Gold vs. Silver: Picking the Right Metal for You

Gold vs. Silver: Picking the Right Metal for You - Janine Jewels

The right piece of jewelry can be the perfect finishing touch to an outfit. Whether you’re dressing to impress or want to add a touch of elegance to a casual daytime look, jewelry is the best accessory to do so.


Knowing whether to wear silver or gold jewelry can be difficult. Do you find yourself asking the question, is silver or gold jewelry more popular? Or have you ever wondered whether to wear silver or gold jewelry with a black dress?

You may be surprised to learn that what piece is more popular or what outfit you’re wearing shouldn’t determine which one you choose. In fact, the colour of your jewelry should depend on your skin’s undertone.


Skin undertone and hair colour can determine everything from what jewelry you should wear to what colour clothing can make you look washed out. When you know what metal suits you best, then you’ll be able to put together great outfits that make you look fantastic. 


How to Determine Your Skin’s Undertone

Everyone has a different skin tone, which is the colour of your skin. However, your skin’s undertone is something completely different. The undertone is your skin’s hue and the colour that lies beneath the surface of your skin. 

There are three types of undertone: cool, warm, and neutral. If you’re unsure which of these is your undertone, it’s easy to find out. All you need to do is look at your veins under a bright light. By shining a light over your forearm, the colour of your veins will tell you what your undertone is. If your veins look blue or purple, then you have a cool undertone. If they are olive or yellow, then you’re warm. If you have a mixture of the two, then you’re neutral.


What Colour is Your Hair? 

Skin undertone isn’t just the only factor to consider when picking a metal colour. If you have blonde hair, you probably have a cool undertone. Redheads, brown, and black haired people often have a warm undertone to their skin. However, someone can have black hair and a cool skin undertone, or have blond hair and have neutral undertones.


Do You Tan or Burn? 

Sitting in the sun for a while is also a way to learn about your skin and what jewelry metal will suit it best. People who tan easily have a warm undertone, whereas those who go a little pink or burn in the sun have cool undertones. If you neither tan nor burn, you’re probably neutral.


Gold Jewelry vs. Silver: Which Jewelry Goes Better with Each Colour?

So, once you’ve worked out your skin's undertone you can choose a piece of jewelry more easily. People with cool undertones look good with silver necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, whereas warm undertones look great with gold jewelry. Rose gold should be avoided by individuals with cold undertones or a pinkish skin tone as jewelry made from this metal can accentuate the red pigment in the skin.


If you have a neutral skin tone, then you’re very fortunate! Neutral undertones look great with both silver and gold jewelry, and you needn’t choose one or the other. You can enjoy wearing necklaces and bracelets in a variety of metals.


Luckily, gold and silver look great with all jewelry pieces. If you want an elegant necklace for a formal event, you can find pendant pieces in both silver and gold, or opt for rose gold if you want a gorgeous vintage effect. Likewise, rings are beautiful with either metal, and look stunning with gemstone and diamond embellishments.


Find the Perfect Piece of Gold or Silver Jewelry

If you want help finding some gold or silver jewelry that suits your skin tone or would like to create the perfect customized piece, then contact us at Janine de Dorigny. Based in Toronto, we can help you to design a piece of jewelry that compliments you perfectly. Call us at 416-459-2515 or contact us via our online form!