It’s common to pause before buying brass jewelry if you're unfamiliar with what makes it so special. You may have heard conflicting opinion online or experienced a green mark on your skin once and wondered what it meant. At Mahnal, brass is one of our most beloved materials- ancient, warm, long-lasting, and perfectly suited for jewelry meant to be lived in.

But you may be wondering: is brass jewelry safe?

Resoundingly, YES. And with a little understanding of how brass behaves, it becomes one of the most elevated, low-maintenance, and rewarding metals to wear.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know...

What Is Brass?

Brass is an alloy made from copper and zinc—two skin-safe metals that have been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Its soft golden hue, malleability, and ability to develop a warm patina are some of the reasons artisans (including us) love working with it.

Unlike the factory-perfect finish of plated jewelry that never lasts, brass jewelry has a quiet, yet unmistakable presence to it. It feels alive. It matures. It carries the texture of your days in a way that only natural metals can.

Is Brass Jewelry Safe to Wear?

Absolutely. Brass is safe for daily wear for nearly everyone, as brass is considered a skin-safe metal across the jewelry industry. The only exception is individuals with rare sensitivities to copper or zinc- far less common than allergies to metals like nickel.

Notably, Mahnal brass contains no nickel, which is the metal responsible for the majority of jewelry allergies.

Why Brass Sometimes Turns Skin Green

Let’s talk about the most famous question: “Why does brass jewelry turn my skin green?” The short answer is oxidation, not an allergic reaction.

Copper, the most commonly used metal in alloy jewelry (including 18k, 14k, silver, etc) naturally reacts with moisture, sweat, or lotion increasing acidity of the skin. This creates a harmless, temporary green tint. It’s similar to how silver can turn black or tarnish, which is different from brass patina. A patina is a usually desirable layer of color over metal.

This is normal and not a sign that brass is unsafe.

It happens more often when:

• Your hands are damp or sweaty

• You’ve just applied lotion or body oil

• The weather is humid

• There’s salt on the skin (from sweat)

Some people never experience green marks. Some only notice it during a specific season. And for others, it’s an occasional occurrence that disappears depending on how acidic their diet/body's ph is at the time.

Does Brass Cause Allergic Reactions?

True allergic reactions to brass, such as itching, bumps, rash are rare. Most irritation people assume is an allergy is actually trapped residue from cosmetics and soap.

Because Mahnal's brass is nickel-free, it avoids the most common trigger entirely.

That said:

• If you have a known sensitivity to copper or zinc, brass may not be ideal.

• If your skin turns green without itching or swelling, that’s oxidation, not an allergy.

How to Prevent Green Skin or Irritation

A few gentle habits can reduce oxidation dramatically:

• Keep skin dry when putting on jewelry

• Wipe your piece clean after wear, your natural oils actually help protect it

• Remove jewelry before workouts or heavy humidity

• Use a natural barrier like our Renaissance Wax (a microcrystalline wax used by museums)

• Avoid putting jewelry directly over wet lotion or oil

Mahnal pieces are finished and sealed by hand, which helps slow the natural patina process while still allowing the metal to breathe and age beautifully.

Brass vs. Gold, Gold-Plated, and Sterling Silver

Here’s how brass compares to other common metals:

Brass offers a balance of longevity, beauty, and affordability unmatched by plated jewelry. Its weight, feel, and lifespan are comparable to solid gold without the price point.

Why We Choose Brass at Mahnal

Brass has a warmth that mirrors the values behind Mahnal: paying homage to the adornments of antiquity reimagined for modern times.

It reminds us to embrace the beauty and romance of a slower, more intentional life via pieces worn close to the body, forged by hand, and softened by time. Brass allows women to bring that sense of heritage and beauty into their daily rhythms without needing a special occasion or extravagant budget.

We love how the jewelry evolves in meaning with each season of life. It gets more beautiful and develops a patina with time taking on an almost ‘living’ finish. It speaks of slowness, intentionality, and a return to what endures.

Featured piece:
The Salsaal Bangle — a softly sculpted brass bracelet that ages into a rich deep-golden tone.
→ https://mahnal.com/products/salsaal-bangle

How to Clean and Maintain Brass Jewelry

Caring for brass jewelry is simple and takes no more than a few minutes:

• Wash gently with mild soap and water

• For deeper cleaning: lemon juice diluted with baking soda

• Dry thoroughly
  
  OR

• Use our Brass Polishing Cloth impregnated with a cleaner to buff & brighten

• Protect with your polish with our Brass Polish Sealer
  
  OR

• Embrace that character rich, ageless patina. Many Mahnal wearers love the deep golden tones that develop naturally

Brass is meant to evolve. That evolution is part of its charm.

FAQs About Brass Jewelry Safety

Is brass jewelry safe to wear every day?

Yes. Brass is safe for everyday wear for nearly everyone, especially being nickel-free.

Why does brass turn my skin green?

It’s oxidation between copper and moisture (not an allergy) and it’s completely harmless.

Is the green color harmful?

No. It’s temporary and washes off easily.

Is brass hypoallergenic?

Brass is generally hypoallergenic, especially when free of nickel. True allergies are rare.

How do I keep brass from tarnishing?

Keep it dry, store it in fabric or a pouch, use a Brass Polishing Cloth after wear. Protect with a Brass Polish Sealer every 3-6 months (depending on frequency of wear).

Can I wear brass if I have sensitive skin?

Most people with sensitive skin do well with our nickel-free brass. If you have a copper sensitivity, you may react.

Final Thoughts

Brass is safe, natural, and full of character. It’s one of the few metals that feel both ancient and contemporary, understated and expressive. When you understand how it behaves and how simple it is to care for, brass jewelry becomes a beloved addition to your collection that you'll reach for again and again.

If you’re drawn to the warmth and beauty of brass, explore our jewelry meaningfully designed to echo its inherent ability to transcend time and evolve with you. Mahnal is a collection of brass heirloom jewelry inspiring the romance of life.

Explore the Brass Collection → https://mahnal.com/pages/categories