How to Clean Pesci Bronze Jewellery Without Damaging It
Have you noticed your bronze jewellery becoming darker over time?
Good.
It's supposed to.
One of the most beautiful things about Pesci Che Volano jewellery is the bronze itself. Unlike many modern materials, bronze changes as it is worn. It reacts to the world around it, developing subtle variations in colour and finish over time.
Each piece evolves and develops its own character.
It's part of what allows it to become uniquely yours.
But if you'd like to restore some of its original glow from time to time, cleaning bronze is simple.
First Things First: Bronze Is Meant to Change
Many customers contact us worried that their jewellery has darkened.
The truth is, this isn't damage.
It's not a fault.
It's exactly what bronze is meant to do.
This natural change is called a patina.
Bronze is a blend of metals that reacts gently with air, moisture and your skin. Over time, this creates shifts in colour, sometimes darker, sometimes warmer, sometimes slightly brighter in areas that are handled more often.
There is no “correct” colour for bronze.
The changing surface is part of its beauty and one of the reasons the artisans at Pesci Che Volano choose to work with it.
Every piece develops its own personality.
Every piece tells its own story.
Are Marks and Colour Changes Normal?
Bronze changes colour because it is a natural metal.
When it comes into contact with oxygen, water, and the natural oils on your skin, it slowly reacts and forms a surface layer, the patina.
This is a normal and expected process.
It doesn’t mean the jewellery is wearing out.
It means it is settling into its environment and becoming more personal to you.
Some people love the darker, aged look.
Others prefer to keep their jewellery brighter.
Both are completely fine.
A Quick and Gentle Clean
For a light clean you'll only need:
Warm water
Mild soap
A soft cloth
A soft toothbrush (optional)
Apply a small amount of mild soap to the bronze and gently remove any dirt or residue.
Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Avoid scrubbing aggressively, and take care not to soak the cord or handle it too roughly. The jewellery is best cared for with a light touch, gentle cleaning is usually all that's needed.
Restoring Bronze's Original Shine
If your bronze jewellery has developed a darker patina and you'd prefer a brighter finish, it's easy to restore.
Mix:
2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda
Enough lemon juice to form a paste
Using a soft cloth or soft toothbrush, gently rub the paste onto the bronze until the darker surface begins to lift.
Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a soft cloth.
For more stubborn patina, you may need to repeat the process.
You can also soak only the bronze section in vinegar for around 20 minutes before cleaning to help loosen heavier tarnish, but take care not to soak the cord or handle it roughly during the process.
Remember, polishing is entirely optional.
Some people love the bright finish.
Others prefer to leave the patina and enjoy the depth and character it brings.
There is no right or wrong choice.
As bronze contains copper, it can sometimes react with your skin and leave a faint green mark.
This is completely normal.
It is not harmful.
It is not a sign of poor quality.
It is simply a natural reaction between the metal and your skin.
Some people never experience it.
Others notice it occasionally, especially in warm weather, during exercise, or when wearing skincare products.
The mark is temporary and washes away easily with soap and water.
If you'd prefer to reduce this effect, you can apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to the parts of the jewellery that touch your skin. This creates a light barrier and can help minimise the reaction.
Is Bronze Safe to Wear?
Yes.
Bronze is safe to wear.
The colour changes and occasional green marks are natural surface reactions, not something harmful.
Many people have worn bronze jewellery for centuries without issue.
If you have particularly sensitive skin, you may prefer to wear the piece over clothing or use the simple barrier method mentioned above.
Caring for Bronze Between Wears
A little care after wearing your jewellery can help maintain its appearance.
When you remove your piece, wipe it gently with a soft cloth to remove any oils or moisture from your skin.
Store it in its original pouch or bag whenever possible.
This helps protect the jewellery and may slow the development of patina when it's not being worn.
Don't Forget the Cord
Many Pesci Che Volano pendants feature handmade waxed cotton cords.
These cords are designed to age naturally alongside the bronze.
Over time, they may soften, relax and develop slight fraying at the ends.
This is part of the character of the piece.
When cleaning your jewellery, it's best to remove the cord if possible before cleaning the bronze. This helps protect it from moisture, vinegar or cleaning solutions.
Avoid soaking the cord, and avoid being too rough with it. It is designed to age gently, not be scrubbed.
Once the bronze is clean and completely dry, simply reattach the cord.
Jewellery That Gets Better With Time
At La Casa, we love Pesci because no two pieces remain the same.
The bronze changes.
The cord softens.
The jewellery becomes uniquely yours.
Whether you choose to embrace the natural patina or occasionally polish the bronze back to a brighter finish, your piece will continue to evolve with you.
That’s not a flaw.
That’s the beauty of bronze.
