care instructions
Blattrausch jewelry is a natural product, meaning that each piece is unique and varies in size, shape and color from the catalog images or examples. By ordering our product, you accept these natural variations. These variations include in particular any changes in the color of copper and silver products caused by oxidation/patina formation after a certain period of time.
Our leaf jewelry is given a special seal to minimize these oxidation processes and wear. This "zapon varnish" is kind to the skin and is cellulose-based. After prolonged wear, greater stress such as friction on clothing and skin or the use of creams, this protective layer can wear off. Copper and silver leaves in particular can then become darker or discolored.
copper leaves
The copper leaves can change slightly depending on how long they are worn, the pH of the skin and the humidity in the air. The outer material, copper, oxidizes with the oxygen in the air and in combination with moisture. The red color in particular can become a little duller over time.
Tip: To maintain the red copper color and to prolong the protective effect, the jewelry should be re-varnished with colorless nail polish (or shellac) after a certain period of time in order to preserve the current condition for as long as possible. This should be done as soon as the first signs of a color change in the copper appear at any point on the jewelry. The sheet should be free of dust and grease. This can be done before or after cleaning.
If the leaf becomes darker in some places due to sweating, rain or similar, or if a green patina develops in one spot, you can carefully clean the area with a few drops of lemon juice on a cotton swab or cloth.
Alternatively, soak it for a few minutes in lemon juice or cola (contains phosphoric acid). Caution: loss of some of the red color is possible!
If you leave it in the bath for a long time (approx. 2 - 5 hours) and then polish it, the pure, pink copper will appear, which will start to darken again after 1-2 weeks. The red color will then be gone. You can try to get a red color again by heat treatment. The results vary, however.
silver leaves
If the leaf veins become dirty, rinse the jewelry with lukewarm soapy water.
If the silver leaves are slightly oxidized, cleaning with a silver cleaning cloth will usually remove the dark/yellow coloring of the silver. To do this, rub two to three times from the center of the leaf outwards, using light pressure. Do not rub too hard and do not rub back and forth too often.
In the case of severe oxidation, a bath of 15 - 60 minutes in lemon juice or cola usually helps to dissolve the oxidized layer. Then rinse with lukewarm water and carefully clean and polish with a silver cleaning cloth. This usually removes most of the oxidation.
Tip: To prolong the protection against oxidation, the silver jewelry can be re-varnished with colorless nail polish (or shellac) to preserve the current condition for as long as possible. This can be done before or after cleaning.
gold leaves
If the leaf veins become dirty, rinse the jewelry with lukewarm soapy water.
The original shine can be restored by cleaning with a silver cleaning cloth. To do this, rub two or three times from the center of the leaf outwards, using light pressure. Do not rub too hard and do not rub back and forth too often.
Antique sheets (copper, brass and silver):
If the leaf veins become dirty, rinse the jewelry with lukewarm soapy water.
The original patina can be restored by cleaning it with a silver polishing cloth. To do this, rub two or three times from the center of the leaf outwards, using light pressure. Do not rub too hard and do not rub back and forth too often.
Antique Copper Green:
If the green color has partially been lost, the leaf can be colored green again in a glass with diluted vinegar solution and a little salt. To do this, dilute about 30 ml of vinegar 1:1 with water in a glass, add 2 teaspoons of salt and place in a dark place.
Be careful, observe regularly and remove after a maximum of 2-3 days.
If you have any other problems or questions, please contact us at
info@blattrausch.de