There's a particular glow to African brass in the late afternoon. It isn't the cold shine of plated metal. It's warmer and softer, the color of honey held up to the light.
Most of the gold African earrings we carry are made of brass, hand-embossed, etched and shaped by artisans in Kenya. Here's what makes brass special, the styles we love, and how to wear them.
Is African Brass Jewelry Real Gold?
No. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It has a natural gold color all the way through, rather than a thin gold coating, so it won't flake or wear down to a different metal underneath. That's why brass has been worked by African metalsmiths for centuries, and why our artisans can emboss and etch it by hand.
Over time brass develops a deeper, antique tone called a patina. Some people love it. If you prefer the bright shine, it polishes back easily (see the care tips below).
The Signature: Africa Map Earrings
Our Maridadi Africa Map Earrings are the gold African earrings customers ask for by name: the outline of the continent in brass, with etchings pressed in by hand and a 2.5-inch drop. Maridadi means pretty in Kiswahili.
African Hoop Earrings
Our Rehema earrings are a modern take on the hoop: two semi-circles, one of brass and one of natural cow bone, joined into a single ring. The contrast of warm metal and creamy bone works with almost anything. Choose ivory or ebony.
Long Brass Drops for Evening
For weddings, galas and nights out, go long. Ciku Earrings are hand-embossed brass with an elegant looping chain and a 4-inch drop. Ciku (pronounced shee-koh) is a common Kenyan nickname for Wanjiku. Upepo Earrings have three tiers of hand-embossed brass that jingle softly as you move, and Egypt Earrings, one of our original designs, are etched with zigzags and triangles and have a 3-inch drop.
Brass and Bone Statement Pieces
Some of our newest designs pair brass with hand-carved cow bone. Bahati Earrings are an oval, shield-like shape in etched bone intertwined with brass. Kaimosi Earrings, named after a town in Western Kenya, set intricate brasswork on a bone semi-circle base.
Small Gold Earrings for Every Day
Not every day calls for a 4-inch drop. Little Africa Earrings by Kenyan designer Jack Okumu are small brass Africa shapes with an elephant imprint, easy to wear to work or with a head wrap.
How to Wear Gold African Earrings
- With warm colors: rust, olive, cream, camel and chocolate all bring out the honey tones of brass.
- With black: a black dress or turtleneck and long brass earrings is a classic evening look.
- With print: pick out the yellow or gold in an Ankara or kitenge print and let your earrings echo it. Our Ankara pairing guide has more ideas.
- Mixing metals: brass with silver-toned pieces is fine if you repeat each metal at least twice, for example brass earrings and a brass ring with a silver bracelet and watch.
Prefer silver? Our Vihiga, Chero and Ukweli earrings are made from lightweight, nickel-free aluminum with a silver tone.
Caring for Brass Earrings
- Keep them dry. Take them off before showering or swimming, and store them in a dry pouch.
- Polish gently. A soft, dry cloth brings back most of the shine. For deeper darkening, a jewelry polishing cloth works well.
- Perfume last. Put earrings on after perfume, hairspray and lotion.
- A note on skin: on some people, brass can leave a faint green mark after long wear. It's harmless and washes off. A dry earring and dry skin help prevent it.
Gold African Earrings: Common Questions
What are gold African earrings made of?
Ours are made of brass, an alloy of copper and zinc with a natural gold color, hand-embossed and etched by artisans in Kenya. Some styles combine brass with hand-carved cow bone.
Will brass earrings tarnish?
Brass naturally darkens over time. You can keep the antique tone or polish it back to a bright shine with a soft cloth.
Are long brass earrings heavy?
It depends on the style and the length of the drop, which is listed on every product page. Bone is much lighter than metal, so styles that combine brass with bone are the lightest statement pieces.
Do you have African hoop earrings?
Yes. Rehema Earrings are a hoop made from one half brass and one half natural bone, in ivory or ebony.
Shop every style in our African earrings collection, or find a gift in our African Jewelry Gift Guide.
Love, Africa
