Can’t afford gold jewelry? Consider Brass.

As gold prices continue to soar, more and more jewelers are exploring alternatives that don’t sacrifice beauty or quality—and brass the answer. At Honey Bee Metals, we love working with brass for its warm, golden tone that closely mimics the rich luster of real gold, but without the hefty price tag. We have been crafting jewelry since about 2013, and have never had the opportunity to work with gold due to the cost.

Buttery gold brass therefore, is an ideal choice for jewelry lovers looking for beautiful, handcrafted gold jewelry that doesn't break the bank.

So, what exactly is brass? It’s an alloy made primarily of copper and zinc, known for its durability, rich color, and resistance to tarnish. Brass has actually been used in jewelry and adornments for thousands of years—dating all the way back to ancient Rome and even earlier. Across time and cultures, it’s been treasured for its gold-like appearance and versatility. Fast-forward to today, and it's still holding strong in the world of artisan jewelry, blending tradition with modern style - especially because of the price of gold.

Brass pairs perfectly with sterling silver, and we have found there is increasing demand for pieces that mix the two metals. See our shop listings - especially our bracelets.

Many of our most-loved designs are mixed-metal creations that blend the cool glow of silver with the bold warmth of brass.

As craft jewelers who work with copper, silver, and brass, we believe in the story each metal tells—and brass, with its old-world charm and accessible price point, is stealing the spotlight in today’s market.