WHAT IS BRONZE?

Bronze is a truly beautiful, earthy metal with the most gorgeous deep golden tones. Unlike brass, which is a more yellow-coloured alloy of copper and zinc, bronze is made of copper and tin which gives it a much warmer appearance. 

It is an incredibly hard and durable metal, and is still frequently used today for things like bearings, sculptures and marine hardware  due to its high resistance to saltwater corrosion.

It is also used for musical instruments such as bells and cymbals as it has strong acoustic properties that produce a rich, resonant sound.

In additional to practical uses, bronze is also known for its use in decorative architecture, coins and medals and is so historically significant that it gave its name to an entire ‘age’.

It marked a revolutionary shift in human craftsmanship and is recognised as the first major alloy that was used for both functional items and personal adornment.

It has been used as jewellery for thousands of years, only falling out of popularity with the rise in value and accessibility of silver and gold.

During the Middle Ages and onwards, gold and silver became the dominant metals for flaunting social status and wealth, and bronze was relegated to industrial uses or more budget-friendly accessories. 

With the current steep rises in the costs of precious metals, bronze is once again re-taking its place as a decorative metal and becoming more commonly featured in jewellery – but this time it is being acknowledged for its natural beauty and durability, rather than simply regarded as a lower-cost alternative.

It doesn’t carry the higher costs associated with silver and gold, and unlike plated metals, solid bronze has a consistent colour all the way through. This means any scratches will reveal matching metal underneath and it will never chip or flake.

Bronze is also the traditional gift given to mark an 8th year wedding anniversary.

Will it change colour over time?

Yes, all metals will do this eventually when exposed to the natural elements in the air.

But unlike silver which can turn black, and brass which can turn patchy, bronze will slowly darken and build up an even, warmer toned patina over time.

This is easy to prevent simply by wearing it regularly and polishing it gently with a soft cloth, and the darkening can also be removed and the bright shine restored by using an anti-tarnish cloth or gentle metal polish.

All jewellery should be stored out of natural light and away from humid conditions when not being worn.

Using sealable airtight bags will hugely help preserve the finish of your metal and slow down or prevent tarnishing from occurring.

Will Bronze make my skin go green?

In truth, it might do! This can sometimes happen with bronze just as it can happen with copper and brass too, and for some people, even with silver.

It’s the copper content in the metal that is to blame and some people will naturally be more affected by it than others.

This sort of reaction though is completely harmless and easily dealt with.

Minor skin discolouration can occasionally occur when an acidic skin pH created by sweat, moisture or natural skin oils causes a slight greenish or dark grey tinge under tight items like rings or close-fitting bangles.

This is more likely to occur in warmer months or during exercise when the skin naturally sweats more and reacts with the copper in the metal.

Removing such close-fitting pieces during exercise or swimming helps prevent this, although I would always strongly recommend ANY jewellery be removed before exercise, showering and sleeping etc.

If any skin discolouration does occur then this can very easily be washed off using regular soap and water.

Jewellery such as earrings and pendants which are not in such close contact with the skin are far less likely to cause any reactions, and I only ever use solid silver earring hooks or posts to minimise sensitivity in the ears.