What is bronze in jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Bronze is an alloy primarily of copper and tin, typically around 88% copper and 12% tin, though the exact ratio varies. It has a warm, reddish-amber colour that sits between the brightness of brass and the red of pure copper, and it has been used in jewellery for thousands of years. Bronze is harder than copper alone, takes a good polish and casts well, making it a practical material for sculptural and decorative pieces. Like brass it can patinate and leave a green mark on skin over time, though a lacquer or plating layer reduces this.
Frequently asked questions
- Does bronze jewellery turn your skin green?
- It can, because of the copper content. Copper reacts with skin acids and moisture to form green copper compounds, and the higher the copper content of the alloy the more pronounced this can be. Keeping bronze jewellery clean and dry helps, and plated pieces reduce direct contact.
- What is the difference between bronze and brass?
- Both are copper alloys, but bronze is mainly copper and tin while brass is copper and zinc. Bronze is generally darker and more reddish-amber, harder and more resistant to corrosion in saltwater, while brass is a brighter, more golden yellow.
- Is bronze a precious metal?
- No, bronze is a base metal with no significant precious metal value. Its appeal in jewellery is aesthetic and practical: it has a beautiful warm colour, an ancient history, and it casts well for sculptural forms.
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