Brass is a metal alloy made by combining copper and zinc in varying proportions. The resulting material looks like gold, making it an affordable alternative for creating stunning jewellery pieces. The specific combination of copper (55-66%) and zinc (34-45%) can be adjusted to achieve different shades, making the alloy versatile. The higher teh concentration of zinc, the brighter the metal is.
10 reasons why Brass jewellery is popular
- Durability: Brass is celebrated for its durability and resistance to corrosion. It retains it beauty even after years of wear. It looks velvety soft with a soft sheen even when tarnished. However, I recommend sealing your décor objects with renaissance wax or an equivalent sealant to make them last even longer.
- Affordability: Due to its colour, brass is referred to as the “poor man’s gold.” Particularly, in India brass is even cheaper than copper making it the de-facto choice of base metal jewellery for those who do not want to wear aluminum or iron.
- Easy to Clean: Brass jewellery can be cleaned and polished easily. Freshly cleaned brass is a pale yellow (almost silverish) in appearance. It looks gold when oxidised. Check this post to learn how to clean unpolished and altered brass sheets and jewellery.
- Cultural and Historical Connection: Brass jewellery has been worn in India for atleast 25oo years. It created using a process known as Speltering. Roman used a process called cementation to create Brass calamine in 1st century BC.
- Health Benefits: While some people maybe allergic to copper or zinc, jewellery such as armlets, anklets, and cuffs than use both copper and brass wire in them are helpful in managing nerve conditions. When worn at the wrist or ankle, such items reduce rigours and rigidity caused by pinched nerves. I have personally experienced it for several years.
Here is why jewellery makers love it
- Versatile Metal: Brass can be casted to achieve intricated worked upon components. It can be used as a wire and as a sheet. Commercially available brass chains are durable and easy to use and maintain.
- Finish: Brands that mass produce high-quality, stylish jewellery often use brass as their base metal. It can be polished to a high shine or plated in gold. Alternatively, you can introduce patinas using the appropriate chemicals.
- Malleability: Brass lends itself to various sheet metal techniques. It can easily be textured or form folded. Check out this post on introduction to sheet metal jewellery to learn about the various methods in which brass sheets can be converted into jewellery.
- Artistic Expression: Brass provides artists and jewelry makers with a canvas for their creativity. You can not only use cold enamelling, acrylic paints, and patina inks on brass, you can also fire transparent enamels allowing you to create unique surface patterns.
- Easy to source – Good quality brass wire and sheet are easier to find in open market. Several brands and stores have brass findings to go with your artistic creations which are helpful for a beginner jewellery maker.
Conclusion
In the world of jewellery making, brass shines as a timeless and versatile material that combines affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Its ability to evoke a sense of tradition, coupled with its adaptability to contemporary designs, makes it a favorite among artisans and jewellery enthusiasts alike.
I hope you find it interesting
Cheers
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