Discovering the Artistry of Brass Cremation Urns

Ornate brass urn on left with more traditional brass urn on rightIn the modern age, urns can come in many different materials. Aluminium is the most common urn material as it is sturdy, cost effective and efficient to make. Wood urns are affordable and eco friendly, and are becoming very popular as pet urns due to their ease in customizability. So why would someone consider a brass urn? That is the question this article will answer as we explore the beautiful artistry of brass urns and why they are worth every penny.

What is brass?

Brass is an alloy made from copper and zinc. The proportions of how much copper vs zinc is added can be varied in order to achieve different colours as well as other properties. Copper is typically the metal with a larger proportion, hence the higher costs associated with brass products. Brass as a material is more expensive than most other materials used in urns. Brass with higher copper content has a more golden appearance and is softer, whereas more zinc in the mix gives off a more silvery colour and harder surface. Brass can also be strengthened by adding materials such as aluminium, silicon, iron and manganese. 

So why pick brass?

Brass is a material in which the sheen, lustre and raw beauty of it is almost impossible to match. Brass urns are easy to work with and more malleable, allowing artisans to mould the most intricate designs onto them. Some of the most beautiful and intricate urns in today's market can only be made with brass. Brass urns are long lasting and incredibly durable so will serve you as a touching memorial that will last for decades if properly looked after. They are corrosion resistant meaning long exposure to oxygen will not harm the metal. Brass is also biologically a very safe material as it has antibacterial properties. This is due to the copper in brass producing ions that attack certain types of proteins found in single cell organisms which destroys them. The biggest advantage that brass has over other materials is its aesthetics. It has such a beautiful lustre to it that pictures simply cannot do it justice. 

Are there any disadvantages?

Like any material, there are disadvantages associated with brass. For one the material can be prone to tarnishing. Tarnishing is when the lustre and polish of a material begin to fade. This can be prevented with regular cleaning of your brass urn. With a soft cloth or brush and warm soapy water to clean the surface and you should not have any issues. Brass is also non-hypoallergenic so it can cause potential irritation to people who are sensitive to certain properties found in brass. The last disadvantage is that its beauty comes at a price. Brass is an expensive raw material so it is not the most economical option for a lot of families.

With the knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of brass, you can make an informed decision on what urn you will decide to purchase. It is a beautiful material with some of the most stunning designs on the market and you will not regret getting yourself a truly magnificent brass urn. As Australia's largest urn store, Eternal Urns has an extensive range of the best quality brass urns available, so check out our range today.