Base Metal Jewellery

Jewelry is created using various types of metals.

The term “base metal” refers to a group of metals that are not gold or silver. The most common base metals used for making jewelry are copper, iron and brass. Each type of metal has different properties and characteristics that make them suitable for use in creating jewelry.

Jewelry making is fun and rewarding. You can create beautiful pieces using different types of metals. Some metals are more difficult than others to work with. Learn about them before you start creating. 

Metal findings, metal sheet, metal wire are all common to create jewelry. However, many people do not know what base metals are or how they differ from precious metals. Copper, zinc, nickel, aluminum are all base metals. Gold, platinum, palladium and silver are precious metals. Copper, Zinc, Nickel, Aluminum are all base metals. Precious metals will tarnish (oxidize) very fast.

A “base” metal is one element that is found in its pure form in nature. Some examples of base metals are iron, aluminum, and copper. The second element is a metal that is rare and difficult to find in its pure form. Metals such as gold, silver, and platinum are precious.

When exposed to air, any natural material that contains sulfur can react with all or some of the oxygen in the air to form sulfur dioxide gas, which in turn reacts with the remaining oxygen to form sulfur trioxide gas. These reactions can slowly turn copper into a form of oxide that is brown in color.