ow to Care for Handcrafted Grips with 24k Gold, Silver, or Black Nickel Finishes

Learn how to preserve the 24k gold, silver, or black nickel finish of your handcrafted grips. A simple premium guide to cleaning and storage, without technical jargon.

The Western Buckles grips are created in our Guadalajara workshop using an 18/20 gauge alpaca base with brass details, elevated with 24k gold, silver, or black nickel finishes. These are collectible pieces that celebrate craftsmanship through texture, relief, and shine. With simple aesthetic care—focused on gentle cleaning and proper storage—the finish can maintain its presence for years without the need for aggressive products or complicated processes.

Golden rules:

Clean, dry hands. Avoid creams, perfumes, or sweat when handling the piece.

Always use microfiber. Use soft, lint-free cloths with a neutral pH.

No abrasives. Avoid polishing pastes, rough fibers, or strong chemicals.

Padded case. Store the piece away from direct sunlight, dust, and humidity.

Light consistency. Brief, frequent cleaning is best.

Care according to your finish

24k Gold

This is the most noble finish and, at the same time, the one that requires the gentlest care. To remove fingerprints, use a dry microfiber cloth with long, soft strokes. If the piece has come into contact with sweat, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth with water only—no soaps—and dry it immediately. Avoid ammonia, alcohol, and metal cleaners.

Silver

Silver may darken over time as it develops a natural patina. If you prefer to keep its shine, use a non-abrasive jewelry cloth, very gently and without rubbing the relief too hard. As an alternative, use a dry microfiber cloth for routine care and place anti-tarnish strips inside the case to slow down discoloration. Avoid soaking it in liquid silver cleaners.

Black Nickel

Its beauty lies in the contrast. To preserve it, avoid any cloth treated with polishing compounds. Use a dry microfiber cloth; if there is dust inside the engraving, a soft-bristle brush can help lift it before wiping. Avoid alcohol and solvents.

Alpaca/Brass Base and Patina

Alpaca and brass develop an elegant patina over time. If you enjoy that character, limit polishing to a dry microfiber cloth. If you prefer more shine, a light pass with a non-abrasive jewelry cloth is enough, without pressure on high-relief areas.

Zirconia Stones

Clean them with a dry microfiber cloth. Keep the piece away from acetone, alcohols, and concentrated cleaners to avoid dulling the setting.