If you have ever stood in front of a jewelry display wondering, “Should I go with brass or sterling silver?” you are not alone. Then you’re staring at two necklaces, one glowing golden like the sun (hi, brass) and the other shining cool like moonlight (hello, sterling silver). Your brain's screaming, which one’s me?! Don’t worry, we’re about to break it down like a reality show elimination round.

What's Brass Jewelry? 

Brass is literally copper and zinc having a love child, and the result is that golden glow that makes you look like you spent way more than you did. It’s that friend who shows up in Zara but somehow looks couture. Is it affordable? Yes. Is it trendy? Absolutely! The catch? Brass can be a little high-maintenance. Leave it lying around and it’ll tarnish, sometimes even leaving a green little “thanks for wearing me” stamp on your skin. But honestly? A quick polish and it’s back to pretending it’s 24k gold.

What's Sterling Silver Jewelry? 

Sterling silver is the dependable one. It’s 92.5% pure silver (don’t ask us about the other 7.5%, it’s just science), which means it’s sturdy enough to survive daily wear without losing its sparkle. It doesn’t scream for attention; it just shines. The kind of metal that works with your sweatpants and your sequin saree. Plus, unlike brass, it won’t give you the Statue of Liberty skin situation. Basically, it's timeless, loyal, and won’t ghost you. 

Who's winning? 

Brass jewelry is your go-to for trend-driven looks without spending big. It’s light, bold, and that warm golden tone looks way more expensive than it is. The flipside? Brass can tarnish, isn’t as durable, and sometimes leaves a green mark on skin. Great for short-term style, not always for the long haul. Sterling silver jewelry is the classic choice. Durable, hypoallergenic, and effortlessly matches anything in your wardrobe. It’s built to last and kinder on sensitive skin. The trade-off? It’s pricier than brass and needs polishing to keep its shine. The bottom line is brass wins for budget and trends, silver wins for longevity and timeless style.

How to choose the right metal? 

Are you a minimalist at heart? Silver is your best bet. It blends seamlessly with everyday outfits, layers beautifully, and never feels too much. Brass is perfect if you love chunky earrings, wide cuffs, or that necklace that makes people go “where did you get that?” The daily wearer with sensitive skin, can pull off sterling silver super easily. It's safe, hypoallergenic and gentle, it’s kind to your skin even if you wear it every day. 

Let us pick, will you? 

We want to and can match your jewelry to you! So, explore our brass jewelry collection if you’re chasing bold, fashion forward looks without splurging. You can discover our 925 sterling silver collection for timeless, skin friendly pieces built to last. From everyday chic to weekend glam, our curated selections keep up with what’s trending in the U.S. without losing their charm.

We're answering your questions

1. Is brass or silver better for jewelry?

Silver wins for durability and comfort. Brass is better if you want affordable, trend-driven styles.

2. What’s the downside of brass jewelry?

It can tarnish and sometimes leave a faint green tint on skin. Don’t worry, it’s harmless and easy to fix with cleaning.

3. Does 100% brass jewelry turn green?

Yes, because of the copper in it. Regular cleaning helps keep it fresh.

4. Is brass jewelry worth it?

Absolutely. It’s one of the best budget-friendly metals for bold, stylish pieces.

Simple choices for a shiny ending

When it comes to brass and silver, there’s no single winner. Brass is fun, affordable, and perfect for trends. Silver is classic, durable, and gentle on your skin. Whichever metal feels right, Sonioro has you covered. Explore our brass and sterling silver collections today and find pieces that feel truly yours.