Bronze

Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, gave its name to an entire age of history and remains a favorite for handmade and sculptural jewelry. Its tone between gold and reddish brown, and the detail it takes when cast, make it a warm alternative to precious metals.

Properties #

• Composition: copper with roughly 10-12% tin in classic bronzes; variants use aluminum, silicon or phosphorus.
• Color: dark gold or reddish brown; patina deepens it toward browns and greens.
• Melting point: roughly 900 to 1000 °C, depending on the alloy.
• Hardness: harder and tougher than pure copper.
• Density: about 8.8 g/cm³.

Uses in jewelry #

• Lost-wax casting: it reproduces carved wax models faithfully (see casting and lost-wax casting).
• Rings, bangles, pendants and brooches with an archaeological or tribal look.
• Sculptural pieces and reproductions of antique jewelry.
• An affordable alternative to gold for those who want a warm tone.

Pros and cons #

Advantages #

• Harder than copper and wear-resistant.
• Casts with a lot of detail.
• Its natural patina is attractive and can be controlled.

Limitations #

• It darkens and develops patina unless protected.
• It is heavier than most costume-jewelry metals.
• It can irritate sensitive skin, especially if it contains nickel.

Care and cleaning #

• Avoid salt water, chlorine and cleaning products.
• Wipe it with a soft cloth and, to restore shine, use a metal polish.
• If you prefer the aged look, only remove dirt and keep the patina.
• A little wax or clear lacquer fixes the finish.

See also #

• Copper
• Brass
• Tin and pewter
• Casting