Jewellery Care

Corabella pieces are typically made from solid copper, solid brass, and occasionally stainless steel or sterling silver. Many of our copper and brass pieces are oxidized with patina. A patina normally forms over time on brass, copper and sterling silver; we intentionally speed up the process for a "vintage" or "antique" look. love the depth and variation that patina adds to our pieces, and how the colour changes with wear and handling.

No lacquer, coating or plating is added; chain and wirework are left in a natural raw state.

Bare brass and copper show character with wear and handling. The raised areas of oxidized copper becomes brighter, and antiqued brass becomes a lovely burnished gold, while the recessed areas such as between the wire wrapping remain darker. With exposure to air, bright copper and bright gold brass tend to form patina over time.

Although not necessary, if you wish to buff your jewellery, you can use a small amount of olive oil and a soft cloth. Store your jewellery in a dry place.

Cleaning Tips

  • the chain and wirework can be very safely washed with warm soapy water or wiped with a damp cloth. Pat dry and leave it out in the open to finish drying.

  • It is normal for a wet cloth to remove some of the oxidation layer and leave black spots on the cloth.

  • Glass, crystal, ceramic beads and freshwater pearls can be safely immersed in water briefly and washed. Pat dry and air dry.

  • Stamped solid copper and solid brass pieces (including shapes and charms) can be safely immersed in water to wash as well.

  • Vintage finds such as keys, key holes, buttons, and other items are made of various materials, often unknown: wipe with a damp cloth, pat dry, and air dry.

  • Non-wirework pendants: wipe with a damp cloth, pat dry, and air dry.

Silk Ribbon

Video: How to tie a Silk Wrap bracelet.

Silk ribbons may be hand washed occasionally with care.

  • Untie / remove charms or pendants from the ribbon.

  • Gently wash with mild, clear soap and cool water.

  • Rinse in cool water.

  • Finger press the ribbon flat on a paper towel and air dry.

Recycled sari ribbons (these are the ribbons with unfinished, raw rough edges) may be steam ironed at the lowest steam setting (put an old smooth cloth underneath the ribbon in case of dye transfer). Silk ribbons with finished sewn edges: thread type used to sew the edges varies by artisan. We recommend to finger press after washing.

Should you wish to iron, please test carefully at the lowest steam setting, and sandwich the ribbon between two layers of cotton fabric such as old towels.

Pocket Watch Care

To Open:

  • Traditional style: push down the button at the top.

  • Locket style: lift the side catch gently towards the back like a hinge. Note: some styles open differently, or are not designed to open, such as the "bubble" design.

To Close (Traditional style):

  • PUSH AND HOLD DOWN THE TOP/SIDE BUTTON, CLOSE THE COVER, THEN RELEASE THE BUTTON to prolong the life of the closure mechanism. Avoid “clicking” the watch closed, as the clicks will eventually wear down the latch to the point where the watch may no longer stay closed.

Set the time:

Pull out/up on the ribbed button and turn to move the hands. Push button back in/down to start. Battery: The battery used is a very common size of watch battery. It can be accessed for replacement by carefully opening the back cover using a watch tool or thin blade.

Pocket Watch Necklace Materials:

The "antiqued" colour watch necklaces have chain and wirework made of solid brass; the chain & wirework will not rust and are nickel and lead free. I apply a patina (oxidization) to the brass chain to give it a vintage look.

Silver-coloured watches have stainless steel chain and wirework. The watch casings are cast zinc alloy with a plated finish. The watch itself may or may not contain nickel.

Important note: Watches are not waterproof; do not immerse watch in water!