Made from two natural elements, copper and zinc, the similarity of brass to gold in both flexibility and color accounts for its popularity from Medieval times to today.
Once, highly polished brass was the most desirable because it looks like gold. But today, with the surge in decorating with vintage, brass with aged patina is also sought after. And the question becomes: to polish or not to polish?
Actually, I think it's up to the preference of the owner--and the type of item. Some items I polish and some I think look great just the way they are.
