Brass and gold are both popular metals, especially for jewelry, home decor, and accents. But while both can be beautiful and useful, they have very different characteristics. Gold is generally more expensive and considered more valuable, while brass is more affordable.
So, what are the key differences between brass and gold? We’ll take a close look at these two common metals to help you understand their composition, appearance, durability, cost, and more. Understanding the pros and cons of each will help you decide which is best for your needs.
Ultimately, the choice between brass vs gold depends on your budget, desired aesthetic, and how you plan to use the metal. Let’s dive in.
Composition and properties: A tale of two metals
Brass and gold are easily told apart, even by the casual observer. But what gives each metal its unique look and feel?
Brass: The versatile alloy
Brass is an alloy, which means it’s a mixture of metals. It’s made primarily of copper and zinc, typically in a ratio of 70% copper to 30% zinc, though the exact proportions can vary.
The combination of copper and zinc makes brass malleable, which means it can be hammered into shape without cracking or breaking, and workable, which means it’s easy to mold and manipulate. Keep in mind that brass is more reactive than gold, which means it’s more likely to interact with other substances.
Gold: The noble element
Gold is a naturally occurring element prized for its beauty, rarity, and chemical inertness. To make it harder and to alter its color, gold is often mixed with other metals.
Gold is known for its high resistance to corrosion and tarnish, as well as its malleability and ductility, which means it can be drawn into a wire.
The purity of gold is measured in karats. 24K gold is the purest form of gold.
How do brass and gold look and what are they used for?
Brass tends to have a muted yellow color that shifts depending on how much zinc it contains. It can also be polished to a bright shine.
Pure gold has a distinctive yellow color. When gold is mixed with other metals, called alloying, it changes color. For example, rose gold gets its pink hue from copper, while white gold contains nickel or palladium.
Brass is used in musical instruments, decorative items, plumbing, and budget-friendly jewelry. Gold is a popular material for jewelry, electronics, and dentistry. It’s also used as a currency and a store of value.
Brass is also having a moment in fashion.
Durability: Which metal lasts longer?
Generally speaking, gold is more durable than brass. This is because gold doesn’t react with the environment.
Gold is an inert metal, meaning it doesn’t easily react with air or moisture. This prevents corrosion and degradation. Brass, on the other hand, is more reactive. Over time, brass will oxidize and tarnish, leading to a dull or discolored appearance.
It’s important to remember that almost all gold used in jewelry is an alloy. Pure gold is too soft to be used on its own, so it’s mixed with other metals like silver, copper, or zinc. Alloying gold makes it stronger and more resistant to wear and tear.
Tarnish and Corrosion Resistance
Tarnishing is when a metal’s surface becomes discolored because of chemical reactions with its environment.
Brass is particularly vulnerable to tarnishing. When brass meets oxygen and sulfur in the air, it creates a dull, greenish layer of oxidation. Humidity and pollution can speed up this process.
Gold, on the other hand, is almost entirely resistant to tarnishing and corrosion. Gold doesn’t easily react with other elements, so it keeps its shine for a long time.
If you have brass items, you can slow down tarnishing by keeping them away from humidity, water, and cosmetics.
What about allergies?
Allergic reactions can occur with both gold and brass. Pure gold is generally hypoallergenic, so many people with sensitive skin prefer it. Gold that’s 24K is the purest form.
However, gold jewelry is often made with alloys. Some people develop allergic reactions to nickel, which is a common ingredient in gold alloys.
Brass can also cause skin reactions. While less common, some people are allergic to copper or zinc, which are the main components of brass.
Price and Affordability: A Matter of Budget
When it comes to choosing between brass and gold, your budget is a major factor to consider.
Cost Considerations of Brass Jewelry
Brass is a relatively inexpensive metal, due to the abundance of the copper and zinc used to make it. Because of its affordability, brass can be a good option if you’re budget-conscious but still want stylish jewelry.
Cost Considerations of Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry is almost always more expensive than brass. The price of gold jewelry is influenced by its rarity, its karat (or purity), its weight, and the craftsmanship involved in creating the piece.
Some people see gold as an investment because it tends to hold its value over time. Gold is often viewed as a hedge against inflation. For these reasons, gold jewelry is often perceived as more valuable than brass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is brass better than gold?
Neither brass nor gold is “better” overall; it depends entirely on your needs and priorities. Gold is more valuable, tarnish-resistant, and hypoallergenic, but also more expensive and softer. Brass is affordable, durable, and has a vintage aesthetic, but it can tarnish and may cause allergic reactions for some.
Is 100% brass good for jewelry?
While durable, “100% brass” isn’t always ideal for jewelry, especially pieces worn close to the skin. It can cause skin discoloration (turning skin green) due to oxidation and copper content. Also, the higher the copper content, the more likely it is to cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. Brass is better suited for decorative elements or pieces that don’t directly contact the skin.
What are the downsides of brass jewelry?
The main downsides of brass jewelry are its tendency to tarnish, potentially causing skin discoloration, and the possibility of allergic reactions due to its copper content. It requires regular cleaning to maintain its shine and may not be suitable for everyday wear, especially for those with sensitive skin.
How can you tell brass from gold?
Visually, gold is typically a richer, warmer yellow, while brass has a more muted, yellowish-brown tone. Gold is also significantly heavier than brass. A scratch test can also help; gold is softer and more easily scratched than brass. If you’re unsure, a jeweler can perform more definitive tests to determine the metal’s composition.
Conclusion
Brass and gold differ significantly in their composition, durability, appearance, and price. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, making it more affordable but less durable than gold. Gold, a precious metal, boasts a richer color and greater resistance to tarnish.
When choosing between brass and gold, consider your budget, desired durability, skin sensitivity, and how you want your piece to look. If you’re after luxury and longevity, gold is the obvious choice. If you’re on a tighter budget or prefer a more vintage aesthetic, brass may be a better fit.
And, if you’re considering gold, be sure you can tell the difference between solid gold and gold-plated or fake gold. Solid gold is an investment, whereas gold plating offers the look of gold at a fraction of the cost.
Ultimately, both brass and gold possess an enduring appeal, each offering its unique charm and benefits.