Written By Natalia Cordero

Photography By Lauren Gramly

Modeled By Lily Elcan, Madi Brady, Ashlee Finke, Natalia Cordero, Sira Limbu, & Koli Croy

Everyone’s heard the silver vs. gold argument—the fight between which is superior or which suits your complexion more. Everyone has different opinions on what they think looks best on them or other people. These opinions on what metal looks best have been strong and many are vocal about which is better. Accessorizing is the perfect way to amplify what you are wearing: so what’s the deal? Is silver or gold better? Is it okay to mix metals? I’m here to give you a guide to styling silver and gold jewelry and the amazing contrast they can add to a look.

Because gold is a precious metal, wealth has been associated with gold since the early ages, and was first used in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used it for jewelry, dishes, and decor. Gold’s value comes from the fact that it is very durable and one of the few metals that does not tarnish. Not only that, but gold comes in 3 different variations: yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Gold is also very popular in streetwear fashion. From the early 90s, gold watches, chains, and hoops were popularized by many prominent hip-hop artists.  Gold jewelry typically pairs best with warm undertones. If you're not sure what undertones you have, check your veins– greenish veins indicate warm undertones. 

Silver was first found in modern-day Turkey and was used in a plethora of ways. The Turkish would use silver as jewelry, figurines, and other accessories. Silver jewelry is typically associated with cooler undertones. If you have blue/purple veins, you are a person with cool undertones! Since gold tends to be held at a higher value, silver jewelry is typically cheaper. Real silver is stronger than gold making it less susceptible to damage. It can easily be polished– keeping it shiny for months. Real silver is soft, but mixing copper in creates what we know as “sterling silver”– which strengthens the metal. Sterling silver also comes in different colors such as black or white. Black silver, oftentimes known as oxidized silver, is just silver run through a specific chemical process. Argentium silver, or white silver, has a higher purity than sterling silver and is brighter. Black and white silver are good ways to spruce up your accessory game and can add contrast to an outfit. 

For years, the fight between silver and gold has been that one should never mix with the other. Well, I’m here to tell you quite the opposite. Mixing metals can actually enhance a look and make you stand out. Consider how many places you can wear jewelry; ears, face, neck, fingers, wrists, even ankles. With that many body parts, why would you not want to mix it up a little? Balancing the metals between each body part you wear them on can be a great way to pull together an outfit or even completely change the vibe of one. From mixing gold and silver earrings to stacking sterling silver and rose gold necklaces, the different sheens of the metals can be very pleasing to the eye. The myth behind only wearing the same plated jewelry has gone on for too long. Mix it up a bit, experiment, and don’t be afraid if you think it looks silly! That’s the fun part about accessorizing—you can basically style it in any way you want.