Caring For Your Jewellery
Handmade tribal jewellery is not meant to be treated like fine gold, but it does last a long time if you give it a little basic care. Brass, Afghani mix metal, and German silver are all living metals in a sense, they react to air, moisture, and skin, and that reaction is part of what gives them their character. Here is how to keep your pieces looking their best for years.
Does tribal jewellery tarnish?
Yes, and this is normal, not a defect. Brass jewellery often deepens in colour over time and can develop a darker patina, especially with regular wear. Afghani jewellery is already oxidised on purpose, so its dark, raw finish is meant to look aged. German silver resists tarnish better than plain silver but can still dull slightly with prolonged exposure to moisture and air. None of this means the piece is damaged, it simply means it is being worn and lived in.
How to clean brass, Afghani, and German silver jewellery
- Wipe the piece gently with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove sweat, oils, and dust.
- For a deeper clean, use a slightly damp cloth, never soak the piece in water.
- Avoid soap, chemical cleaners, or metal polish, especially on Afghani jewellery, since this can strip the oxidised finish that gives it its tribal look.
- A soft toothbrush can help gently reach into detailed engraving, use it dry or with the lightest dampness only.
- Always dry the piece fully before storing it.
What to avoid
- Perfume, deodorant, and hairspray, apply these first and let them settle before putting on your jewellery.
- Water exposure, including swimming, washing hands, and rain, remove pieces beforehand where possible.
- Direct sunlight for long periods, which can dull the finish faster.
- Tossing pieces loosely into a bag or drawer with other jewellery, this causes scratches, especially on detailed or engraved pieces.
How to store your jewellery
Every Tarana piece comes packed in a small ziplock pouch, and we would genuinely recommend keeping that pouch rather than tossing it aside. When you are not wearing your jewellery, pack it back into the same ziplock and seal it shut. This one small habit does a lot of the work for you, it keeps air and moisture away from the metal, which slows down tarnishing, and it keeps each piece separate so it does not scratch against other jewellery in a drawer or bag. If you are storing multiple pieces, keep each one in its own ziplock rather than grouping them together.
A quick note on wear
Tribal jewellery made in brass, Afghani metal, and German silver is meant for real, regular wear, not just special occasions. A little natural ageing over time is part of the piece's story, not something to fight against. With basic care, dry storage, and the ziplock habit, your jewellery will hold its detailing and finish for a long time to come.