As the cost of sterling silver continues to rise, many jewellers are reassessing how they design, price and scale their collections.
Copper, brass, bronze, aluminium and plated components offer practical, commercially sensible alternatives — and Cooksongold stocks a wide range to support every stage of the making process.
While precious metals remain central to many jewellery businesses, working exclusively in silver or gold can limit experimentation, particularly when exploring larger forms, layered designs or more accessible price points. Base metals provide the freedom to test new ideas, introduce different finishes and develop tiered collections without the financial pressure that often comes with cutting into precious material.
Copper Wire & Sheet
Copper sheet and wire form the foundation of countless jewellery designs.
- It cuts cleanly
- Textures well
- Enamels well
- Responds positively to forming
Copper sheet is ideal for bold cuffs, statement pendants and layered earrings where scale matters. Copper wire supports everything from bangles and ear wires to stone wrapping and sculptural structures.
The natural reddish tone brings warmth and individuality to contemporary collections. It works equally well polished to a bright finish or oxidised for depth.
Explore our full copper range here.
Bronze & Brass
Bronze carries subtle golden undertones that suit organic, heritage-inspired or heavily textured designs. It develops a rich surface over time and responds well to finishing techniques.
Brass delivers a brighter, more contemporary warmth. Its clarity makes it especially effective in geometric forms and styles.
Used independently or combined with copper, these metals introduce contrast and structure into a collection. They also pair exceptionally well with plated components.
Discover bronze and brass sheet, wire and findings at cooksongold.com.
Base Metal Clay
For those already familiar with metal clay processes, bronze, brass and copper clays offer an accessible next step.
Metal clay allows intricate shapes and surface detail to be formed in a soft, workable material before firing into solid metal. Using base metal clays significantly reduces the cost, particularly when producing larger elements such as discs, washer style bracelets or textured centrepieces to a design.
After firing and finishing, the tones are warm and substantial, especially when enhanced with controlled oxidation or surface brushing.
Plated Findings & Chain
Silver plated and gold plated findings provide a consistent and reliable way to complete designs without committing to solid precious metal components. This is especially useful when testing new designs and ideas.
Our plated chains and findings are selected for consistency and durability. Available in silver plated, gold plated, antique black and surgical steel.
Antique black chain introduces contrast against copper or bronze. Surgical steel offers strength and a clean aesthetic and gold plated chain complements brass and bronze tones for a cohesive finish.
Browse plated findings and chain to complete your designs with confidence.
Aluminium Sheet
Aluminium sheet — including coloured and anodised options are a great way to offer something different in your designs.
It is lightweight, easy to cut and ideal for large statement earrings and layered pendants. Its surface can be stamped, engraved and finished with precision.
Coloured aluminium introduces vibrant design possibilities without relying on gemstones or enamel. For jewellers who enjoy incorporating strong visual elements, it offers a fresh and relevant look to your Jewellery.
Explore our range of aluminium sheet here.
The appeal of base metals goes beyond cost. They make it possible to experiment at a larger scale, introduce more varied textures and finishes, and develop designs that would be less practical in precious materials. They also support a more flexible approach to product development, whether you are testing new ideas, refining techniques or expanding into different styles.
Customers increasingly value choice. Some prefer the warmth of copper against the skin. Others are drawn to the golden tones of brass and bronze. Many welcome the accessibility of plated jewellery.
Jewellery making has always required a balance of creativity and practicality. Expanding your materials to include copper, bronze, brass, aluminium and plated components gives you greater flexibility in how you approach both.
These materials bring their own distinct qualities, from surface finish to structural possibilities. Rather than acting as alternatives to precious metals, they offer a different way of working, one that supports experimentation, variation and a more adaptable approach to design.
Harvey Wedgbury