There’s a reason real metal jewelry feels different the moment you pick it up.
Weight. Texture. Temperature.
It doesn’t feel disposable — it feels forged.
Our Bull Nose Bangles, often called Cowboy bracelets, are made from solid brass, copper, or stainless steel — not thin coatings, not shortcuts, and not mass-produced throwaways. With real metal comes real character, and that means learning how to care for it properly.
This guide walks you through what your bracelet is made of, how it ages, and how to keep it exactly how you want it — whether that’s mirror-bright or rugged and worn.
Real Metal vs. “Brass-Colored” Jewelry
Many bracelets you’ll find online in the $10–$14 range are not real brass at all. They’re typically:
- Zinc or alloy cores
- Electroplated with a thin brass coating
- Sealed with a clear lacquer
Once that coating wears off, the bracelet:
- Loses color unevenly
- Reveals gray or dull metal underneath
- Cannot be refinished or restored
Real brass, copper, and stainless steel are solid all the way through.
There’s no coating to fail — only surface changes that tell a story.
Tarnish vs. Patina (There’s a Big Difference)
This is where most people get it wrong.
Tarnish
- A surface reaction to air, moisture, oils, and sweat
- Can look dark, dull, or cloudy
- Completely removable on real metal
Patina
- A natural, controlled aging process
- Produces warm browns, golds, or darker tones
- Even, intentional, and highly sought after
Tarnish is temporary.
Patina is earned.
With real metal, you choose the outcome.
How to Keep Your Bracelet Shiny
If you love a bright, clean finish, here’s how to maintain it:
- Wipe your bracelet with a soft cloth after wearing
- Store it in a dry place when not in use
- Use a brass or copper polish occasionally (for brass/copper only)
- Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads
A quick polish brings it right back — because the shine isn’t a coating, it’s the metal itself.
How to Let It Age Naturally
Prefer a more rugged, worn-in look? Do nothing.
Seriously.
Wear it daily.
Let oils, air, and time do their thing.
Your bracelet will develop a one-of-a-kind patina that no factory can replicate.
This is why no two Branded bracelets ever look the same.
Free Refresh, Anytime
Here’s where Branded is different.
If your bracelet ever gets:
- Too dark
- Too scratched
- Not how you want it
You can send it back to us for a free refresh.
We’ll clean it, polish it, restore it, and send it back ready for the next season of wear. Because real metal isn’t disposable — it’s reforgeable.
Why We Make Them This Way
We don’t believe in jewelry that’s meant to be replaced.
We believe in pieces that grow with you.
Scratches mark moments.
Patina marks time.
Metal marks strength.
That’s why our Bull Nose Bangles aren’t just accessories — they’re forged symbols.