Material n Natural behavior

Each piece of Chicory Chai jewelry is crafted in raw, unplated brass, an alloy of copper and zinc chosen for its warmth and depth of tone. Brass naturally oxidizes when exposed to air, moisture, and skin. Over time, this may deepen the surface color or create a richer patina. This is a characteristic of the material, not a defect. The tarnish can be easily cleaned with either anti-tarnish solutions or use of vinegar, lime or tamarind. We use our in-house bio-enzyme.

Special care needs to be taken for the following kind of jewelry:

Jewelry that has oxidised elements as a ‘design’ feature should not be cleaned with the anti-tarnish solution.
Gemstones like emerald, turquoise, opals, pearls, tourmalines need professional cleaning as they may lose colour due to harsh chemicals or direct heat.
Jewelry with enamel needs to be handled gently.
Special techniques like inlay of semi-precious stones in marble or wood will reach with natural or artificial enzymes and therefore need to be carefully cleaned.

Skin Interaction

Due to its copper content, brass may react with certain skin types. In some cases, this can leave a temporary greenish mark on the skin. This is a harmless surface reaction caused by oxidation and can be washed off easily.

A small percentage of individuals with metal sensitivities may experience mild irritation. If you have known sensitivities to copper or metal alloys, we recommend limiting prolonged direct contact. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.

Aging & Care

Natural darkening, tonal variation, and surface evolution are expected with raw brass. These changes reflect the material’s authenticity and can be minimized through proper storage and occasional polishing.

We do not consider natural oxidation or patina development to be manufacturing defects.