Is brass jewelry not good? Brass jewelry is NOT as bad as many people say. Rather, it’s a durable and stylish jewelry piece often chosen for its affordable cost and unique look.
Read on to learn more about brass jewelry and why it would be a great addition to your collection.
What is Brass Jewelry?
Brass jewelry is a metal alloy made primarily from copper and zinc. It has a warm, rich golden hue, making it a popular and cost-effective option for people who want gold jewelry.
Thanks to its lightweight and softness, brass material can be crafted into intricate designs and is commonly used in making several jewelry pieces, such as rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
Common Types of Brass Jewelry
Gold-plated Brass Jewelry
Gold-plated brass jewelry is one of the most widely used types. It’s created by adding a thin layer of gold over the brass base, which offers the luxurious look of gold without the high cost. The gold plating can vary in thickness depending on the customers’ specifications, but they generally provide an elegant appearance at a low cost.
Silver and Rhodium Plated Brass Jewelry
Silver-plated brass jewelry involves coating the brass metal with a layer of silver. This gives the jewelry a shiny and elegant appearance similar to real silver, but at a cheaper price.
Rhodium-plated brass jewelry, on the other hand, involves coating the brass metal with rhodium (a strong, rare metal). Rhodium plating gives a bright, reflective finish, and strength to the brass jewelry to withstand tarnishing and corrosion without breaking the bank.
Characteristics & Benefits of Brass Jewelry
Brass as jewelry is a very great choice because of its lightweight nature. It is much lighter than most metals used in making jewelry, including gold, silver, and platinum. Its comfortability makes it an ideal option for everyday wear, particularly for large or more elaborate jewelry.
- Lightweight
Despite the size and design, brass jewelry guarantees not to cause any discomfort and offers the opportunity to showcase bold & eye-catching accessories easily.
- Affordability
The affordability of brass jewelry can be traced to its composition (a mix of copper and zinc), and these two materials are less expensive. This low cost and the color of brass metal allows manufacturers and consumers to experiment with various designs, resulting in offering stylish and luxurious-looking jewelry pieces at a reasonable price.
Generally, brass as jewelry is perfect for fashion-conscious individuals on a budget. The jewelry can be made to mimic the look of other metals like gold, silver, or rhodium without a hefty price tag.
- Durability
The mix of copper and zinc in brass jewelry gives it a sturdy quality that can resist daily wear and tear. And when plated with other solid metals like rhodium, brass jewelry becomes very durable to maintain its shine and luster for a longer time.
Compared to delicate metals like gold and silver, brass holds up against knocks and scratches. This makes it suitable for people seeking long-lasting jewelry.
- Malleability and Versatility
Brass is a soft metal that’s renowned for its malleability. It can be easily shaped and customized into different forms. This makes it highly versatile and good for creating intricate patterns, detailed carvings, and elaborate shapes.
The flexibility of brass jewelry production makes it a favorite for making diverse and unique jewelry collections. Whether it’s for a minimalist ring or an ornate statement chain, brass can be configured to fit any style.
Is Brass Good to Make Jewelry from?
Is brass good for jewelry? YES, brass is one of the best materials for making diverse jewelry designs due to its affordability, durability, and aesthetic versatility.
Also, brass is favored by jewelry designers because of its warm, golden hue that looks like gold, making it a captivating option for people who want gold jewelry at a cheaper price, making it more accessible to a broader range of customers. Brass jewelry can be polished to a high shine, giving it a sophisticated and luxurious look.
In addition, brass metal is very durable. Its alloy composition of copper and zinc makes it tough to withstand scratching or breaking. Though brass oxidation and tarnishing tend to happen over time, they can be prevented with proper treatment. All our brass jewelry are plated with two layers of silver and e-coating to make them highly resistant to corrosion and prevent them from turning green easily.
Overall, brass is a good pick for jewelry making when the desire is an affordable, durable, versatile option.
Does Brass Jewelry Turn Skin Green? Is Brass Jewelry Safe?
To be honest, brass jewelry turning skin green is possible.
Why does brass turn skin green? It happens because of a chemical reaction between the brass metal and your sweat. This reaction is called “brass oxidation,” which is the effect of the brass material coming in contact with moisture and oxygen.
But this doesn’t mean brass jewelry is harmful to your health. It is safe to wear. Moreover, there are now many ways to prevent jewelry from turning green; only poorly made brass jewelry will turn green quickly.
Does Brass Jewelry Tarnish?
Brass is made primarily from the composition of copper and zinc, thus the jewelry will tarnish eventually. Unplated and unpolished brass tarnish over time when exposed to moisture or oxygen.
Will Gold Plated/Silver Plated Brass Tarnish?
Plated and polished brass are protected by an additional surface. This makes the brass metal safe from corrosion or oxidation, thereby making it last longer. Gold plated and silver plated brass don’t tarnish quickly. However, they will end up tarnishing if proper care is not practiced.
Is Brass Hypoallergenic?
Brass major compositions are copper and zinc. The jewelry is often hypoallergenic because it doesn’t contain nickel. An allergic reaction is likely to happen to people with sensitive skin if nickel is mixed with brass composition.
Is Brass Jewelry Waterproof?
Brass in itself is vulnerable to water. But as a professional waterproof jewelry manufacturer, all our brass jewelries are further treated with e-coating. This fully protects your jewelry from the major causes of jewelry tarnishing – sweat, moisture, and oxygen.
How Long Does Brass Jewelry Last?
With proper care, brass jewelry will conveniently last for years. We use double silver plating on brass jewelry and a protective layer of e-coating, which ensures that your jewelry pieces remain in good condition for a long time.
What Types of Brands are Most Suitable to Consider Brass Metal Jewelry?
When selecting the right material for a jewelry product line, many factors come into play, such as the cost, design flexibility, market position, and the target’s audience preferences. Brass is an incredible material that ticks all the boxes, especially with its affordable, durable, and versatile nature.
Some brands that are best to consider brass metal jewelry are:
- Startup & Small Brands
Brass is an excellent choice for startups and small brands that are looking to make an impact in the jewelry industry without going beyond their budget. The affordability of brass allows new and small-scale brands to experiment with various designs without large investments. In fact, they can try out several styles to appeal to a larger audience before upscaling.
Also, brass as jewelry exudes a luxurious look when plated with gold, silver, or rhodium. This enables rising brands to offer beautiful pieces at cost-friendly prices, thereby attracting more customers.
- Fashion Jewelry Brands
The price and cost-effectiveness of brass is generally well-suited for fashion jewelry brands. Brass is a go-to metal for fashion jewelry brands that prioritize following trends and having seasonal collections. Its versatility allows for intricate designs, from minimalist pieces to bold statement accessories.
Thanks to brass jewelry affordability and flexible design, customized pieces can be produced quickly, making your brand partake in trends and the ever-evolving industry without breaking the bank. This results in more customer base and increased revenue.
Key Takeaway
Brass is a standout metal for making different types of jewelry. It is highly revered for its cheap price, strength, and suitability to make any jewelry design. But brass jewelry tends to tarnish if not properly manufactured or maintained. Contact us to make a jewelry perfectly customized to your specifications without any tendency to tarnish or fade quickly.