What is Brass Jewelry? Is It Good, Hypoallergenic, or Tarnish-Free?

Sometimes, brass jewelry gets an unfair opinion, as people assume it’s low-quality. But here’s the truth: brass has been around for centuries, worn by kings, queens, and everyday people. And its beauty, versatility, and incredible practicality has extended to this modern age where it’s still gaining waves.

With its ability to mimic fine metals and affordability, brass jewelry deserves far more credit than it usually gets. In this article, we will break down what brass jewelry really is, its benefits, and whether it’s safe, hypoallergenic, waterproof, or tarnish-free.

What is Brass Jewelry?

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Brass jewelry color can range from reddish tones to rich golden hues, depending on the proportion of the copper and zinc metals. This unique composition gives brass its signature warmth and resemblance to solid gold.

Its history in jewelry goes back thousands of years during the ancient civilizations when brass was used to create ornaments, religious artifacts, and wearable art. But today, the use of brass in jewelry has evolved to making delicate rings, bold statement necklaces, and minimalist bracelets. Brass can practically be used to do it all.

Common Types of Brass Jewelry?

There are 3 popular types of brass jewelry. In jewelry manufacturing process, brass is often coated plated or filled with another metal to enhance its durability and visual appeal.

Gold-Plated Brass Jewelry

Gold-plated brass jewelry offers the luxurious look of gold at the most budget-friendly price. It’s created by electroplating a thin layer of gold (typically 0.05–2 microns) over a brass base, giving the piece added shine and durability. This makes it a popular choice for fashion jewelry brands that want to keep up with trends and refresh collections without overspending. Its durability largely depends on the thickness of the gold layer. Thinner coatings may wear off quickly, while thicker ones can better withstand exposure to water, sweat, and friction.

Gold-Filled Brass Jewelry

Gold-filled brass jewelry takes things a step further. Instead of just plating the brass base with a thin layer of gold, a thick sheet of gold is mechanically or chemically bonded to the brass. The gold content must make up at least 5% of the total jewelry weight. This makes the jewelry more durable, resistant to tarnishing, and long-lasting (3-5 years with proper care). This type of brass jewelry is most ideal for demi fine jewelry brands who want a balance between quality and affordability. 

Rhodium-Plated Brass Jewelry

This jewelry features a coating of rhodium on the brass base. Rhodium is a rare, highly reflective metal from the platinum group, which makes the brass jewelry have a protective, silvery-white finish. The metal is naturally tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic and durable, making this brass jewelry a popular option for modern designs. 

Features & Benefits of Brass Jewelry

As much as brass is not often spoken highly of, it has many features and benefits that makes it stand out from other jewelry metals. They include:

Versatile Design Possibilities

Brass is highly malleable, yet durable. It can be crafted into intricate, detailed designs or bold statement pieces without losing shape. The natural golden tone makes it versatile enough to blend seamlessly with different styles. Plus, it works beautifully with finishes like gold plating, rhodium coating, and colorful enamel. This versatility is why brass is a favorite among designers; it supports creativity without worrying about limitations.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Is brass jewelry durable? YES. It is tough and with the right care and maintenance, it can hold its shape and shine for years. When coated with protective metals, brass becomes even stronger, resisting scratches and tarnish better than you might expect. This durability and longevity makes brass jewelry suitable for everyday pieces like rings, earrings, and necklaces that need to withstand regular wear.

Affordable Alternative to Precious Metals

The biggest advantage of brass jewelry lies in its cost-effectiveness. Despite being low-priced, it provides the high-end look of gold or silver, allowing brands to offer stylish, luxurious designs at accessible price points. Its affordability also gives jewelry businesses the flexibility to experiment with bold and trendy collections, refresh product lines more frequently, and respond quickly to changing market trends—whether it’s chunky hoops this season or layered chains the next.

Sustainable and Recyclable Material

Brass can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality, making it an eco-friendly jewelry choice. That means choosing brass jewelry supports a circular economy where materials are reused instead of wasted. For eco-conscious consumers, this is a big plus, as brass jewelry does not only look good but also aligns with sustainability values. Many modern jewelry brands are turning to brass as part of their effort to make fashion more eco-friendly.

Is Brass Jewelry Good & Safe to Wear?

Is brass good for jewelry? YES. And is brass jewelry safe to wear? YES.

Brass is an excellent option if you want chic, trendy pieces that look luxurious without costing a fortune. Its warm golden hue makes it perfect for elevating any outfit. Also, brass metal is durable. It consists of copper and zinc, which makes it strong to withstand scratching or breaking. Although brass corrosion tends to happen over time, it can be prevented when the jewelry is coated with gold, rhodium, or silver.

When compared with other metals like gold, silver, and stainless steel. Brass strikes a middle ground. It gives the golden glow of fine jewelry, offers better design flexibility than stainless steel, and remains much more affordable than gold or silver.

Is Brass Jewelry Hypoallergenic?

Brass jewelry is not inherently hypoallergenic. It contains copper and sometimes small traces of nickel, both of which are known to cause allergic reactions to people with sensitive skin.

While the people who don’t experience any skin reactions to metals can comfortably wear brass jewelry, those with sensitive skin may have green marks, itches, or redness of the skin.

But with proper plating from a professional custom jewelry manufacturer, brass jewelry can be made hypoallergenic and safe for all-day wear—even for customers with sensitive skin.

If you’re curious about hypoallergenic characteristic, we’ve covered it in this post on what is hypoallergenic jewelry.

Is Gold/Rhodium/Silver Plated Brass Hypoallergenic?

• Gold Plated Brass Jewelry: It depends on how thick the gold plating is. High-quality plating with a thicker gold layer can help minimize skin contact with the base metal, making it more skin-friendly.
• Rhodium Plated Brass Jewelry: Rhodium is naturally hypoallergenic and highly resistant to corrosion, making it a reliable option for brass jewelry.
• Silver Plated Brass Jewelry: Generally skin-friendly for most people if the silver coating is tough enough to prevent skin exposure to the brass base.

Does Brass Jewelry Tarnish?

Yes, it does. But why does brass tarnish?

Just like most metals, when they are frequently exposed to oxygen, moisture, or chemicals, they are bound to tarnish over time.

In the case of brass jewelry, the copper content reacts with oxygen, moisture, sweat, and chemicals, which results in darkened patina or greenish surface oxidation. While brass tarnishing can be reduced when plated with protective metals, the durability of the plating is very important. Once the plated layer wears off, the brass metal will oxidize. Want to dive deeper? Check out our detailed guide on what jewelry does not tarnish.

Does Gold Plated/Filled Brass Jewelry Tarnish?

• Gold Plated Brass Jewelry: Depends on the plating thickness and quality. It tarnishes slowly but the thin plating can fade with frequent use.
• Gold Filled Brass Jewelry: Much more resistant to tarnishing because of its thick gold layer. It’s a reliable and affordable alternative to solid gold.

Does Silver/Rhodium Plated Brass Tarnish?

• Rhodium Plated Brass Jewelry: Extremely tarnish-resistant thanks to rhodium’s protective, reflective coating. It maintains its bright silvery finish for a long time.
• Silver Plated Brass Jewelry: Slightly less durable when compared to gold or rhodium plating. It requires regular cleaning and safe storage to keep its luster intact.

How to Keep Brass Jewelry from Tarnishing?

• Avoid contact with water to reduce the rate of oxidation.
• Prevent exposure to soap, shampoo, lotion, and perfume as much as possible.
• Take off your jewelry before you commence workout or any strenuous activities that will cause sweat.
• Remove your brass jewelry before swimming or diving into the ocean.
• When not in use, store the jewelry properly in an airtight bag.

Is Brass Jewelry Waterproof?

No, brass jewelry is not waterproof. While the effect of brief contact with water (like washing of hands) may not immediately reflect on the jewelry, prolonged or repeated exposure to water can skyrocket how fast the jewelry tarnishes.

The fact is that water itself doesn’t destroy brass instantly, rather it accelerates corrosion, causing discoloration and dullness. Thus, to keep brass jewelry in its best condition, it’s advisable to remove it before doing any activity involved with moisture. You can learn more about best waterproof jewelry in this article.

How to Clean and Store Brass Jewelry?

Taking care of brass jewelry is simple and makes a big difference in its durability and long-term aesthetics. Follow these steps on how to clean brass jewelry and store them properly:

• Wipe after each use. Oils, sweat, and dust can speed up tarnishing, so always clean your jewelry with a soft cloth.
• Gentle cleaning. Use mild soap and warm water for a deeper clean, then dry immediately. Avoid harsh cleaners.
• Store properly. Keep brass jewelry in airtight pouches or boxes to reduce oxidation, store separately to avoid scratches.
• Regular jewelry quality control. Check the jewelry often for fading, scratches, or loose plating. Early replating or minor fixes early can extend the jewelry’s life significantly.

Brands that are Most Suitable to Consider Brass Metal Jewelry

Brass metal is an incredible inclusion in most jewelry brands’ collections. These are some of the brands that brass jewelry is most suitable for:

• Affordable Fashion Jewelry Brands: Brass is suitable for brands targeting budget-conscious shoppers who want trendy designs without precious metal prices. These brands can create trendy collections every season while keeping their products affordable. Brass also plates easily, allowing versatile looks whether gold, silver, or even rose-gold finishes.
• Statement & Costume Jewelry Designers: Brass offers durability for large, bold designs where solid gold or silver would be too heavy or costly. While precious metals would make statement earrings or chunky necklaces too heavy and expensive, brass is strong yet lightweight. It’s ideal for oversized, dramatic pieces that grab attention but still feel comfortable to wear.
• Mid-Tier Accessory Brands with Seasonal Collections: Brass allows seasonal product launches with competitive pricing, ideal for fashion cycles and limited-edition drops. These brands can deliver pieces that look upscale and last beyond a single season.

Should I Worry about Product Quality If I Use Brass as Material?

Generally, unless you’re making baby or children jewelry that require strict hypoallergenic standards, brass is considered very safe.

Brass jewelry doesn’t automatically mean “cheap” or “tarnish easily.” The key is proper plating and handling. After all, many well-known brands also use brass as their base material. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us.

Notable Brands that Use Brass Jewelry

Over the years, many brands have seen the benefits attached to brass jewelry and have started including it in their collections. Here are 3 notable brands that use brass jewelry:

BaubleBar

BaubleBar have carved out a niche for creating jewelry that’s playful, affordable, and fashion-forward. Brass is the foundation of many of their designs because it offers versatility at a low cost, making it possible to experiment with bold shapes, vibrant colors, and on-trend styles without pushing for high prices.

Most of BaubleBar’s pieces are brass plated with gold and rhodium, giving them a polished, luxurious look that still fits the brand’s value. The material also supports their fast-fashion approach, letting them release collections quickly while still ensuring quality. Brass’s ability to mimic fine jewelry aesthetics makes it the perfect match for BaubleBar’s “luxury for less” philosophy.

Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott has become a household name in the women jewelry world thanks to her balance of timeless beauty with everyday wearability. Brass plays an essential role in her collections because it provides a sturdy base for gemstone-studded designs and versatile finishes. By plating brass with rhodium or gold, and adding semi-precious stones, Kendra Scott achieves her signature statement looks.

Many of her signature styles, like drop earrings and layered pendants, are made possible by brass’s strength and adaptability. The metal perfectly complements her brand’s mission of: making “stylish, high-quality jewelry that women can wear confidently in any setting.”

Galleria Armadoro

Galleria Armadoro is popularly known for its sleek, modern designs that combine luxury aesthetics with affordability. Brass is the backbone of their collections for hypoallergenic, lightweight, and versatile pieces at budget-friendly prices. It ensures their jewelry maintains a high-end finish while remaining within reach for a wider audience.

Galleria Armadoro embraces brass not just for its affordability but also for its sustainability, which aligns with the brand’s modern and eco-conscious image. The brand achieves its goal of offering “everyday luxury” jewelry that feels high-fashion, lasts well, and doesn’t come with the intimidating price tag of fine jewelry.

Conclusion

Brass is a standout metal for making exceptionally beautiful jewelry pieces at low-cost. While brass jewelry is good, it’s prone to tarnishing and not very hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin. But when plated very well with gold, silver, or rhodium, it can resist tarnishing and be safe to wear for people with sensitive skin.

FAQs on Brass Jewelry