Brass Vs Bronze Jewelry, Difference Between Bronze And Brass

I know most people only talk about sterling silver, gold, platinum, and the likes, but do you know you have to find excellent quality brass and bronze jewelry?

You will need to understand everything about it, from the features to the benefits and the differences. This is what we are going to show you here.

Of course, there are numerous types of metals that make their way to the jewelry scene. Note that brass and bronze are just one of the best ones.

Like any other metals, expect them to have benefits and drawbacks at the same time.

Are Brass and Bronze the Same Thing

No, they aren’t the same types of metals. One contains more copper than the other, and also, the different metals for bronze are tin, while brass must have zinc.

So no, they aren’t the same, and you will see there in the coming subtitles.

Understanding brass vs. bronze

The only way you will understand the two metals is if you first know which is which.

Brass

It’s one of the most common yet affordable metals. It’s used to make different jewels, sometimes as an alloy, base metals, or just pure metal.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and there are different types of brass based on the quantities of copper and zinc you used.

Of course, with zinc in addition to copper, you make the metal more robust and, therefore, more durable. Basically, it’s stronger than copper, which makes it an even better choice.

Brass has different uses, but the primary benefit is in decoration and jewelry.

The brass jewels are today more popular because they look like yellow gold. The best part is further that you will buy it at an affordable rate.

Bronze jewelry

I’m glad you can find different kinds of jewelry everywhere. Bronze is another one of the most common metals that have been in use for ages. Notice that bronze is not a metal you find in nature; instead, it’s an alloy of copper and tin.

Bronze became popular during the bronze age, you know. It contains about 80% copper and 12% tin. It will typically contain other metals like silicon, aluminum manganese, or phosphorus.

So it’s a hard but brittle metal because of its large amount of copper.

Are bronze, brass, and gold becoming more popular than silver

Yes, but you would understand why. Brass and bronze, metals have been in existence for quite a long time. Brass is particularly common because of its color that’s close to gold.

Everyone wants to look like there are wearing precious jewels even when they may not be.

As for gold, you would understand it’s all because of the preciousness.

Also, silver is precious, even though people don’t value silver as they do gold.

Brass and bronze are cheaper than both gold and silver. This, however, doesn’t mean that one metal is better than the other. Silver is still more valuable than brass and bronze.

The pros of brass

• It’s affordable

We all love jewelry, but one thing that makes us limit our use of jewels is that they are expensive. Well, the brass looks good, and it’s very affordable. So you have every reason to try it.

You will like its gold-like hues. Since brass is readily accessible, it’s also cheaper than most other earth metals like gold.

• It’s durable

With the addition of zinc to copper, you will have a solid metal. This means that you can’t fold, bend or dent the brass. The metal is not even brittle, so you will have it lasting for over 20 years if you take good care of it to prevent tarnishing.

• We like gold; it looks like gold.

Everybody likes some form of gold and wants to associate with it too. Well, this one comes in a yellow hue, which is the color of yellow gold. This is also the reason why it’s popular in the market. Imagine wearing a gold-like jewel that’s not gold at a lower price.

Cons

• It’s not hypoallergenic

Sometimes it may contain elements like nickel, and this then means that it’s not hypoallergenic. However, if it only has copper and zinc, then it’s safe to use.

• It will tarnish

Well, this will happen to any metal that contains copper, and brass is no exception. The tarnishing can damage the jewel over time, but then it’s safe for years if you take care of it.

Pros of Bronze

• Versatility

Bronze metal is strong and durable as such jewelers create even the most unique shapes. It has a warm and earthy tan, and in most cases, it will complement your different outfits. Notice that you can use the other gemstones together with the metals.

• Budget-friendly

Like the brass above, bronze is also cheap as you can use it to create any of your dream jewels. You can make different styles and shapes; therefore, it’s ideal for various fashions and lifestyles.

• They have health benefits.

Remember, bronze metal has a higher percentage of copper. In essence, therefore, you have various health benefits. Copper will help ease arthritis, pain inflammations, and many other diseases.

Cons

• Nickel allergies

Unfortunately, bronze is not the best metal if you experience metal allergies. It contains nickel, and therefore, you will experience allergic reactions. No wonder most people choose the plated bronze jewels.

• It will tarnish

Well, remember that bronze has a higher percentage of copper. This then means that tarnishing is inevitable.

Which one is more expensive?

Anyone asking this question usually wants to know the differences but especially which one they should buy. Generally, though bronze is more expensive than brass because of the metals that make it.

Generally, zinc is more expensive than copper, which is why it’s even more costly. So if it has more alloy, it will mostly be about four times costlier than the brass metal and jewel.

Bronze has more value and esteem than brass does. As such, you will find that it’s much more popular than brass because of its value. It maintains an excellent reputation.

Let‘s talk about the differences

The metal content

When you are checking the differences, the first thing that will come to your mind is the bronze and brass jewels metals’ content.

As earlier discussed, brass contains copper and zinc in different ratio quantities. On the other hand, it may contain copper and tin, the primary metal of choice, or any other metal.

Generally, copper is a very soft metal that, if you mix with other metals like zinc or tin, will make it challenging and manageable.

In most cases, it will increase the tensile strength. The two metals also have different features because of their contents of the metal.

Bronze vs. brass color

Of course, the easiest way to know the metals best is if you can tell them apart through their colors. Brass has a bronze color or the muted yellow color, often its duller than gold.

Bronze, on the other hand, is a reddish-brown color. That’s the main difference between them.

Most people prefer the yellow gold-like appearance of brass metal.

The different properties

Notice that the bronze and brass metals generally have different features, though the brass is malleable with a low melting point. It will flow smoothly, making it easy to set to a particular shape.

It’s a combination of manganese, and silicone that makes it corrosion resistant. Unless it used some copper, therefore, it will not tarnish quickly.

It‘s hard enough, but not like steel.  

When we are talking of bronze, it’s hard and brittle, and although it has a low melting point, it’s not as low as the brass melting point. In fact, the melting point depends more on the amount of tin we have in the bronze.

This metal is a better conductor of heat than most other metals. The good thing though, is that the metal will not cause corrosion as it resists it.

Although today bronze metal is used when making jewels in the past, it was mostly used when making weapons.

Does bronze jewelry tarnish

One of the biggest problems that jewels have is the fact that they tarnish. Most people buying gemstones will always ask if they will tarnish the one they are choosing, which is not an exception.

The main content in the bronze alloy is copper, which only means that it will start to tarnish over time. In essence, this also means that it will turn your skin green.

Whenever the oxidation occurs, then the green color will occur. Most people will prefer the bronze that’s also sparkling clean.

It’s versatile

Most people like the fact that you can use it for all the different kinds of jewels. You can use it for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and many other styles of jewels.

It has an earthy tone, which makes it work with the different kinds of embellishments and stones.

It has other colored versions and styles of jewels. You can use it to attain the different types with your detailed options of gemstones.

BeadSmith WCR-4205 20 Gauge Antique Vintage Bronze

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It comes in a great color, and you can use it to create all the different kinds of jewels you want. People mostly like it for its durability. The wire will not even tarnish, so that means it won’t tarnish as part of the jewels you are using.

The cleaning and care

Since jewels usually tarnish, then you will need to keep them in a humidity-free environment. You can also keep them in a clean piece of cloth to store in the Ziploc bag.

When you use the cloth, you will wipe out the dirt and dust, and oils.

If you leave it outside without keeping all the air out, you will start to damage it.

Cleaning it

There are different methods you can use to clean it. The most common form of cleaning the jewels is to use vinegar and a soft piece of cloth.

This is a safe method, and if you need to, you can scrub it gently using the brush. It will help you to clean the crevices and other parts of the jewel.

Some people prefer to use mild dishwashing soap. Some people also like to use lemon water and salt the cleaning the jewel.

Don‘t wet them

Anytime you have a jewel that you expect will tarnish, you should make sure you don’t go into the shower with them.

You also shouldn’t work out when having them on. Your main aim is to make sure the jewel is safe. Remember, you should not swim with the jewels.

Remember to remove the jewels the moment you get back to the house. Don’t sleep in them ever. If you sleep with them, then you make them susceptible to scratching and denting.

Durability

When talking about the jewels, you can be sure you need to know the differences. Bronze is tougher than brass, yet it’s tough and not as flexible as copper is.

This jewel will withstand the water, and thereby, it’s going to be resistant to corrosion. Although brass is strong, it’s not as durable as such; it’s susceptible to corrosion.

You will find that brass is used more in the industries than when you are using it for jewels. Bronze, on the other end, works best for your treasures than other items.

How to tell if something is brass or bronze

You will know the difference between the jewels just by the colors. Brass has a dull-looking style of gold. the bronze is reddish-brown.

Brass and bronze which one is better?

People like brass for its malleability but bronze is also great for its strength. Bronze will therefore last longer than most other jewels. This is not to say that brass is not a great jewel because it is.

If the only thing you need is a hard metal that will last longer then you should choose bronze. Notice that brass and bronze will come in different shapes, sizes, and styles.

You can use them as base metals when you are looking for a way to plate them.