Why Brass Jewelry Should Be Left Behind
Although there are only a few reasons to shy away from jewelry made of inexpensive base metals, allergic reactions top the list – and brass jewelry is the main offender for these allergies.
Keyword(s): brass jewelry
The jewelry industry boasts an annual revenue of around $70 billion.
But, with such a high expenditure on jewelry pieces, why do we end up with items that break, cause allergies, or quickly fall out of fashion?
If you’re eager to begin investing in ageless, stylish, and high-quality jewelry designed to be cherished by generations, this post is for you.
This article highlights the reasons why you should stop buying low-grade brass jewelry and consider upgrading to pieces made from premium noble metals and fine gems.
Invest in Quality: Say No to Brass Jewelry
When it’s time to indulge yourself, you deserve the very best. While you might think you’re getting a bargain by opting for a cheaper jewelry piece, you’re often just wasting money.
As online jewelry sales continue to rise, accurately assessing material quality can be challenging.
One material to avoid? Brass jewelry. Why? Let’s delve in.
The Green Skin Effect of Brass Jewelry
We’ve all experienced it: you take off a new bracelet or ring, only to find an unattractive green mark on your skin.
Unfortunately, this is a common issue with brass jewelry.
Brass is often composed of zinc and copper, which are prone to tarnishing or oxidizing, resulting in an unwanted green mark.
This reaction is due to the oils on your skin, the oxygen in the air, and humidity levels acting together to create the perfect storm for brass oxidation.
Especially if the brass is plated or coated, this can occur even after just a few hours of wear.
Moreover, because brass jewelry tarnishes quickly, frequent polishing becomes necessary.
This constant maintenance is frustrating, and even worse, the surface of the jewelry scratches easily, often looking worn out after just a few uses.
It’s neither a good look nor a wise investment.
Identifying Brass Jewelry That Will Turn Your Skin Green
In today’s world, especially with the vintage trend, it can be difficult to know the true quality of what you’re buying.
Investing in a metal testing kit for roughly $50 is a reliable way to determine jewelry quality before making a purchase.
These kits include solutions that you apply to your jewelry; if undesirable metals are present, the solution changes color.
Better the solution than your skin, right?
Brass Jewelry and Allergic Reactions
Did you know that, in addition to zinc and copper, brass can also contain nickel, a major cause of allergic reactions?
The reason brass provokes a reaction is quite interesting; your body perceives the brass and its composite metals as a threat, triggering an immune response.
Wearing brass jewelry for extended periods can aggravate this allergy.
Itching, redness, or a rash appearing up to two days after wearing brass might indicate an allergic reaction.
In severe cases, brass can even cause blistering – something you don’t want just before an important event!
If you’re experiencing brass-induced reactions, stop wearing the jewelry immediately, apply some cortisone, and avoid touching the affected area.
More seriously, brass can exacerbate pre-existing lung or breathing issues.
This was discovered after musicians playing brass instruments reported respiratory problems caused by bacteria and mold thriving in the instruments’ pipes. Gross!
For some, thorough cleaning of brass jewelry is enough, but for most, it’s not worth the risk of wearing something that could make you ill.
Remember, there are safer and stylish alternatives available…
What Are Some Alternatives to Brass Jewelry?
So, what should you consider instead of brass jewelry? We’ve highlighted the importance of seeing jewelry as a long-term investment. Here are some recommended materials:
- Roman Glass: Roman glass offers an opportunity to wear a piece of history. These 2000-year-old excavated glass fragments are transformed into elegant heirloom pieces or unique statement jewelry.
- .925 Sterling Silver: A strong alternative to brass jewelry, .925 Sterling Silver is foundational to a quality jewelry collection. Opt for pieces that are timeless in both style and durability.
- Platinum or Gold Vermeil: This gold alternative is not only more affordable but also lighter. It’s sometimes referred to as silver-gilt. If you favor delicate chains, this is an excellent choice.
- Pearl: Pearls are a classic replacement for brass jewelry. Ideal for those who appreciate Coco Chanel’s style, today, pearls have also undergone exciting modern updates. No longer confined to simple strands.
Stop Wasting Your Resources on Brass Jewelry
With so many incredible options available, why continue dealing with the downsides of brass jewelry?
Treat yourself to something luxurious, destined to be worn for years to come. Whether it’s for style, budget, or a particular occasion, don’t settle for brass simply because it’s cheaper.
For more jewelry inspiration, browse our website. Have questions? Contact us.
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