Brass jewelry and its durability? Brass is a relatively inexpensive alloy of zinc and copper, often used in jewelry. Over time, brass darkens and creates a unique patina on each piece of jewelry. The factors that affect the appearance of brass jewelry are temperature, light and humidity. To restore the original color of the jewelry, you can polish it with a special polishing cloth intended for the purpose.
Durability of brass
As brass is an alloy, i.e. a combination of several different metals, its durability can vary based on the alloy's specific composition. Copper-rich brass is a form of ore used in various art objects such as chandeliers. If the brass has a thin construction, it can crack over time. This is called stress corrosion and occurs especially in an ammonia-containing environment.
Brass jewelry in everyday life
As the appearance of the brass changes based on various environmental factors such as humidity, many people wonder if it is possible to shower with brass jewelry (as is possible with surgical steel jewelry ). As brass is a sensitive metal that easily oxidizes when it comes into contact with moisture, in most cases it is best to remove your brass jewelry before entering the shower. But if it concerns jewelry that has a brass core and gold plating, the jewelry is more durable. Although you can shower with this type of brass jewelry, you should still treat it with care and keep it away from perfume and hairspray.
Does brass rust?
As metals such as iron rust over time and brass is a sensitive material that is affected by the environment, the question often arises as to whether brass also rusts. Brass contains a large amount of copper, which means that it does not tend to rust. Instead, a green coating of rust is created, which happens via a reaction between chemicals in the air and the brass. You can choose to have your brass jewelry weathered if you want a beautiful patina. If you prefer more shiny brass jewelry, you can polish it regularly. Also wipe them every time you touch them, as moisture and fingerprints tend to leave stains on brass. The picture above shows one year of use of a brass piece of jewelry compared to one year of use of our earring.
