Metals · Cu + Zn
Brass
Updated October 16, 2026
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, usually around two thirds copper. It looks like gold when polished, which is why it is the base metal under most cheap gold-plated jewellery. Raw (unplated) brass darkens to an antique brown and, like copper, can leave a harmless green mark on skin. It is not a precious metal, but it is a lovely, cheap one to work with.
- What it is
- Copper and zinc, typically 60 to 70% copper
- Not to be confused with
- Bronze: copper and tin
- In jewellery
- The usual core under "gold plated" pieces
- Care
- Polishes back to gold with brass cleaner
Brass under gold plating
When a listing says "18K gold plated" and names no base metal, it is almost always brass. The gold skin wears thin with daily wear, and the brass underneath shows through as a duller yellow, sometimes with a green mark on the skin. Check the "Metal type" field in the listing's product details.
Raw brass
Unplated brass is popular in handmade and vintage-style jewellery: it is easy to cut, stamp and solder. It darkens over time; a brass cleaner or a little ketchup on a cloth brings back the shine.
The atoms inside
A simplified picture: real electrons are fuzzy clouds, not dots on rings, but the count in each shell is real. The cube shows how the atoms stack in the solid metal.
Electron shells from each element's ground-state configuration; crystal structures at room temperature. Source: electron configurations of the elements and crystal structures of the elements.
Real brass pieces on Amazon
Each listing's own metal details were read on October 16, 2026 and match the title; we show its star rating, and leave out anything under 4 stars. Prices change, so the link goes to the live listing.
Brass art and objects
Solid brass sculpture, lamps and instruments, listed as solid brass; the most elaborate first.
UGRA dancing Shiva Nataraja in brass, 56 cm A large cast-brass Nataraja, Shiva dancing inside a ring of flames, the classic South Indian form. Heavy and finely detailed for the price. See it on Amazon → 
Magicsculp Rodin's Thinker in brass, 12 in A cast-brass copy of Rodin's Thinker. A modern reproduction of the famous design, not a museum cast. See it on Amazon → 
Decor India brass Ganesha seated on a lotus, 12 in A cast-brass Ganesha seated on a lotus base, with gold-coloured polish and fine detail. Made in India. See it on Amazon → 
Troy Artefacts Mark V diving helmet replica, 18 in A handmade full-size Mark V helmet copy in solid brass and steel. For display, not diving. See it on Amazon → 
SPI brass bellowing elephant statue A large cast-brass elephant with its trunk raised. Brass darkens with age unless polished. See it on Amazon → 
Moroccan brass and frosted glass pendant lamp, 20 in A handmade Moroccan hanging lamp of brass and milky glass. Needs wiring in by an electrician. See it on Amazon → 
Exotic India Nepali brass Ganesha statue A Ganesha cast in brass in the Nepali style. Exotic India sells Indian and Nepali crafts. See it on Amazon → 
QT S Dharmachakra Sakyamuni Buddha in brass A handcrafted brass Buddha with his hands in the teaching gesture, made in the Nepali style. Glossy finish. See it on Amazon → 
MILY-ART lost-wax cast brass Buddha, 7.9 in A seated Buddha cast in brass by the lost-wax method, 3.3 lb. Small but solid. See it on Amazon → 
Floor-standing brass telescope on adjustable stand A nautical-style brass telescope on a tall stand. A decor piece; the optics are basic. See it on Amazon → 
Brass sextant working model with compass and telescope A brass sextant made as a decorative working model, with a compass and small telescope. A replica, not a certified navigation instrument. See it on Amazon → 
J. Scott London brass sextant with hardwood box A solid brass sextant replica in a wooden display box. Nice for a desk; not for real navigation. See it on Amazon → 
Castle Instruments brass armillary sphere, 11 in A brass model of the sky's circles, engraved with the zodiac, on a wooden base. Antique-style finish. See it on Amazon → Statement brass jewellery
Bold pieces in solid brass.
Replica Armoury handcrafted brass torque necklace A rigid open brass collar shaped like a Celtic or Viking torc. Brass can leave a green mark on skin. See it on Amazon → 
John S. Brana hammered NuGold brass teardrop earrings Big hammered teardrops in NuGold, a gold-coloured brass, handmade in the USA. Light for their size. See it on Amazon → 
Touchstone Indian hammered brass cuff A hammered brass cuff made in India with an antique gold look. Brass darkens and can be polished. See it on Amazon → 
FULA JEWELS handmade solid brass band ring A simple solid brass band, handmade. Choose your size and band width on the listing. See it on Amazon → Raw and solid brass
Listed as solid brass.
Gold plated brass
The most common cheap jewellery: gold colour, brass core. Plated pieces live here, never on the gold page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is brass jewelry real gold?
No. Brass is copper and zinc. It looks like gold when polished, and it is often plated with a thin layer of real gold.
Does brass turn your skin green?
It can, because of the copper. It is harmless and washes off; clear lacquer on the inside of the piece prevents it.