# Brass

> Brass is a copper and zinc alloy with a golden-yellow shine, inexpensive and easy to work, very common in costume and handmade jewelry.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/brass/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-10
- Updated: 2026-08-10
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/laton/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Brass is a golden-yellow alloy of copper and zinc that imitates gold at a fraction of the price. It is one of the most used metals in costume and handmade jewelry, and also the base for pieces that later receive a gold or other metal plating.

## Properties

- **Composition:** copper (around 60-70%) and zinc (30-40%); more zinc gives a paler tone.
- **Color:** bright golden yellow, from reddish to greenish yellow depending on the ratio.
- **Melting point:** roughly 900 to 940 °C.
- **Hardness:** harder than copper, easy to file, bend and solder.
- **Reaction to air:** it tarnishes and forms a brown or greenish patina.

## Uses in jewelry

- Costume and fashion jewelry.
- Wire, sheet, chain and findings for handmade jewelry.
- Base for gold, silver or rhodium plating.
- Pieces with an aged or patinated finish.

## Pros and cons

### Advantages

- Inexpensive, with a golden look.
- Very easy to work with jewelry tools.
- More corrosion-resistant than copper.

### Limitations

- It tarnishes over time.
- It can turn skin green.
- Some alloys contain lead or nickel, so choose jewelry-grade brass.

## Care and cleaning

- Dry it and keep it away from perfume, chlorine and salt water.
- Wash with lukewarm water and mild soap; for stains use lemon with salt or a metal polish.
- Lacquering or sealing with a clear coat keeps the shine longer.
- See the full guide to [brass care and cleaning](https://www.711grados.com/en/care-and-cleaning-of-brass-jewelry/).

## See also

- [Copper](https://www.711grados.com/en/copper/)
- [Bronze](https://www.711grados.com/en/bronze/)
- [Nickel silver (German silver)](https://www.711grados.com/en/nickel-silver/)
- [Care and cleaning of brass jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/care-and-cleaning-of-brass-jewelry/)