What is brass in jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that has a warm, golden-yellow colour, which is why it is sometimes used as a base metal in fashion and costume jewellery to mimic the look of gold at a much lower cost. The proportions vary, but a common jewellery brass is roughly 70% copper and 30% zinc. Brass is easy to cast and work but it tarnishes over time, can leave a greenish mark on skin as the copper reacts with sweat, and may cause reactions in people sensitive to its metals. Plated brass is finished with a thin layer of gold or rhodium to improve appearance and wearability.
Frequently asked questions
- Is brass real gold?
- No; brass is a copper-zinc alloy and contains no gold. Its warm yellow colour can look gold-like, which is why it is often gold-plated or used in costume jewellery, but it has a much lower value and behaves very differently over time.
- Why does brass turn your skin green?
- The copper in brass reacts with moisture, sweat and the acids on your skin to form copper salts, which leave a green or blue-green mark. It is harmless but can be annoying; keeping the piece dry and clean reduces it, and a layer of clear nail polish on the inside helps too.
- Is it safe to wear brass jewellery?
- For most people yes, though the copper and zinc can irritate very sensitive skin. People with nickel allergies should check whether the specific brass alloy contains any nickel. Plated brass reduces direct skin contact and minimises the chance of a reaction.
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