From time to time we experience that our customers reach out with a question about which jewelry materials they should buy. It's often the question of whether it's worth spending a few extra kroner on jewelry materials made of e.g. steel or sterling silver instead of brass.

Have you had the same thoughts? - Then let me tell you what we tell our other customers.

The price of the materials you buy is linked to the quality of the jewelry finding. This also means that the more expensive materials you buy, the more durable and resistant your jewelry becomes.In short.

“Buy more expensive, save the hassle”

When you invest in quality materials such as steel or sterling silver, you get:

• Long-lasting durability: Jewelry that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
• Less maintenance: Materials that don't become unsightly over time.
• Better allergy-friendliness: Ideal for people with sensitive skin.

But cheaper materials like brass can also be a good start – especially with the right plating. Let's take a look at the three most popular materials.

Brass is a great choice for beginners or those who want to experiment with DIY jewelry. However, brass has some limitations:

Durability challenges: Brass tends to lose its finish over time, especially if exposed to sweat, body oils, or cleaning agents.

Benefits of plating: If you choose brass with long-lasting gold plating, you get a more hard-wearing surface that lasts longer.

Perfect for earrings: Our ear hooks and hoops in brass are designed to hold up well, as they're exposed to less wear than, for example, bracelets and necklaces.

But what does this mean for you as a jewelry maker?

Before we move on to the benefits of steel and sterling silver, it's important to understand how your skin type, daily use, and choice of materials affect the durability of your jewelry.

We want you to be satisfied with your jewelry and have realistic expectations of the materials you choose. That's why it's important to know that:

• Skin type plays a role: Your skin type can affect the durability of the materials. People with more acidic skin (pH) may find that gold plating or coating wears off faster.
• Daily use matters: Jewelry that is exposed to a lot of body contact, sweat, moisture, or perfume will typically have a shorter lifespan, especially if made of brass.
• Higher quality = longer lifespan: Materials such as steel and sterling silver are more resistant to everyday influences and require less maintenance.

Our advice: If you want jewelry that lasts longer, we recommend investing in materials such as steel or sterling silver. Also remember to take off your jewelry when washing your hands, applying perfume, or exercising.

Steel is a fantastic alternative for those who want more durability without the price running away. Here are the benefits of steel:

• Resistant: Withstands water, moisture, and daily use without becoming unsightly.
• Ideal for sensitive skin: Many experience fewer allergic reactions with steel.
• Long-lasting gold plating: The gold plating on steel is more solid than on brass, making it a popular choice among our customers.

Our experience: Many customers return and tell us that their steel materials have exceeded their expectations. This is therefore our most recommended material for everyday use.

If you're looking for jewelry materials that last a lifetime, sterling silver is the answer. As a precious metal, sterling silver is both beautiful and extremely durable.

Benefits:

• Lifetime durability.
• Completely allergy-friendly and ideal for sensitive skin.
• Timeless design and easy to maintain.

Perfect for resale: Jewelry makers can benefit from the higher value when selling jewelry made from sterling silver.

Pro tip: Look for the "925" stamp to ensure the material is genuine sterling silver.

We understand that everyone has different needs and budgets. That's why we offer materials for every jewelry maker, from beginners to those who want jewelry that lasts a lifetime.

• Start with brass if you want to try your hand at DIY jewelry.
• Upgrade to steel if you want a durable and budget-friendly option.
• Invest in sterling silver if you want jewelry of the highest quality.