Brass, copper, and gunmetal...oh my!

When most people think of jewelry, they think silver or gold. But there's a whole world of metal outside the two most favored metals. When making jewelry, remember that brass, copper, antique copper and gunmetal are great alternatives that are very cost-effective choices.

Besides being a appealing for their money-saving qualities, the various alternative metals can some times go where silver and gold can't. Brass, for example, is a must-have to achieve a vintage look.

The filigree links may come in silver or gold, but they won't give the same vintage 'feel' to your piece.

Copper is a metal that some people shy away from because it can some times be too 'coppery.' But copper is a good choice for auburn or flaming red hair. Copper can be toned down with the right beads or with being combined with antique copper.

In this pair of earring, the ear wires are copper, while the bead caps are antique copper. And in the following bracelet, you can see how antique copper gives the bracelet a look that compliments the stones...much better than a brighter silver or gold would have done.

Gunmetal is another alternative metal that works well with pieces that need to look a bit more modern or need a darker metal to make it all pull together better.

So when you're designing your jewelry pieces, think outside the gold and silver box. You'll be surprised at what lovely pieces you can create and how much money you'll save while doing it!