Which metal is better for jewellery: silver or gold? This topic has been hotly contested for decades and continues to divide opinion.

Gold is associated with tradition and opulence, while silver has connections of modernity and glamour. Each metal also has its own unique properties, with silver more prone to tarnishing – although white gold offers a best-of-both-worlds option. But is this all there is to the debate?

Discover what drives our desire for each metal and how this influences the accessories we wear.

Determine your skin tone

Our preference for gold or silver jewellery is not simply a question of personal taste. Our physical appearance makes us more or less likely to suit each colour and can even change how the metals look when we wear them.

The first step to figuring out whether you suit gold or silver accessories is to determine your skin tone. The easiest way to do this is to look at the veins in your wrist: green and yellow veins indicate a warm skin tone, while blue or purple veins reflect a cool skin tone.

If you have a mixture of the two, then you have a neutral skin tone that sits between the two and suits both gold and silver.Enjoy the freedom to dress depending on your mood, and don’t be afraid to pair the two metals together for a chic and confident style.

If you are buying jewellery for a friend, think about what they are comfortable wearing too.

Best jewellery for warm skin tones

Gold is the best metal for jewellery if you have a warm skin tone.

The peach and golden hues of warm skin tones perfectly complement the richness of yellow gold. Layer delicate pieces for subtle shine such as using stackable rings and bangles. Alternatively, go bold with an embellished arm cuff or thick gold chain.

If you find yellow gold too traditional, try accessories in the more contemporary rose gold shade. This metal is glitzy yet elegant and is often used to give functional accessories a luxury edge. The La Grande Classique Longines watch with a rose gold bracelet and diamond detailing is a prime example of this. There are also many designers selling glasses with blush frames.

Best jewellery for cool skin tones

Silver jewellery is best for cool skin tones because the metal itself also has cool undertones.

You can choose silver or other metals in the same shade. White gold and platinum have a slightly brighter finish and are more durable for day-to-day wear.

These metals look most vibrant against a dark backdrop and so work well with brunette hair. They also help to balance out redness, ideal if you are prone to looking flushed. Make an impact with dangly earrings and big hoops or an elaborate necklace.

Silver accessories are best enhanced with gemstones that share the metal’s cool undertone. Stick to greens, blues, and purples such as emeralds, turquoise, and amethyst. Pearls also pair well with silver metals.

Image – Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-on-gold-necklaces-around-womans-neck-7273386/