How to Clean Kuchi Jewelry

 It has been too long since my last blog. I'm going to try and post a new blog every week.

This weeks blog is an article I wrote about cleaning Kuchi jewelry. When I had my business, Shimmybliss, I imported Kuchi jewelry and through trial and error I learned how to clean it. Enjoy and I hope it helps when it comes to cleaning your own Kuchi jewelry.

How to Clean Kuchi Jewelry
by Yasmina

To understand how to clean Kuchi jewelry you must understand what this jewelry is made with. 

The Kuchi pieces I’m focusing on is the inexpensive pieces made with a brass base also known as “gillet” metal. The base is about 75% – 80% brass with either copper, silver, iron or all these metals mixed in. Then a thick silver plating is buffed on the surface and can last for years. Once this plating starts to wear off your pieces start looking brassy.

Some of your jewelry will also contain glass jewels and beads. These items are held in place with beeswax and can come out easily with wearing and cleaning. Don’t leave your jewelry out in the sun or in a hot vehicle or use hot water to clean your jewelry you will melt the wax. I normally replace these jewels using jewelry glue or a clear drying gloss medium like Glossy Accents that can be purchased at any craft store.

Since Kuchi jewelry is brass based you will see green oxidation in areas. It is difficult to get rid of this oxidation; using baking soda will help. Mix your baking soda with water into a paste and using a soft toothbrush to get into any crevices, this should remove the oxidation or most of it.

To clean your Kuchi jewelry use a mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush being careful around any glass jewels. Make sure you completely dry your pieces after cleaning.

For really dirty jewelry you might want to try other things like toothpaste, diluted lemon juice, ketchup or baking soda. Use a soft toothbrush or Q-tip to clean in those hard to reach areas.

There are cleaners on the market for cleaning silver and brass; I don’t recommend these cleaners. Remember you are dealing with gillet metal which is a mixture of different metals. What will work on one piece may not work on another. Use a Q-tip and test an area of your piece to see how it will react you don’t want to remove the silver buffing on your jewelry. 

When you have finished cleaning your jewelry use a jewelers cloth to buff your pieces. After wearing your jewelry use your cloth to keep your pieces nice and clean.