So why is brass a popular choice for handcrafted jewellery?
Brass jewellery has been worn for thousands of years and can be traced back to the Neolithic period. The word ‘brass’ has been found in ancient texts and from the 8th to 7th century BC direct references to brass were found on cuneiform tablets. The use of brass started in Spain then spread to Britain then across to the Middle East. Brass then appeared in the East Mediterranean where is was used for military equipment and coins. With its affordability and durability and beautiful gold-like warm tones it is a popular choice for jewellery.
Brass is made from a combination of copper and zinc alloy and the gold-like colour depends on the ratio of copper to zinc. The colour of brass can range from dark brown to a silver white colour. To obtain the golden hue then the ratio must be 67% copper and 33% zinc.
Brass is one of the most durable metals around due to the copper element and can last centuries if properly maintained and stored. Copper will turn green over time due to oxidisation, so as it makes up around 60% of the brass, then brass will have a layer of greenish hue on its surface if it oxidises. This layer is called patina and it acts as a shield to protect the brass from corroding. It is easily cleaned off – see below.
There are benefits to wearing brass jewellery due to the amount of copper in it. It is believed to have natural antimicrobial and antibacterial elements and because of constant contact with the skin, skin absorb the copper which enters the body. As mentioned above brass is composed of copper and zinc but to improve its quality sometimes a minute amount up to 1% of other metals, such as nickel and lead, are added. The result is that brass will have more of a shine and be more durable. Brass is very safe to wear although on occasion due to the nickel and lead there could be an allergic reaction, such as an itch or rash. However not all brass jewellery has any nickel or lead and is purely copper and zinc.
To keep brass jewellery looking as new always try to regularly clean your jewellery with a soft cloth after wearing. There are also easy ways to polish your brass jewellery:
- 1. Use a polishing metal cream such as glanol.
- 2. Use kitchen ingredients! You will need vinegar, salt, flour, warm water and a small bowl. Put 1 tsp of salt and ½ cup of vinegar in the bowl. Mix until the salt has dissolved. Add the flour and mix until you have a paste-like substance. Rub the brass jewellery with the paste and cover all surfaces. Leave for 10 mins then rinse with warm water. Gently dry jewellery with a clean cloth.
In conclusion, handcrafted brass jewellery with its warm golden hues offers many benefits including durability, versatility and affordability and is considered safe to wear. It requires minimal maintenance making it a lovely choice for those looking for stylish and long-lasting jewellery. It offers the opportunity to wear large statement pieces or little minimalist designs to suit every taste and occasion. Mix it with sterling silver or pure copper and you will have a lovely unique look!
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