Are base metals easy to work with?

Base metals are soft and easy to cut and shape making them ideal for beginners and those refining their skills. You can also solder base metals like copper, brass and bronze using a torch and hard silver solder.

Do base metals tarnish over time?

Yes, most base metals will naturally tarnish or develop a patina when exposed to air and moisture. This can add character to a piece, but it can also be polished away if you prefer a brighter finish.

Which base metals are most commonly used in jewellery?

The most popular base metals used in jewellery making are copper, brass, bronze, aluminium and nickel. Each offers different colours and working properties — copper has a warm tone, brass gives a gold-like finish, and aluminium is lightweight and easy to work with.

How do I clean base metal?

You can clean base metals using polishing cloths for a light clean, such as the Bench Essentials polishing cloth. For more stubborn marks and tarnishing, a metal polish can help restore shine and provide a longer-lasting finish, such as Town Talk Brass & Copper Polish.

Are base metals suitable for sensitive skin?

Some base metals, particularly nickel, can cause skin reactions. If you're creating jewellery for sensitive wearers, it's best to opt for a nickel free metal. We make it clear in the description which base metal lines are nickel free.

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Base Metals

A foundation for jewellery making.

Explore base metals for jewellery making, including sheet, wire and chain. Ideal for learning, experimenting and creating new designs.

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Shop By Base Metal Type

Copper

Highly workable with a warm, distinctive finish.

Copper Findings Copper Wire Copper Sheet Copper Clay

Plated Metals

Base metals finished with a precious metal layer.

Gold Plated Silver Plated Rhodium Plated Nickel Plated Rose Gold Plated

Brass

Bright gold-like appearance with good durability.

Brass Sheet Brass Wire Brass Strip Gliding Sheet

Aluminium

Lightweight, easy to work with and corrosion-resistant.

Aluminium Sheet

Bronze

Strong and durable with a rich, deeper tone.

Bronze Clay Bronze Findings

Steel

Tough, corrosion-resistant and highly durable.

Surgical Steel Findings

Choosing The Right Base Metal

Choose the right base metal based on your working method and desired finish. Consider workability, colour and durability to find the best fit.

Copper

Excellent for forming, texturing and enamelling
Naturally warm colour with a traditional feel
Ideal for learning and prototyping

Bronze

Stronger than copper with improved wear resistance
Suited to cast and fabricated designs
Rich tone complements organic style

Brass

Popular base metal for jewellery with gold-like colour
Good strength for findings and components
Suitable for polishing and plating

Aluminium

Lightweight for larger statement pieces
Corrosion-resistant and easy to saw and drill
Ideal for mixed-media designs

Plated

Cost-effective precious metal appearance
Suitable for fashion jewellery ranges
Available across multiple base metal cores

Steel

Very durable and scratch-resistan
Ideal for modern, functional designs
Excellent for structural jewellery components

What Base Metal Are You Looking For?

Base Metal Findings

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Base Metal Wire

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Base Metal Sheet

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Base Metal Clay

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Base Metal Chain

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More Base Metal

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Clasps

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Ear Fittings

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Brooch Fittings

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Cufflinks

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Jump Rings

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Base Metal FAQs

What Are Base Metals?

Base metals are non precious metals such as copper, brass, bronze, aluminium and plated metals. Base metals are widely used in jewellery making as a cost effective and versatile material option to work with. They can be used to make costume jewellery, learning and practicing your jewellery making skills.

Base metal rings arranged on a workbench

Why Choose Base Metals?

Base metals are a practical way to manage material costs without compromising workability. Ideal for prototyping, skill development and commercial ranges, they offer reliable flexibility across many making processes.

Shop Base Metals at Cooksongold

Base metals are essential materials for jewellery making, offering affordability, versatility and reliable performance.

At Cooksongold, our range of jewellery base metal products includes copper, brass, bronze, aluminium and steel in sheet, wire and component forms. These metals for jewellery making are ideal for prototyping, developing techniques and producing commercial collections. As trusted jewellery metal suppliers, we provide consistent quality metal jewellery making supplies suitable for fabrication, casting and finishing.

From metal jewellery findings to complete metal for jewellery making solutions, our base metal jewellery range supports creativity at every stage. If you need help choosing the right metal for your project, contact our expert team for tailored advice and product guidance.

Metal prices
Wed 17 Jun 2026

Silver (AG)
1673.445 KG

Gold (AU)
104.165 GM

Palladium (PD)
32.355 GM

Platinum (PT)
42.852 GM

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