“I love the natural patina that develops with love and wear. And it’s fairly inexpensive, which is great for people who want a special handmade piece of jewelry that’s affordable.” Best Seller: Phenomena necklace, $120 at akvintage.com
2AK Vintage by Anna Korte
“I love the natural patina that develops with love and wear. And it’s fairly inexpensive, which is great for people who want a special handmade piece of jewelry that’s affordable.” Best Seller: Phenomena necklace, $120 at akvintage.com
3Stone & Honey by Teresa Robinson
“Initially, brass was a way to get the ‘look’ of gold without the crazy insane price. But the longer I work in brass, the more I really appreciate its unique color. It feels warm and rich.” Best Seller: Medius earrings, $92, at stoneandhoney.com
4Stone & Honey by Teresa Robinson
“Initially, brass was a way to get the ‘look’ of gold without the crazy insane price. But the longer I work in brass, the more I really appreciate its unique color. It feels warm and rich.” Best Seller: Medius earrings, $92, at stoneandhoney.com
5Takara by Jen Goff
“I use brass because most of my work is influenced by primitive and ethnic jewelry, and one of the characteristics of brass is that it can look ancient and rough.” Best Seller: Ornament hoop earrings, $93, at takaradesign.com
6Takara by Jen Goff
“I use brass because most of my work is influenced by primitive and ethnic jewelry, and one of the characteristics of brass is that it can look ancient and rough.” Best Seller: Ornament hoop earrings, $93, at takaradesign.com
7Betsy & Iya by Betsy Cross
“When I first launched the line, it was almost like the phrase ‘mixed metal’ was a very dirty one—and not in a cool way. But I became convinced it could be cool.” Best Seller: James John hoops, $54, at betsyandiya.com
8Betsy & Iya by Betsy Cross
“When I first launched the line, it was almost like the phrase ‘mixed metal’ was a very dirty one—and not in a cool way. But I became convinced it could be cool.” Best Seller: James John hoops, $54, at betsyandiya.com
9Better Late Than Never by Sara Dudzinsky
“I decided to make my current line using brass because I wanted to design rather large pieces. This helps me keep the cost down for my customers without having to sacrifice my design ideas.” Best Seller: Quarter Moon earrings, $112, at bltnjewelry.com
10Better Late Than Never by Sara Dudzinsky
“I decided to make my current line using brass because I wanted to design rather large pieces. This helps me keep the cost down for my customers without having to sacrifice my design ideas.” Best Seller: Quarter Moon earrings, $112, at bltnjewelry.com
11Boet by Emily Bixler
“Years ago in the very baby beginning stages of Boet, I began to source vintage brass chains for inspiration, and I fell in love. I’d make these crazy, layered, Mr. T–style necklaces. The more chain, the better.” Best Seller: Linen Ozarc earrings, $72, a
12Boet by Emily Bixler
“Years ago in the very baby beginning stages of Boet, I began to source vintage brass chains for inspiration, and I fell in love. I’d make these crazy, layered, Mr. T–style necklaces. The more chain, the better.” Best Seller: Linen Ozarc earrings, $72, a
13LunaSol by Lindsey Alonzo
“Inspiration for my designs comes from cultures all over the world, and the aesthetic of my pieces is to reflect ancient, aged, or worn jewelry with a history.” Best Seller: Giza ring, $75, at lunasoldesigns.net
14LunaSol by Lindsey Alonzo
“Inspiration for my designs comes from cultures all over the world, and the aesthetic of my pieces is to reflect ancient, aged, or worn jewelry with a history.” Best Seller: Giza ring, $75, at lunasoldesigns.net
15Seaworthy by Marisa Howard
“My original inspiration for Seaworthy came partly from antique hardware. Brass shows history and story like no other metal.” Best Seller: Namib necklace, $89, at seaworthypdx.com
16Seaworthy by Marisa Howard
“My original inspiration for Seaworthy came partly from antique hardware. Brass shows history and story like no other metal.” Best Seller: Namib necklace, $89, at seaworthypdx.com
THE PRICES OF gold and silver continue to rise and fall with the unpredictability of the Hawthorne Bridge at rush hour. In response, local independent accessory designers are ditching the old 14-carat standard to usher in the brass era. Sold in 6-by-12-inch sheets at a manageable $16 a pop (compared to $473 for silver and $20,407 for gold), the composite of copper and zinc appeals to a uniquely Portland aesthetic. “What began as easy access and affordability turned into a love affair with the tone and versatility of brass,” says Emily Bixler, designer for local jewelry line Boet. “It can take on so many different looks depending on the oxidation level, and it ages so beautifully.” Bixler’s not alone; at least a dozen Portland lines earn rave reviews with their brassy style—Time Out New York, Every Day with Rachael Ray, and Design Sponge have all gabbed about our shining talent. We asked eight of our city’s biggest metalheads to share their allure of the alloy, as well as their most popular accessory.
