Care and Cleaning

Akatva works with durable materials, like bronze, brass, and iron. These metals require special care to ensure that they continue to look their best.

The appearance of bronze naturally changes over time. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent, water, and soft cloth will keep the surface beautiful as it ages. Bronze contains copper, and develops a green patina over time. Some find this transformation beautiful, but it is easy to remove if you prefer the original bronze appearance. Simply soak your jewelry in lemon juice or vinegar for a few minutes, use a brush or soft cloth to rub it clean, and rinse and dry thoroughly. If your piece has stones inset, work around them to avoid damage.

Brass can be cleaned with a paste made of lemon juice and baking soda. Work the paste over the metal with a soft cloth, rinse thoroughly, and dry. For an extra shine, buff it with a clean, dry cloth.

Pieces made of iron can oxidize, or rust, if they get wet. Do your best to keep iron clean and dry. Do not use water to clean iron, rather wipe or brush it clean. If it does get wet, dry it completely as soon as you can. Store your iron products in a clean, dry place.

For items with a light or brushed finish, a deoxidizing cleanser may be used. Some examples include Wrights Copper Cream and Bar Keeper’s friend. These will return the base metal finish. To protect the surface, apply a clean paste wax, such as Johnson’s Paste Wax.

With the proper care and storage, your handcrafted items from Akatva will look beautiful for years to come.