THE LIVING METAL CARE GUIDE

✦ Your Complimentary Polishing Cloth

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I want your jewellery to stand the test of time, which is why every single order includes a complimentary professional polishing cloth tucked inside your box.

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• To restore a bright shine, use the cloth dry to gently buff your copper and brass pieces whenever they start to look dull. A quick rub will instantly remove surface oxidation and restore that original, eye-catching satin glow.

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• To style your patina, you don't have to choose between 100% shiny or 100% dark. If you love a vintage look with deep contrast, give the piece a very light, gentle buff — just enough to polish the raised points of your hammered textures while leaving the dark patina in the recessed dimples. Always use a soft touch; polishing too firmly can strip away the beautiful, natural shading completely. 

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✦ The 60-Second Restoration Trick

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If your plain metal piece has developed a deep patina over months of wear and you’d like a full refresh, you can easily restore its brilliant glow using two everyday staples from your kitchen cupboard:

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The Mix: Pour a small amount of lemon juice into a shallow dish and stir in a teaspoon of table salt.

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The Dip: Submerge your jewellery or use a soft cloth to gently rub the mixture over the metal — you’ll see the tarnish lift instantly.

 

The Rinse: Rinse the piece thoroughly under clean, warm water to remove all traces of salt.

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The Dry: Pat it completely dry with a soft towel, then finish with a quick buff using your polishing cloth.

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✦ Crucial Note on Gemstones & Dark Patinas

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While raw copper and brass love a lemon bath, never use this liquid kitchen trick on jewellery with gemstones, beads, or pieces finished with an intentional dark patina.

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• For Gemstones: Many natural stones are porous or delicate and can be permanently dulled or damaged by acids.

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• For Dark Patinas: The lemon mixture will instantly strip away all your beautiful dark shading. Instead, use a very gentle wipe with a soft microfiber cloth to refresh the surface without losing its unique character.

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If your piece features a gemstone or a dark patina, skip the kitchen trick entirely and stick to using your complimentary polishing cloth with a gentle touch.

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✦ Simple Daily Habits for Longevity

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To slow down the natural oxidisation process, a few small daily habits make a big difference:

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• Keep it dry: Always remove your jewellery before showering, swimming, or washing your hands.

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• Apply first: Put your jewellery on after applying perfumes, hairsprays, or body lotions, as these chemicals accelerate tarnishing.

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• The Green Ring Myth: Copper occasionally reacts with skin acidity when worn directly against the skin for extended periods, leaving a harmless green mark that washes off easily with soap and water. To prevent it, keep your skin dry and wipe the back of your piece with your polishing cloth after wearing. Each Copperleaf piece is finished with a thin layer of Renaissance Wax to help reduce this reaction; if you ever clean your jewellery and want to refresh that protective layer, you can reapply a tiny amount of clear or microcrystalline wax with a soft cloth.

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✦ Smart Storage (And an Upcycling Tip!)

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When you aren't wearing your jewellery, protect it from the elements by storing dry pieces inside an airtight container or small zip-lock pouch away from direct sunlight.

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• Tip from the workshop: The protective foam insert inside your eco-friendly kraft box is specially designed to prevent tarnishing during transit. Don't throw it away — you can keep your Copperleaf piece inside, or cut the foam down with scissors to use as a soft, tarnish‑resistant liner for your favourite trinket dishes or jewellery trays. 

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Ready to find your next piece?

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Explore the collection of hand-cut, hammered, and wire-wrapped jewellery — crafted entirely by hand in my Edinburgh studio. 

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Explore the Collection — with free standard UK delivery.