Bling in the Ring Guide: Brass, Stainless Steel & Cold Rolled Steel
When choosing decorative rivets, spots, and embellishments for leatherwork, it's important to understand the metal underneath the plating. At Bling in the Ring, we offer a wide selection of decorative hardware made from three primary metals: brass, stainless steel, and cold rolled (low carbon) steel. Each metal has its strengths and best-use applications—and knowing when and why to choose one over the other ensures you get both longevity and visual appeal in your finished product.
🟡 Brass: The Timeless Standard in Leathercraft
Brass has long been the preferred material for decorative leather hardware—especially in Western-style embellishment. It's a durable, easy-to-work-with metal that delivers the perfect balance between beauty and performance.
🔧 Key Benefits:
- Corrosion-resistant in most indoor and semi-outdoor uses
- Strong yet malleable — ideal for pronged spots and rimsets
- Highly receptive to plating — clean, uniform finishes
⚠ Considerations:
Brass can react with horse sweat and tannery acids over time, so it's best suited for belts, bags, jackets, and other accessories not exposed to sweat or harsh weather.
🟠 Stainless Steel: The Workhorse for Outdoor & High-Stress Applications
Stainless steel is the premium option for any hardware exposed to moisture, sweat, or harsh weather conditions. It’s especially popular in the saddle and harness industry.
🔧 Key Benefits:
- No reaction with acids or sweat
- Won’t rust or tarnish — perfect for outdoor gear
- Mirror-polished versions available
🐴 Use Case:
Stainless steel has been used in saddlery for over 20 years thanks to its strength and resistance to chemicals. Ideal for machine-set rivets, reins, harnesses, and saddles.
⚫ Cold Rolled (Low Carbon) Steel: Decorative & Budget-Friendly
Cold rolled steel—also known as low carbon steel—offers an affordable alternative for hobbyist and fashion-grade leather goods that won’t be exposed to moisture or weather.
🔧 Key Benefits:
- Affordable and lightweight
- Excellent for hobby projects and cost-sensitive designs
- Takes plating beautifully (rainbow, antique, nickel, black, etc.)
⚠ Considerations:
Best reserved for indoor, low-stress use. Not recommended for saddles, collars, or anything exposed to water or sweat.
🎨 Plating Options
We use professional-grade electroplating across all metals, with an average thickness of 3μm for durability and consistency. Finishes include:
- Antique Brass
- Antique Nickel
- Bright Nickel
- Chrome
- Shiny Black
- Matte Black
- Copper
- Antique Copper
- Rose Gold
- Copper Patina
- Gunmetal
- Rainbow (PVD)
🛠️ Quick Metal Comparison Chart
| Metal Type | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|
| Brass | Dog collars, belts, conchos, jackets | Saddle work, sweat-heavy areas |
| Stainless Steel | Saddles, harnesses, machine-set rivets | If antique patina is preferred |
| Cold Rolled / Low Carbon Steel | Fashion belts, hobby crafts, decor | Outdoor use or high-moisture areas |
💬 Still Not Sure?
We offer tiered pricing and plating customization on most hardware. Not sure which metal works best for your application? Contact us—we’re happy to help you find the right finish and base material to meet your needs!
