So you've made your way to your favourite jewellery store or you're perusing online with the intention of buying some jewellery until suddenly you are hit with the thought: 'should I purchase gold or silver?' If this question has you stumped, we're here to tell you you're not alone and we're here to help. The age-old debate as to which precious metal is better has plagued jewellers and jewellery enthusiasts alike for aeons therefore in today's blog we'll be discussing the pros and cons of gold vs silver jewellery.
However, before we get into the nitty-gritty of these two metals, we would like to preface that neither metal is better than the other and the suggestions in this article are to act merely as a guide to ensure you purchase the metal right for you.
Overview:
- Pros of Gold Jewellery
- Cons of Gold Jewellery
- Pros of Silver Jewellery
- Cons of Silver Jewellery
- Final Thoughts
Pros of Gold Jewellery
Compliments Warm Undertones
It is said the metallic yellow hues of gold jewellery complement those with warmer undertones making them appear bright and radiant while seamlessly highlighting their natural complexion. Also, if the term undertones have you in a spin and you're unsure what undertones you have, a quick way to identify whether you're on the warmer, cooler or neutral side is to have a look at the veins at the back of your wrist.
If they appear blue or purply you have a cool undertone; if they appear green or yellowish then you have a warm undertone and if you are unable to see your veins, then this is a good indication that you have a neutral undertone.
Classic Appeal
From the Lydians to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, gold has been used for over 5000 years to create jewellery due in part to its stunning lustre, incomparable colour and overall bewitching appeal.
With over 70 per cent of mined gold being used to create jewellery, there's no wonder our fascination for gold continues to stand since its first documented discovery by the ancient Greeks in 323 B.C.
Highly Durable
Resistant to corrosion, rust and tarnish, gold's durability is another reason many prefer gold over silver. Specifically, it's gold's chemical composition of being inert that gives rise to its corrosion-resistant qualities with the general rule of thumb is the greater the karat value the greater resistance to tarnishing.
Health Benefits
Wearing gold jewellery is said to be associated with numerous health benefits including helping to improve blood circulation and assisting with regulating body temperature. It is also said gold possesses powerful restorative properties including the ability to assist with cell regeneration and aiding with fighting fungal infections. Maybe this explains the rumour of why Cleopatra wore a golden mask to bed every night?
Spiritual Properties
Gold has long been a symbol of purity, tranquillity and wealth. It is said the wearing of gold can aid with improving mental clarity as well as helping with increasing creativity and confidence.
In Hindu culture, gold is said to purify anything it comes in contact with as well the precious metal is heavily affiliated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, good fortune and prosperity.
Resale Value
Not only is gold highly sought after for its exquisite appearance and numerous health and spiritual benefits but many purchase gold as an investment. The resale value of gold is dependent on the current market value and consumer demand however, generally one can expect to receive up to 80 per cent of their jewellery's melt value when selling.
Check out some of our favourite gold pieces below!
Luminesce Lab Grown 1/4 Carat Diamond Claw Hoop Earrings in 9ct Yellow Gold
$499.00
$1,199.00
This pair of claw hoop earrings are sure to take your outfit to the next level. The 9-carat yellow gold build has been set with brilliant-cut lab-grown diamonds adding up to a total of 1/4 carat. The brilliant cut is… read more
Luminesce Lab Grown 1/3 Carat Diamond Claw Hoop Earrings in 9ct Yellow Gold
$1,399.00
These hoop earrings feature a luxurious 9-carat gold build that adds a warm radiant tone to compliment the brilliant-cut lab-grown diamonds adding up to 1/3 carat. Add a subtle sparkle to your everyday outfit with these versatile claw hoop earrings.… read more
Cons of Gold Jewellery
Expensive
Due to gold's rarity, it can often be quite expensive to purchase solid gold jewellery items. However, with gold plated items being significantly cheaper than their solid gold counterparts you can still enjoy the luxuries of gold with all the same appeal minus the hefty price tag.
Pros of Silver Jewellery
Compliments Cool Undertones
Similar to gold jewellery complementing those with warmer undertones, it is said those with cooler undertones are best suited to silver jewellery. This is because silver is said to enhance their natural complexion by making them appear more vibrant and youthful.
Affordable
Not only is silver a precious metal but when compared with other metals like gold, it is definitely more affordable making it a great choice for those after more elaborate and creative ensembles.
Suitable for Sensitive Skin
Whilst being highly affordable, silver is also an excellent option for those with sensitive skin. This is because both pure silver and sterling silver are hypoallergenic meaning it doesn't cause adverse reactions or allergies.
Health Benefits
Like gold, silver possesses a plethora of health benefits including being a powerful microbial agent as well as aiding with improving heat circulation and blood flow.
Silver's power as a health tool is said to boil down to its chemical properties of being a good conductor of both heat and electricity.
More Durable than Gold
Sterling silver boasts incredible durability especially when its alloy is a composition of silver and copper. This combination is said to be even stronger than gold.
Check out some of our favourite silver jewellery pieces below!
Sterling Silver 2 Carat Black Diamond Stud Earrings
$1,299.00
These earrings have been set with a stunning 2 carat brilliant cut black diamond. With a premium sterling silver build, these earrings can easily last a lifetime with the right amount of care. If you’re someone who loves a dark… read more
Sterling Silver Plain 10mm Sleeper Earrings
$14.99
$29.99
A jewellery staple, these sleeper earrings in sterling silver are a must-have. Made in Australia… read more
Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Bezel Ring
$44.99
$64.99
Make a chic statement with this simple but stylish cubic zirconia ring. Crafted in sterling silver.… read more
Cons of Silver Jewellery
Prone to Tarnishing
Though pure silver is naturally tarnish resistant, sterling silver and the addition of copper in this alloy is the reason silver jewellery is prone to tarnishing.
To minimise tarnishing it is best to store your silver jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Exquisite, lustrous, and highly sought after, you are now equipped with the knowledge of the pros and cons of both gold and silver jewellery.
Whether you agree with the suggestions above is another question, however, one thing we can all be certain of is regardless of your purchase it is your confidence in wearing a jewellery item that really brings a piece together.
So go forth, experiment, and find your likes and dislikes because you won't truly know whether you're a gold or silver person unless you try.
