Brass and copper prices affect jewellery cost in proportion to how much metal is in the piece. For heavy, plain items such as bangles, kadas and chains, metal is a large share of the price, so a rise in copper moves the quote noticeably; for light, stone-set or hand-finished pieces, labour, stones and plating matter more and the effect is smaller.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, so brass prices follow copper closely. Copper is a globally traded metal and its price can move sharply over a few months.
Where metal matters most
- Heavy bangles, kadas and cuffs: mostly metal, so the most exposed.
- Chains: often priced by weight, so metal changes pass straight through.
- Necklace sets with large metal frames, such as temple and antique styles.
- Light earrings and CZ or kundan pieces: metal is a smaller share; labour and stones dominate.
- Alloy-based pieces: usually less exposed to copper than brass or copper bases.
Gold and silver prices matter too
Gold plating uses a small amount of real gold, so a rising gold price raises the plating cost, and more so for thicker plating. Rhodium is a precious metal with a volatile price, which affects rhodium-plated pieces. For 92.5 silver jewellery, the silver price is the main cost driver.
How to manage metal price risk
- Ask how long a quotation is valid. Many makers hold prices only for a short period when metals are moving.
- For large or repeat orders, agree whether the price is fixed or linked to a metal price, and how changes will be calculated.
- Lock the piece weight in the specification. One way to keep a price flat when metal rises is to make the piece lighter.
- Plan big orders when you can confirm quickly, rather than leaving quotes to expire.
What this means for a buyer
If a maker raises a price, ask what changed: metal, stones, plating or labour. A fair maker can explain it, and a weight check on the next sample shows whether the piece has quietly become lighter.
Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing. We record piece weights and plating at sample stage, check them again before packing and help you agree clear price terms. Ask for a free sourcing review.