Brass, Sterling Silver and Gold - Know your Metals

Sterling Silver & Gold vs Silver Brass & Gold Brass Care

So what is the difference between brass, sterling silver and gold?

Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver with a mix of other metals used as a hardeners. 100% silver does not tarnish however, it is too soft to be used in most jewelry. Sterling silver is a precious metal with a bright white luster that naturally develops a soft, warm patina over time.

Brass is a mixture of zinc and copper that comes in a variety of hues from silver to gold. High polished silver and gold brass can be almost identical to pure gold and silver to the untrained eye. Major differences in brass from silver and gold are more noticeable shifts in oxidation depending on how it is cared for. Left untouched, it develops a rich, deeper vintage character that some people prefer. When kept polished, however, it can often be mistaken for gold or sterling silver.

How fast will brass tarnish? It depends on the environment, however giving I a quick polish once every couple months is more than enough to keep it resembling gold. If you wear your brass jewelry all the time it won't tarnish much at all with only a slight noticeable shift if completely uncared for. 

Our silver-toned brass offers a more durable alternative for those who love the look of silver but want a heavier-duty, more scratch-resistant metal. We consider it silver’s rough-and-tumble brother. When maintained, it looks almost identical to sterling silver, with only a slightly darker reflective quality. Like sterling, it can be polished indefinitely to a liquid-smooth shine.

When either develop tarnish, they can quickly be restored with a little care.

The choice ultimately comes down to whether you prefer sterling’s precious metal status or brass’s versatility, warmth, and evolving character.