Brass has been used for jewellery for thousands of years — it is warm-toned, durable and affordable, which is why it is the base metal beneath most gold-plated jewellery today. It does, however, tarnish, and it is behind the famous "green finger" mystery. Both are easy to manage once you know what is happening.
Why does brass jewellery turn skin green?
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and the copper is the culprit. When copper meets the acids and salts in sweat, it forms copper salts — which are green. The mark is completely harmless and washes off with soap and water. It is not a sign of "cheap" or fake jewellery, and it is not an allergic reaction — it is simple chemistry, and it happens more on hot days, in humid weather, or if you have naturally acidic skin. Lacquered or plated brass (like the 14K gold-plated eco-brass used in our Infinity Sparkle Necklace) puts a barrier between copper and skin, so marking is far less likely while the coating is intact.
Does brass tarnish?
Yes — exposed brass slowly darkens as the copper reacts with oxygen and moisture in the air. Some people love the aged, antique look this creates; if you prefer the bright golden finish, tarnish on raw brass is easy to remove. Note that plated brass should never be polished with brass cleaners or acids — you would strip the plating. For plated pieces, a soft dry cloth is all you use.
How do you clean brass jewellery at home?
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Everyday freshening (all brass) | Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after wear to remove oils and sweat |
| Light grime (raw brass) | Warm water with a drop of washing-up liquid, soft cloth, then dry thoroughly — moisture left on brass causes tarnish |
| Heavier tarnish (raw brass only) | A little lemon juice on a cloth, rubbed gently, rinsed and dried — the mild acid dissolves tarnish |
| Gold-plated brass | Soft dry cloth only — no acids, no polishes, no abrasives |
How should you store brass jewellery to stop it tarnishing?
Brass tarnishes fastest in humid air, so storage matters more than cleaning. Keep pieces in an airtight bag or lined box, ideally with an anti-tarnish strip or silica gel sachet, and always fully dry before they go in. Store pieces separately so they do not scratch one another, and keep them out of the bathroom. A piece stored well can go months without needing more than a quick wipe.
Should you take brass jewellery off for showering and swimming?
Yes. Water accelerates tarnish, soap leaves films, and chlorine is aggressive towards copper alloys. Brass jewellery is best treated as "last on, first off" — exactly the same rule as gold-plated pieces.
Many of our statement pieces, like the Serpent Rose Set and Thorned Rose Cross Set, are crafted in eco-brass — browse the full Jewellery Sets collection here.