Brass has a similar appearance to gold and is an alternative for those who cannot afford expensive jewelry. However, brass jewelry does entail some extra care and responsibilities. Like silver, never get your brass jewelry wet and be sure to wipe away any traces of water that makes contact with the surface. Even a bit of moisture can cause a brown patina to form though this is not necessarily a bad thing if that is the type of look you prefer.

Even with stringent care, most brass jewelry will eventually show signs of tarnish over time. Even if you keep it dry, it can still absorb moisture from air and from your sweat. However, you can restore its original look by using a polish cloth or steel wool, which is available at any hardware store.

You can also gently clean the brass with a toothbrush. To get a deeper clean, you can create a cleaning agent using a mixture of baking soda, lemon juice and warm water. This is the only time it is acceptable to expose the jewelry to liquids. Be sure the brass is completely dried afterwards.

It also helps to know if your brass jewelry is lacquered. This is a polymer coating that protects the surface from tarnishing. If the brass is lacquered and still shows signs of tarnish, then the coating has likely worn off and air moisture is leaking into the brass. If this is the case, then you can take the jewelry to a professional to have the existing coating stripped and reapplied.

When not in use, store the jewelry in an anti-tarnish bag; be sure to completely remove the air from the bag before sealing it.

Brass jewelry is among the finest when it comes to design and affordability. With just a little maintenance, you can retain its natural appearance and prevent tarnishing and visible scratches.

Silver is an element commonly found in jewelry. Most jewelry made from silver contain sterling alloy, which is a mixture of silver combined with other types of metals to make the material more durable. If you own expensive silver jewelry, then you will need to meticulously care for the pieces to keep it shining and in good condition.

When the jewelry is not in use, be sure to keep them in an anti-tarnish cloth or bag. This is a napped cloth flannel that absorbs chemicals and gasses in the air that can cause silver tarnishing. Do not wash or get the cloth wet as this will cause it to lose its effectiveness.

When it comes to cleaning, using a polishing cloth is a good idea. There are some recommendations swirling on the Web that toothpaste is a great product for cleaning sterling silver. However, just because toothpaste cleans your teeth does not mean it is an effective cleaning agent for jewelry. Toothpaste is abrasive and can cause scratches.

If you use your jewelry often, it may begin to develop a patina. These are darkened areas on the jewelry surface accompanied by a glow. Some people actually like this look and if this is the case, then by all means leave it as it is. However, if you wish to restore the silver back to its original look, then use a polish cloth. Never wipe the jewelry with a paper towel as it contains fibers that can also scratch the surface.

The less often you wear the jewelry the better. If you must wear it, then be sure it is the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you remove at night. Never leave it on when entering the shower or when going to bed.

With the right care, your jewelry should retain its glossy shine and remain tarnish and scratch-free for years to come.