When it comes to bringing your jewelry ideas to life, one of the most important considerations are the materials you will use — namely, the metals and the stones. In fact, the metal you choose can very well define which part of the jewelry market you’re situated in — from fashion to fine jewelry. So when it comes to comparing brass, silver and gold, it’s important to understand their value, quality and place in the larger jewelry market. In doing so, you can be sure to choose the metal that best fits your budget, aligns with your brand and appeals to your customer.

Brass

Brass has been a jewelry staple for almost as long as jewelry has been around. Forged out of zinc and copper, brass is a strong alloy that’s available in abundance. Today, you’ll see brass used for everything from rings to bracelets and necklaces thanks to its low price-point and its ability to easily mimic the lustre of gold through plating. Polished brass also won’t tarnish, which makes it really easy for consumers to maintain. Because brass is relatively inexpensive and durable, it is often used in fashion or bridge jewelry.

But, there are some downsides to using brass as a metal. For one, it is not hypoallergenic — so consumers with sensitive skin may avoid this alloy altogether as it could cause a rash or reaction. And while polished brass won’t tarnish, as unfinished brass does, and both polished and unfinished brass will eventually change color over time. Finally, because brass is so inexpensive it really doesn’t hold any value that will make it worth anything in the future.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is one of the most popular metals used in jewelry today. Because it is easy to forge and it has a high-shine surface, sterling silver makes great jewelry on its own and is used by both fashion and demi-fine jewelry brands. And because it is high-quality and relatively inexpensive, it is often used as the metal that’s plated in gold to elevate a jewelry piece’s status and worth. Silver is also considered a precious metal, which means while it is inexpensive compared to gold, it does hold more value than alloys like brass. 

Gold

There’s a reason we call the best-of-the-best the ‘gold standard.’ This lustrous, shimmering metal has been used and coveted in jewelry since pharaohs walked the earth. And today, thousands of years later, people still want to wear gold jewelry. That’s because what people have always loved about gold jewelry is that it not only looks beautiful, but it holds serious value as a commodity itself. And today with the popularity of all gold colors — from classic yellow to modern white and trendy rose — there has never been a better time to work this metal into jewelry designs.

Of course, gold is part of the fine jewelry category and because there is so much value around gold, it can prove to be a great investment for both you and your customers. Additionally, gold is a really easy metal for consumers to maintain as it doesn’t rust, tarnish or corrode.