen and bathroom.

1 tsp. of salt

1/4 cup of white vinegar

1 pea size of toothpaste

soft cloth (terry cloth or old t-shirt)

Combine the salt and vinegar in a cup or shallow bowl and stir until salt dissolves. Drop copper or brass jewelry into solution and let sit anywhere from 2-5 minutes. Rinse jewelry with lukewarm water then dry and polish with cloth.  Drop a pea size of toothpaste onto your metal jewelry and use cloth to rub in toothpaste.  Rinse with lukewarm water and shine with cloth.