Are You a Gold or Silver Person? Here’s How to Decide

We’ve all been there: scrolling through a jewellery website, caught in the gold vs. silver struggle, unsure which one to go for. Gold is warm and luxurious while silver is cool and sleek—how can you possibly choose?

Some people just know which metal suits them best. The rest of us? We’re still staring at our jewellery boxes, wondering why half of it feels off. Maybe you’ve been gifted pieces in both metals and can’t decide which works for you. Or maybe you’re building your collection and want a cohesive look (because mixing metals feels too chaotic).

If you find yourself second-guessing every time you shop, don’t stress. This guide will help you figure out if you’re a gold person, a silver person, or—plot twist—both, for good. From skin tones to personal style, we’re breaking it all down so you can pick your next jewellery piece with zero hesitation.

Gold vs Silver Jewellery: What’s the Difference?

Gold and silver might both be shiny and beautiful, but when it comes to jewellery, they’re very different. Ever put on a piece and felt like it was made for you, while another just… wasn’t? There’s a reason for that. Here’s the lowdown on gold vs. silver—and why you might want both in your jewellery box.

• Appearance: Gold jewellery is the VIP of metals—warm, rich, and effortlessly luxe. It’s the kind of jewellery that makes you feel like royalty (even if you're just wearing pyjamas). Silver, on the other hand, is sleek, cool, and modern. It's minimalist and a little bit edgy—perfect if you want a fresh, no-fuss look.
• Durability: Pure gold is a bit of a softie—it scratches more easily than silver. Silver, meanwhile, is tougher, but it does have one flaw: it tarnishes over time. But don’t panic—a quick clean will bring it right back to life. And if you're after durability, gold-filled and sterling silver are both solid choices for everyday wear.
• Style: Gold has that timeless, I’ve got my life together look, while silver is effortlessly cool and understated. If you want jewellery that screams luxury, gold’s your answer. If you’re all about those clean lines and contemporary feels, silver is your ride-or-die.
• Price: We’re not going to sugar-coat it—gold is more expensive than silver. If you’re building a jewellery collection on a budget, silver is your best bet. But if you’re looking for an investment piece that’ll last forever, gold is worth the splurge.

How to Choose Between Gold and Silver

So now for the big question: which one should you wear?

Honestly, there’s no wrong answer. Gold might feel more you if you love warm tones and timeless designs, while silver could be your perfect match if you’re into sleek, contemporary styles.

And, hey, if you love both? Mix them! Jewellery “rules” are made to be broken. So, whether you're gravitating towards gold, leaning towards silver, or thinking "Why choose?" you’ve got plenty of options.

Here is how to decide whether gold or silver (or a combo of both) should make its way into your jewellery box.

Check Your Skin Undertones

The easiest way to figure out whether gold or silver suits you best is your skin tone. The right metal can make you glow, while the wrong one might leave you looking a little washed out. Here's a quick breakdown:

If you have…

• Cool undertones (pink, red, or blue hues in your skin) silver tends to complement you best.
• Warm undertones (yellow, peach, or golden hues) then gold is your best friend.
• Neutral undertones (a mix of warm and cool) Lucky you! You can pull off both.

How to Check Your Undertones

• Look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue, you likely have cool undertones. If they’re greenish, you’re warm-toned. If you can't tell, you’re probably neutral.
• Hold up a piece of white paper next to your face. If your skin looks slightly yellow, you have warm undertones. If it looks rosy or blue-toned, you’re cool.
• Test with different metals. Hold a piece of gold and silver jewellery against your skin, which one makes you look more vibrant? That’s your answer!

Consider Your Natural Hair & Eye Colour

Your hair and eye colour can also help guide you towards choosing your ideal metal. Certain shades naturally harmonise with different jewellery tones:

• Blondes, redheads, and those with warm brown tones tend to glow in gold, as it enhances their natural warmth.
• Brunettes and those with cool-toned hair (ashy brown, black, or platinum blonde) often look striking in silver, which adds contrast and depth.
• Eye colour can be a wildcard, but warm amber or hazel eyes pop with gold, while blue and grey eyes look stunning with silver.

Of course, these are just guidelines—your personal preference matters more! If you love the look of silver but have warm-toned features, wear it anyway. Nobody is going to stop you.

What Vibe Do You Want?

Gold and silver have completely different moods. Your jewellery is an extension of your personal style, so consider which metal best matches with your aesthetic:

• Gold: Warm, classic, and luxurious. It gives off an effortlessly chic, polished feel. Think French-girl elegance, Old Hollywood glamour, or 70s-inspired statement pieces.
• Silver: Cool, modern, and edgy. It has a sleek, contemporary feel that works perfectly for minimalists, rock ‘n’ roll lovers, or anyone who prefers a more understated, refined look.

Do you lean towards timeless classics or bold, alternative pieces? Are you drawn to warm, rich tones or crisp, clean aesthetics? Your answers might lead you straight to your ideal metal.

What’s Already in Your Wardrobe?

Jewellery should complement your clothes, not clash with them. Taking a look inside your wardrobe can help you decide whether to go for gold or stick with silver.

• If you wear a lot of warm tones (earthy browns, rust, mustard, olive, cream, warm red), gold will harmonise beautifully.
• If you lean towards cool tones (blacks, greys, blues, jewel tones, icy pastels), silver will fit right in.
• If you have a neutral wardrobe (think classic white, beige, and black), both metals work—so mix it up!

Are You a Minimalist or a Maximalist?

Your personal style will play a huge role in determining whether gold or silver suits you best, and which one you prefer wearing:

• Minimalist? Silver is often associated with clean lines, simple designs, and a ‘less is more’ aesthetic. Think delicate stacking rings and dainty chains.
• Maximalist? Gold shines in bold, statement pieces, vintage finds, and layered jewellery looks. Chunky chains, oversized hoops, and stacked bracelets are right at home here.

That said, there are no hard rules. You can be a minimalist who loves delicate gold jewellery or a maximalist who layers silver rings. It’s all about what makes you feel like yourself.

Why Not Both? Try Mixing Metals

If you love both, good news: you don’t have to choose. Mixing metals is no longer a fashion faux pas—it’s a power move. The trick is to make it look intentional rather than accidental.

• Start with a piece that already combines gold and silver. Two-tone necklaces, rings, or bracelets act as a bridge between the metals.
• Layer your jewellery strategically. Stack gold and silver rings on the same hand, or layer necklaces with a mix of tones to create balance.
• Keep it cohesive. If you’re mixing metals, keep the style consistent—a delicate silver chain will pair better with a fine gold pendant rather than a chunky statement piece.

Mixing metals gives you more versatility and makes your jewellery collection feel more dynamic. It’s all about confidence and creativity.


At the end of the day, the best jewellery is the kind that makes you feel amazing. If you love silver but technically have warm undertones, wear it anyway. If you’re drawn to gold but think it doesn’t ‘suit’ you—who cares? Your style, your rules.