Bronze: The Metal of Legends (and How to Keep Your Jewellery Epic)
Bronze has been rocking the jewellery world for thousands of years—ancient warriors, mythical heroes, and legendary artisans all knew this metal was something special. With its fiery golden glow, tough-as-nails durability, and budget-friendly appeal, bronze is the ultimate underdog of the jewellery world.
But what exactly is it made of, why does it sometimes turn your skin green, and how do you keep it looking battle-ready? Let’s dive in.
What is Bronze Made Of?
Bronze is an alloy of awesomeness—a mix of copper and tin, with occasional guest appearances from zinc, nickel, or other trace metals. Its high copper content (typically 80–90%) gives it that warm, glowing, ancient-treasure vibe while making it strong enough to withstand the tests of time (or daily wear).
Photos of copper (L) and tin (R), credit to Wikipedia
The Skin-Boosting Benefits of Bronze (Yes, Really!)
Thanks to its high copper content, bronze has natural antimicrobial properties, which means it can help fight bacteria and keep your skin cleaner. In fact, copper has been used for centuries in medicine, and today, it’s even woven into modern wound healing dressings to help prevent infections and speed up recovery.
Some people also believe that wearing copper-rich metals like bronze can support collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing inflammation. Bronze jewellery isn't a magical cure-all, but it definitely has more going for it than just aesthetic style!
Bronze Jewellery: The Metal of Warriors and Kings
For over 5,000 years, bronze has been the go-to metal for those who wanted to make a statement. The ancient Sumerians were among the first to craft bronze jewellery, recognizing its strength and warm golden hue.
The Egyptians later refined the art, creating intricate rings and amulets for royalty and priests, while the Greeks and Romans popularized bronze for both fashion and military insignia.
1500 B.C.E era Bronze age jewellery hoard from Switzerland, photo credit: www.smithsonianmag.com
By the time the Vikings came onto the scene, bronze was a staple for sturdy, battle-ready arm rings and pendants.
Why Bronze is a Badass Choice for Jewellery
Not only does bronze look like treasure straight out of a fantasy novel, but it’s also ridiculously durable. Unlike gold, which is soft and scratches easily, bronze can handle life’s adventures—whether you're slaying dragons (or just running errands).
It also develops a gorgeous, natural patina over time, giving it that "artifact from a lost civilization" aesthetic. Plus, it’s way more budget-friendly than gold or silver, meaning you can deck yourself out in style without selling your soul!
Natural patinas on ancient bronze coins, photo credit to Cointalk.com
Why Does Bronze Turn Skin Green? (And No, It’s Not a Curse)
Ever worn bronze and noticed a greenish tint on your skin? Don’t panic—you haven’t been cursed by a mischievous sorcerer!
The high copper content reacts with moisture, sweat, and skin oils, creating copper oxide, which can leave behind that signature green mark. It’s more common in humid weather or for those with more acidic skin.
Copper oxidation, photo credit www.jewelry-auctioned.com
Thankfully, it’s totally harmless (and washes off easily). It's important to note that it's not a problem with the jewellery you have, it's purity of metals or the item's fabrication. Bronze leaving a temporary green deposit onto your skin is simply a chemical reaction to the metals it's made out of and very normal.
How to Stop Bronze Jewellery from Turning Your Skin Green
Seal the Deal: Coat the inside of your rings or bracelets with clear nail polish, jewellery wax, or Renaissance Wax to create a protective barrier.
Keep It Dry: Water and sweat speed up oxidation. Take off your bronze bling before showering, swimming, or conquering the gym.
Layer Up: Wearing bronze rings over gloves or bracelets over sleeves keeps direct skin contact to a minimum.
How to Keep Your Bronze Jewellery Looking Legendary
With just a little upkeep, your bronze jewellery can stay stunning for years. Here’s how to care for it:
Give It a Gentle Clean: A soft cloth and mild soap solution will remove dirt and oil without damaging the metal. Harsh chemicals? Big nope.
Polish When Needed: A jewellery polishing cloth or a DIY mix of baking soda and lemon juice can help restore that fresh golden glow.
Store Smart: Keep your bronze pieces in an airtight bag or anti-tarnish pouch when not in use to slow oxidation.
Embrace the Patina: If you love that "ancient relic" look, let your bronze naturally darken over time. It adds character and tells a story.
Final Thoughts
Bronze jewellery is epic, affordable, and packed with history. Yes, it takes a little care to keep it looking its best, but the trade-off is a metal that ages like fine wine, develops a unique character, and connects you to centuries of craftsmanship.
If you’re all about timeless style with a touch of myth and legend, bronze is your perfect match. Wear it boldly, take care of it, and let it tell its own story—one adventure at a time!
Thanks for reading,
