Bronze jewelry with brown patina looks noble but requires careful maintenance. Over time, the patina may change and become more pronounced, and if not properly cared for, green spots (copper oxide) may appear. Let’s break down how to properly care for such jewelry to preserve its beauty.

1. Basic Care Rules

• Avoid moisture and chemicals – water, sweat, cosmetics, and perfume can destroy the patina.
• Don’t use abrasive materials – baking soda, salt, and acids can rub off the protective layer.
• Store in a dry place – preferably in a pouch or box to prevent corrosion.

2. Cleaning Patinated Bronze

Over time, dust and grease may accumulate on the jewelry. Use gentle methods to clean it:

Light Cleaning (for dirt removal)

• Wipe the jewelry with a soft dry cloth (flannel, microfiber).
• If necessary, use a soft brush or a slightly damp cloth.

Removing Grease Marks

• Soak a cotton pad in alcohol (not vodka!) and gently wipe the surface.
• Let it dry completely. 

3. Water Contact: What to Do if Jewelry Gets Wet

Patinated bronze jewelry should be kept away from water, especially hot or chlorinated water. If the jewelry gets wet:

1. Immediately blot it with a soft cloth (don’t rub, to avoid damaging the patina).
2. Allow it to dry completely in the air, but not under direct sunlight.

4. What Happens if You Don’t Follow These Rules?

With frequent contact with water, sweat, and cosmetics, the brown patina can degrade, and green spots – copper oxide, known as "verdigris" – may appear.

Why Does Green Patina Appear?

• Frequent contact with skin – sweat contains salts that accelerate corrosion.
• Storage in a humid environment – high humidity promotes copper oxidation.
• Exposure to water and cosmetics – perfumes, creams, and chlorinated water speed up the process.

How to Remove Green Patina?

• If green spots appear on the jewelry, they can be gently removed:Gentle Method (for light marks)
  1. Wipe with a cloth soaked in soapy water.
  2. Thoroughly dry the item.
  Deep Cleaning (for stubborn green patina)
  1. Mix vinegar and water (1:1) or dilute lemon juice with water.
  2. Dip a cotton swab in the solution and gently treat the spots.
  3. Quickly rinse with water and dry immediately.
  Important! Don’t fully submerge the jewelry in an acidic solution – this could damage the brown patina.

5. How to Prevent Green Patina from Appearing?

• Remove jewelry before bathing or physical activities.
• After wearing, wipe it with a soft dry cloth to remove sweat and moisture.
• Store in a dry place, and consider using a silica gel packet to absorb moisture.

Conclusion

With proper care, the brown patina will age gracefully, and green patina won’t appear. The key is to follow simple rules: avoid moisture and chemicals, and regularly care for your jewelry.