Working in Bronze: Exploring Affordable Metals for Speculative & Portfolio Jewelry

In a market where silver and gold prices are soaring, working in alternative metals like bronze has become both a creative and practical choice.

Bronze offers a rich, warm color that’s visually similar to rose gold when polished, yet at a fraction of the cost. For artists and jewelers creating speculative or portfolio work, it’s an ideal way to push design ideas further without being limited by material expenses.

My latest example is a faceted bronze ring, carved by hand in wax and cast using the lost wax method. The design was inspired by low-polygon geometry, with a mirror-polished finish that reflects light in every direction. The surface is scattered with star-set amethysts, bringing color and sparkle into the sculptural texture.

For those experimenting with new metals, bronze offers a chance to focus on form, texture, and craftsmanship. It’s versatile, durable, and a great test material for designs that can later be cast in precious metals.

Whether for experimentation or artistry, bronze reminds us that meaningful jewelry isn’t defined by cost — it’s shaped by intent, process, and the hand of the maker.