Brass might have a bad reputation for being a key component of cheap jewelry, but its long history and the gorgeous intricacy of high-quality brass accessories means that the status isn’t deserved in the slightest.
Some claim that brass jewelry turns their skin green, which is the root of the “cheapness” claim. It’s not about the quality of the metal that creates this phenomenon, but rather the presence of copper chelates. They interact with the sweat from your body, leaving a faint green stain that’s easily removed with soap and water. There’s a simple solution: Have the jewelry lacquered or do it yourself by applying clear nail polish where the brass touches your skin.
Brass is a malleable metal, which refers to how easily it can be manipulated into beautiful designs. However, it’s not brittle—brass is a strong, durable metal that can last for years with proper care. Using brass in jewelry dates back to at least 500 B.C., and is still popular today.