Brass

Brass is an alloy made primarily of copper and zinc, and it’s a popular material in jewelry due to its attractive gold-like appearance and affordability. It’s durable, has a warm, yellowish tone, and can be polished to a high shine or given a more antique, matte look. While brass is not as expensive as gold or silver, it can still be quite stylish and versatile for creating both modern and vintage-inspired pieces. One thing to note is that brass can tarnish over time, but with proper care (like regular polishing), it can maintain its beauty. It's also a great alternative for those looking for a more budget-friendly option in jewelry.

Copper

Copper is a reddish-brown metal that’s known for its distinct color and excellent conductivity. In jewelry, it’s valued for its warmth, natural beauty, and malleability, which makes it easy to work with. Copper has been used for centuries, not only for jewelry but also in coins, sculptures, and tools. It develops a unique patina over time, often turning green (like the Statue of Liberty), which some people really love for its vintage, aged look. Copper can also be mixed with other metals to create alloys, like brass or bronze, giving it even more versatility. One thing to keep in mind is that copper can tarnish and may cause skin discoloration (especially in humid conditions), but it's a popular and affordable choice for creative, handmade jewelry.

Gold-Filled 

Gold-filled is a type of metal that's made by bonding a layer of gold to a base metal, typically brass or copper, through a heat and pressure process. The gold layer must make up at least 5% of the total weight of the piece, which is why gold-filled jewelry tends to be more durable and affordable compared to solid gold. The gold content is thicker than gold plating, so it's less likely to wear off over time, making it a popular choice for jewelry that mimics the look of solid gold but at a lower price point.

Gold

Gold is a precious, naturally occurring metal known for its lustrous yellow color and high value. It’s been prized for thousands of years for its rarity, beauty, and versatility, making it a popular choice for jewelry, coins, and even as a form of currency. Pure gold (24 karat) is soft and malleable, which means it's often alloyed with other metals like copper, silver, or platinum to increase its strength and durability, resulting in lower karat values like 18k, 14k, or 10k. 

Gold doesn’t tarnish, rust, or corrode, which makes it highly durable over time. It also has excellent hypoallergenic properties, which is why it’s a great choice for people with sensitive skin. Gold is a symbol of luxury and wealth, but it’s also a timeless material that can be styled in a variety of ways, from delicate fine jewelry to bold statement pieces.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is a high-quality silver alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The reason for adding copper (or other metals) is to make the silver stronger, as pure silver is too soft for many uses, especially jewelry. Sterling silver is a popular material because it has a beautiful shiny finish, is durable, and can be easily shaped into various designs.