Care Instructions

Brass & Copper:

These metals are non-lacquered and due to their properties the surface will naturally age and tarnish over time. This process is intentional and an inherent part of the design, allowing each product to acquire an attractive patina unique to the user. Should you wish to maintain the metal in its original state, regular cleaning with an appropriate reputable metal polish will retain the bright surface finish. In general copper will tarnish at a faster rate than brass.

Aluminium:

Similar to brass & copper our aluminium is non-lacquered and will naturally age over time. The process, however, is generally slower and will be less noticeable. Should you wish to maintain the metal in its original state, occasional cleaning with an appropriate reputable metal polish will retain the surface finish.

Brass & Copper Jewellery:

Included with all our brass and copper jewellery are cleaning pads and microfibre cloths. The pad is impregnated with a special polish and will quickly erase any build up of tarnish. Use the larger microfibre cloth to give the item a final wipe.

Solid Silver:

Minimalux uses sterling silver. With proper care, the silver will retain its beauty and character for many generations. Silver tarnishes but if regularly used it typically needs less care, so we strongly recommend you use or wear your Minimalux silver every day. To polish silver use a quality approved brand. Once cleaned and polished silver must be kept dry and, if stored, it should be contained in airtight bags or containers to prevent tarnish.

Solid Gold, Platinum & Rhodium: 

Gold, platinum and rhodium will tarnish very little. They can be easily maintained with an appropriate gently applied polish or jewellers cloth.

Plated Metals:

Please note that these surfaces may eventually wear away over time to reveal the base metal. They require far more delicate cleaning to avoid premature erosion. The expected lifespan of the surface is hard to estimate as it depends on the nature of the product and how much it is used. Please check the product description of your item before you buy.

Leather:

The surface and flexibility of our natural vegetable tan leather will evolve with use and age. It will quickly darken with sunlight, absorbing the daily marks of the user, continuously changing its appearance and suppleness, until it reaches a rich dark golden colour. Although a very light treatment of mink oil has already been applied you can preserve or soften the leather further with another application. Should you wish to clean the leather use a saddle soap with a warm slightly dampen cloth. Please note that both mink oil and saddle soap may darken the leather and it may also slow down the natural tanning process.