The beauty of these metals is that they can develop a rich patina with wear. Exposure to salt air/water will bring on bits of green patina. To protect the original finish, always remove jewelry and/or hair accessories when washing hands, showering, or swimming. Unfriendly chemicals can also cause unpredictable reactions, so put jewellery on last after you have applied perfume or hair product – this applies to all jewellery. To restore to a bright finish, clean with a metal cleaner. We recommend the biodegradable Penny Brite copper & brass cleaner, which is available from Koodak jewellers suppliers in Melbourne: www.koodak.com.au or other online retailers such as Amazon.

Patina pieces will continue to develop over time, to preserve the finish, do not use jewelry cleaner on the verdigris areas. Handle pieces by their edges where possible. Again, beware of unfriendly chemicals & always remove jewelry and/or hair accessories when washing hands, showering, or swimming. Chains and ear wires may tarnish but can be maintained with metal cleaner or silver polishing cloth -- just apply carefully. If left alone both copper and brass chain will develop a lovely patina, usually a rich chocolate brown.

A water-based paint is sealed with clear shellac. It is a surface finish, so like patina and plating or any oxidisation, care should be taken not to chip or abrade the surface. Each piece is unique so expect variations in colour.

We Dream in Colour use a variety of natural gemstones in their bracelets including: Labradorite, Quartz, & Agate. LABORADITE is a mineral that has become a popular gemstone because of the unique iridescent play of colour that many specimens exhibit. Rarely seen in mass-merchant jewelry, instead, it is most often used by designers who do unique and custom work. First found in Labrador, Canada. QUARTZ is the most abundant and widely distributed mineral found at Earth's surface. Quartz makes an excellent gemstone as it is hard, durable and polishes nicely. Popular varieties of quartz that are widely used as gems include: amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, and aventurine. AGATE is a variety of quartz with a microcrystalline structure. GLASS BEADS: the recycled glass beads used in the best-selling horse bracelets are handmade by African artisans in small batches from ground glass bottles resulting in beautiful and unique variations in size, shade and texture.

We will happily repair jewelry (that breaks during normal wear) at no charge within one year of purchase. Please post the package using a traceable method and ensure that it is securely wrapped and include your return address, contact information and request. For jewellery damaged under extreme conditions, carelessness or after a year, a charge (usually small) for the repair and postage will apply. Again please ensure that any jewellery is securely wrapped and that the parcel is sent via a traceable method and includes your return address, contact information and request. Return shipping charges are the responsibility of the customer and cannot be refunded. Melody Nelson is not responsible for damages or loss incurred in return shipping.