Brass has been the quiet workhorse of Indian jewellery for centuries — strong enough for everyday wear, warm enough to feel like a family heirloom. At RUH, our brass and Gilat pieces are hand-finished, which means each one carries small, honest variations. That is not a flaw; it is the signature of a hand, not a machine.
Why brass darkens
Brass is a copper-zinc alloy, and copper reacts with air, moisture, and the natural oils of your skin. Over weeks and months, a soft darkening — a patina — settles into the crevices of the piece. Some people love this aged look. If you prefer a bright, polished finish, a little routine care keeps it that way.
The weekly clean
- Wipe your pieces with a soft, dry cotton cloth after every wear. This removes the day's oils before they can build up.
- Once a week, dip a cloth in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, wring it out well, and gently wipe the piece.
- Dry immediately with a separate soft cloth. Never let brass air-dry — water spots are the enemy.
- For stubborn tarnish, make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda, apply with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and dry.
What to avoid
- Perfume, lotion, and hairspray — apply these first, then put on your jewellery last.
- Swimming and showers — chlorine and hard water accelerate tarnish.
- Ultrasonic cleaners — too aggressive for hand-finished surfaces and any embedded stones.
- Abrasive polishes — they strip the finish and leave scratches that catch light unevenly.
Storage
Keep each piece in its own soft pouch or a lined box, away from other jewellery that could scratch it. A small silica gel sachet in your jewellery box slows tarnish in humid weather. If you live somewhere humid — and much of India is — this single habit does more than any polish.
Embrace the patina
Here is the honest part: a little darkening is not damage. It is the piece settling into your life. Many of our customers choose to let their coin rings and ghungroo earrings age naturally, and the result is a warm, lived-in glow that no new piece can fake. Clean when you want brightness, and let it be when you want character.
A note on Gilat
Gilat is a traditional alloy with a deep, antique tone that is prized precisely because it does not shine like new brass. Treat it the same way — gentle cleaning, careful storage — and it will hold its rich colour for years.
Caring for handcrafted jewellery is a small ritual. Ten minutes a week keeps your pieces looking loved, and that is exactly what they are.