Is Brass Jewellery Good? Tarnish, Green Fingers, Allergies and How to Care for It

The short answer: yes. Brass is a durable, warm-toned metal that designers use for sculptural jewellery because it holds detail and weight well at a fraction of the price of gold. It will darken over time and can leave a harmless green mark on the skin, but a protective lacquer, dry storage and a gentle clean keep it bright for years. Our pick is the Dries Van Noten Layered brass ring in Old Brass, handmade in brass and resin. Browse our jewellery edit and the full Dries Van Noten collection.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. More copper gives a warmer, redder tone; more zinc makes it paler and closer to gold. It is the base metal behind much designer costume jewellery, often finished with gold plating and an “old brass” patina. “Brass ring” alone draws about 22,000 searches a month worldwide.

Brass compared with other jewellery metals

Why brass turns your finger green

The copper in brass reacts with moisture, sweat, soap and skin oils, forming a thin green copper compound that can transfer to the skin. It is harmless and washes off with soap and water. Lacquered and plated brass is far less likely to mark, and keeping the ring dry is the simplest fix.

Is brass safe for sensitive skin?

Most people wear brass without any reaction. Some brass alloys contain small amounts of nickel and lead, so if you have a nickel allergy, check the product composition, choose lacquered pieces, and wear them for short periods first. Pieces made for the EU market must meet strict limits on nickel release.

How to clean and care for brass jewellery

• Put it on last. Perfume, lotion and hairspray speed up tarnish.
• Take it off for water. Remove it to wash your hands, swim and exercise.
• Wipe after wearing. A soft dry cloth removes skin oils before they react.
• Clean gently. Mild soap and lukewarm water, a soft brush, then dry completely. Avoid abrasive polish on plated and lacquered pieces, which strips the finish.
• Store it dry. A closed pouch with an anti-tarnish strip, away from the bathroom.
• Respect the patina. An “old brass” finish is darkened on purpose; polishing it would remove the design.

More on caring for the house’s pieces in Dries Van Noten materials and care, and on wearing one bold ring in statement rings.

Our picks

1. Dries Van Noten Layered brass ring in Old Brass

Brass and resin with layered floral elements, finished in old brass. Handmade, in S, M and L.

2. Dries Van Noten Chain floral bracelet in Old Brass

A chain bracelet with floral details in the same old brass finish.

3. Dries Van Noten Floral stud pendant earrings in Old Brass

Floral studs with a pendant drop, to match the ring.

4. Dries Van Noten Long pendant necklace in Old Brass

A long pendant to wear over a plain knit.

5. Schiaparelli Eye Ring in Brass

Brass in the house’s surrealist eye motif.

6. Patou Coin pendant necklace in gold-plated brass

A coin pendant in gold-plated brass, the everyday option.

7. Versace Greca Crystal Ring in Gold Brass

Gold-toned brass with crystals set into the Greca key.

Frequently asked questions

Is brass jewellery good quality?

Yes. Brass is strong, holds fine detail and has a warm gold tone, which is why designers such as Dries Van Noten and Schiaparelli use it for sculptural jewellery. Quality depends on the finish, the plating and the construction.

Does brass jewellery turn your skin green?

It can. The copper in brass reacts with moisture and skin oils and leaves a harmless green mark. Keep it dry, choose lacquered pieces, and wash the mark off with soap and water.

Does brass tarnish?

Yes. Brass darkens over time when exposed to air and moisture. Lacquer and plating slow it down, and a gentle clean restores the shine on unfinished brass.

Can you shower with brass jewellery?

It is best not to. Water, soap and shampoo speed up tarnish and can wear the plating. Take brass off before showering and swimming.

Is brass better than gold-plated jewellery?

Much gold-plated jewellery is brass underneath. Plain brass shows a natural patina over time; gold-plated brass keeps a brighter gold colour until the plating wears.