Summer Care Tips for Your Brass & Cord Pendant
Brass and hand-braided cord are both durable, but summer brings a specific combination of heat, moisture and chemicals — sweat, sunscreen, chlorine, salt water — that can dull them faster than any other season. None of it is serious, and all of it is easy to manage with a few small habits.
Sweat and skin oils
Daily sweat is mostly water and salt, and in small amounts it does not harm brass or the cord. The concern is a build-up over a hot, humid day: salt residue can dry on the cord fibres and slightly stiffen them, and skin oils can leave a faint film on the brass over time. A quick wipe with a soft, dry cloth at the end of a particularly hot day is usually all that's needed to prevent this from accumulating.
Sunscreen, pools and the sea
Sunscreen and insect repellent are the two products most likely to leave a residue on brass, since many formulas contain oils and chemical filters that can interact with metal surfaces. The simplest habit is to apply sunscreen before putting the pendant on, or to remove it briefly during application and wipe the area afterward.
Chlorinated pool water and salt water are both harder on the pendant than everyday humidity — chlorine in particular can accelerate tarnishing on brass. We recommend taking the pendant off for swimming rather than relying on aftercare, the same way you might remove a watch.
Storing it in the heat
When you are not wearing the pendant during summer travel, avoid leaving it in a hot car or direct sun for extended periods — high heat can dry out the natural fibres in the cord faster than normal indoor conditions, making them slightly more prone to fraying at the tassel ends. A drawer, pouch or the original gift box out of direct sunlight is a better resting place.
Humid climates vs dry heat
Summer conditions are not all the same, and the pendant responds differently depending on which kind you're in. In humid, coastal or tropical climates, moisture in the air itself can very slightly speed up the natural patina process on brass, covered in full in our patina guide — this is cosmetic, not damage, but worth expecting rather than being surprised by. In dry heat, the cord's natural fibres are more at risk of feeling brittle or stiff than of tarnishing, so a slightly more frequent light wipe with a barely damp cloth (as in the routine below) helps keep it supple.
Packing it for a summer trip
If you're travelling somewhere hot and plan to swim, hike or spend long days outdoors, it's often easier to pack the pendant in its pouch for the more physically demanding parts of the trip and wear it for the rest — evenings, travel days, sightseeing — rather than trying to protect it through every single activity. This isn't a strict rule, just a practical way to get the most enjoyment out of wearing it without adding a layer of extra caution to every beach day or hike.
A 60-second refresh routine
- Wipe the brass gently with a dry, soft cloth — a microfibre cloth used for glasses works well.
- If the cord feels slightly stiff from salt or sweat, wipe it lightly with a barely damp cloth, then let it air dry fully before wearing it again.
- Avoid direct sun while it dries; a shaded, airy spot is enough.
This routine takes under a minute and, done every week or two through the hottest months, prevents almost all of the seasonal wear that summer otherwise causes.
Common questions
Will summer heat make the brass darken faster?
Slightly, since warmth and humidity together speed up the natural oxidation that creates patina. This is cosmetic and part of the material ageing gracefully — see our full patina guide if you would like to understand or manage it.
Can I wear it to the beach if I keep it dry?
You can, but airborne salt and sand can still settle on the cord even without swimming, so a wipe-down at the end of the day is still worthwhile.
Is it safe to wear in a sauna or hot spring?
We would suggest removing it — sustained high heat and mineral-rich water are a harder combination on the cord than typical summer weather.