I create my jewellery using sterling silver and bronze – beautiful, strong metals that have been valued since ancient civilisations. Silver has been used since antiquity, with some of the earliest known silver jewellery dating back to around 4000 BCE. Bronze is associated with the Bronze Age, a period remembered by remarkable advances in craftsmanship, tools, and art.

To keep your jewellery looking it’s best, here are some tips:

✦ Remove your jewellery before showering or swimming.

✦ Put your jewellery on last after applying lotion or perfumes.

✦ Avoid contact with perfumes and other chemicals.

✦ Clean with a very soft bristle brush and mild soap and dry afterwards. You can use a polishing cloth to further clean and polish pieces.

✦ Store your jewellery in a dry place such as a jewellery box to prevent it from getting scratched. If you won’t be wearing items for while, consider storing jewellery in individual plastic pouches to keep it from tarnishing.

✦ Brass and bronze jewellery in particular will take on a patina over time. You can either leave it for an antiqued look or clean it with a commercial product specific for brass or bronze such as Brasso. These metals may occasionally leave a harmless green mark on the skin, which washes away easily.