Silver or gold – this question arises with almost every jewelry purchase. There is no right or wrong answer. But with a few pointers, you can quickly find out what suits you best.
How do silver and gold come across?
- Silver comes across as clear, fresh, and modern. It suits cool colors, black, gray, and denim.
- Gold comes across as warm, festive, and soft. It suits cream, beige, brown, green, and red.
Your skin tone as a guide
Look at the veins on your wrist: If they look rather bluish, you probably have a cool undertone, which silver often flatters. If they look rather greenish, you have a warm undertone, which gold suits well. If you see both, both metals suit you. This is just a guide, though – wear what you like.
What does "gold-plated" mean?
- Gold-plated: A thin layer of gold on a base metal such as brass.
- Gold Vermeil: A significantly thicker layer of gold on 925 sterling silver. More durable and higher quality.
- Solid gold: Made entirely of a gold alloy, e.g. 14 or 18 karat.
Read more about this under Gold Jewelry or Gold-Plated Jewelry.
Everyday Wear and Care
Silver can tarnish, but it is easy to clean. Rhodium-plated silver stays bright for a long time. With gold-plated jewelry, the gold layer wears away over time – especially through water, perfume, and friction. Gold Vermeil lasts significantly longer thanks to its thick layer. You can find care tips under Caring for Gold Vermeil and Caring for Silver Jewelry.
For Sensitive Skin
925 sterling silver and gold Vermeil (gold on silver) are well tolerated by many people. With gold-plated brass, the base metal comes into contact with the skin once the layer has worn away. Read more under Jewelry for Sensitive Skin.
Can You Mix Silver and Gold?
Yes – mixed metals are modern. Here is how to do it:
- Choose a unifying element, for example pearls in both metal colors.
- Mix deliberately: two or three pieces are better than a jumble.
- Two-tone pieces combine both worlds.
Our Recommendations
- Gold: Pearl Hoop Earrings in 24K Gold Vermeil, Gold Vermeil Ear Clips, Double-Strand Baroque Pearl Bracelet
- Silver: Pearl Ring in Rhodium-Plated Silver, Necklace with Brushed Disc, Infinity Pearl Stud Earrings
You can find all pieces in our collections of Earrings, Necklaces, and Bracelets.