Help! My jewellery is discoloured!

Have your brass pieces gone a funny colour? Has your make up left marks on the clay? Do not despair, I am here to help! Whether it's the metal components or the clay that isn't looking like new any more, I have the insider secrets to help you out. Keep reading...

Brass

If the brass parts of your earrings are starting to look a bit meh, it's super easy and quick to get them looking brand new again. The secret is... Brasso.

I know, not much of a secret to use brass cleaner on brass is it? But you'd be surprised how many people just wouldn't think to use it!

Step 1) Get yourself a microfibre cloth. A bit of kitchen roll will also do the job, or an old t-shirt, really any bit of material that you don't use any more.

Step 2) Take a little bit of the wadding from the Brasso tin and rub it gently over the brass, taking care not to touch the clay.

Step 3) Use the microfibre cloth to rub the Brasso into the brass until you see it start to sparkle before your very eyes!

Step 4) Make sure you've removed all the remaining Brasso from the piece, and there you have it! A brand new pair of earrings!

Clay

If your clay pieces are starting to look a bit unloved and worn (which can happen especially when the earrings are a light colour, or if you wear makeup), there is a way to get them looking brand new again, the answer is acetone. But in very small quantities!!

Step 1) Got some nail varnish remover lying around? Has it got acetone in it? Perfect. While you're there, grab some cotton buds.

Step 2) Make sure you're working on a flat surface with good ventilation and plenty of light. You'll want to see what you're doing.

Step 3) Dip the cotton bud into the acetone and wring out the excess. You only need the bud to be damp, not dripping wet. Easy does it.

Step 4) Gently wipe the cotton bud over the offending area. DON'T RUB. The acetone strips away thin layers of the clay, and if you're not careful you'll end up with a dent. You want to make gentle, light strokes until the dirt starts to lift. It helps if you imagine you're a CSI combing for evidence!

Step 5) Wipe off any excess acetone and let the earring dry fully before wearing/storing.

And that's it! All the tools you need to keep your jewellery looking amazing. If you've found this helpful I'd love a 'like', click the heart below to show some love.

Zoe x

How to clean clay jewellery. How to clean brass. How to get make up off earrings.