Brass, an alloy created from zinc and copper, is a robust material often used for crafting accessories. It stands out as one of the most cost-effective options available, boasting a gold-like appearance and a rustic look. But is brass suitable for jewelry?
Despite the existence of numerous polished brass jewelry pieces, questions about its susceptibility to scratches, potential to cause allergic reactions, and other pros and cons remain. This article delves into the advantages and disadvantages of brass jewelry, exploring its metal properties and overall value to determine its worthiness for use.
Properties and Characteristics of Brass
The hue of brass is determined by the copper-zinc ratio, ranging from dark brown to silver. Known for its gold-like appearance, brass achieves this shade with a combination of 67% copper and 33% zinc. This unique property makes it a fantastic gold alternative.
Copper serves as the base constituent of brass. However, this material develops a greenish layer known as patina when used in jewelry design. Patina acts as a protective shield against metal corrosion.
Durability and Strength of Brass Jewelry
To assess whether brass is suitable for jewelry, it is essential to examine its durability. Brass is a very strong metal that, with proper care and maintenance, can last for many years. It can be molded into many jewelry designs and is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it extremely durable.
This metal’s strength is also evidenced by its ability to stretch under pressure. Additionally, brass is not easily broken.
Tarnish and Oxidation Resistance
To enhance brass’s durability, some jewelers incorporate nickel into the mixture, resulting in a stronger, shinier, and more corrosion-resistant material. However, the presence of nickel may cause allergic reactions, so pure brass is often preferred as a safer option.
Moreover, brass is susceptible to oxidation, which may leave a green mark on the skin after extended wear. Factors such as skin oil, air oxygen, and humidity levels can all contribute to this greening effect.
As mentioned, over time, brass may tarnish and lose its sheen and golden glow. However, with regular polishing and maintenance, tarnish can be managed. While some customers appreciate the rugged look of tarnished brass, others prefer a clean and polished appearance. Regular maintenance can also help prevent brass from turning the skin green.
Brass jewelry maintenance techniques
While some remain skeptical about brass’s suitability for jewelry due to its tendency to tarnish, we aim to dispel such doubts. Tarnished brass can be easily cleaned to restore its original sheen and quality, making it look like new.
To clean brass jewelry at home, use a soft brush or cloth to avoid scratching its surface. Regular cleaning and polishing will help maintain its shine for a long time.
Avoiding exposure to water and harsh chemicals is crucial to maintaining the quality of brass jewelry and preventing discoloration.It is recommended to remove brass jewelry before showering to prevent tarnishing.
Storing brass jewelry properly is essential to avoid oxidation and tarnishing. These pieces should be placed in airtight containers or jewelry boxes without significant exposure to heat and light or areas with high moisture levels.
Aesthetic Appeal and Versatility
Since ancient times, brass has been used to create stunning accessories. The warm, golden-like tones of brass provide sophistication and value at an affordable price.
Brass can be crafted into large statement jewelry pieces for a stunning effect. However, it is also ideal for creating minimalistic jewelry such as dainty rings, necklaces, unisex cuffs, bracelets, and earrings.
Brass’s resilience makes it perfect for pairing with gemstones. Its color versatility allows it to be combined with colored gemstones to create rustic and antique-looking jewelry pieces.
Price and Value
The price and value of brass are influenced by factors like its quality, composition, and market demand. When it comes to jewelry, brass is seen as a cost-effective and durable option, ensuring longevity without loss of shape.
Comparatively, brass is more affordable than silver and gold for various applications, including jewelry, which we will discuss shortly.
Comparison to Other Jewelry Metals
When creating our pieces, we carefully select materials to bring our ideas to life. The choice of metal defines the style and value of our jewelry. But is brass a good material for jewelry compared to other precious metals?
Brass is less expensive and less hypoallergenic than gold and sterling silver. Even gold-plated brass can change color over time, unlike other fine materials used in jewelry manufacturing. Continue reading to learn how brass fares against other jewelry metals:
Gold
Gold is a lustrous, shiny metal that has been used in jewelry for centuries. Historically, pharaohs wore gold jewelry to signify their high rank and status.
Our appreciation of gold jewelry remains unchanged today. Besides its beauty, gold is costlier than many other metals. It also offers color versatility, available in yellow, white, and rose shades for various designs.
Due to its higher value, gold jewelry is much more expensive than brass. Purchasing gold jewelry is often considered an investment as gold does not rust, tarnish, or corrode.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a highly popular choice for jewelry making today. It’s more expensive than brass yet more affordable than gold. Sterling silver boasts a brilliant sheen and can be easily shaped into diverse jewelry designs of varying shapes and sizes.
In terms of quality, sterling silver surpasses brass alloys since it is considered a precious metal, much like gold.
Conclusion
We hope you now understand the advantages of using brass in jewelry, from its durability and resistance to its value. Its appearance, similar to copper and bronze, is perfect for bohemian and rustic designs, including ethnic and classic jewelry pieces. With proper care, this cost-effective material can endure for a long time.
