Properties at a glance
- Easy to shape. Brass is suitable for casting, stamping and fine details, including sculptural forms.
- Inexpensive. The material price is well below that of silver and fluctuates less than precious metals.
- Warm base color. Its gold-like tone is a good base for gold plating.
- Not tarnish-resistant. Uncoated brass oxidizes and can leave dark or greenish marks on the skin. That is why it is usually coated.
Finishing determines quality
With brass jewelry, the surface determines how long a piece stays beautiful. Common finishes include electroplated gold in various layer thicknesses, rhodium plating for a bright look, and protective lacquers. The layer structure is important: nickel intermediate layers are problematic in jewelry, which is why alternative barrier layers are used for nickel-free jewelry.
Legal considerations
Depending on how it is produced, brass may contain lead. For jewelry, the REACH Regulation limits the lead content to 0.05% by weight per component. Suitable low-lead brass alloys and test reports are therefore part of material selection.
Brass, silver or stainless steel?
| Material | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Brass | Fashion jewelry, statement pieces, seasonal collections, elaborate shapes at low cost |
| 925 silver | Fine jewelry where the precious metal is part of the product promise |
| Stainless steel | Durable everyday jewelry, men's jewelry, waterproof collections |
How we handle this at Aviano
Alongside 925 silver, stainless steel and titanium, brass is one of the materials we use for commissioned collections. We determine the right alloy, finish and layer thickness based on the specific model and the target price point.
Frequently asked questions
Does brass jewelry discolor the skin?
Uncoated brass can. A suitable finish and sealing significantly reduce this. How long the coating lasts depends on the layer thickness and how the piece is worn.
Is gold-plated brass fine jewelry?
No. Fine jewelry is made of precious metal. Gold-plated brass is fashion jewelry with a gold surface and should be labeled as such.
Related terms
Retailers find jewelry in this material through our jewelry wholesale; we develop custom pieces as a jewelry manufacturer for your brand.