The argument of gold vs. silver jewellery has been waging on for some time. Not only are both types of jewellery the most common but they are often the most versatile and ideal for everyday wear. This can make it incredibly difficult to choose between the two.
Much like fashion, when it comes to jewellery, everybody tends to gravitate towards a particular style that they find very difficult to stray from. Whether they prefer gold jewellery or silver jewellery also tends to factor into what styles they prefer. This is why we are pitting gold and silver jewellery against one another to determine which one comes out on top.
Read on to learn the pros and cons of gold and silver jewellery to determine which should be higher up on your radar the next time you are looking to add a forever piece to your jewellery collection or when you are browsing for engagement rings with your partner.
Overview:
- Gold vs Silver Jewellery - What’s Better?
- Gold Jewellery Pros and Cons
- Silver Jewellery Pros and Cons
- The Verdict
Gold vs Silver Jewellery - What’s Better?
Despite their vastly different hues, gold and silver jewellery aren’t all that different. For one, they are both produced from precious metals that are retrieved from the earth, they both come in multiple variations and they both sometimes contain silver due to silver-filling often being used in gold jewellery such as earrings and pendants.
These similarities can make it very difficult to determine what type of jewellery you prefer out of the two which can make it hard to decide on what piece you are going to add to your collection next. Outweighting the pros and cons of gold vs. silver jewellery can help make that decision easier by concluding, at least in your mind what is better.
Gold Jewellery Pros and Cons
You could say that the origins of gold jewellery are somewhat intergalactic. This is because scientists believe that gold forms when stars in the solar system go through nuclear fusion, a process in which nuclear reactions between light elements form heavier elements. Despite its otherworldly qualities, like everything in life, gold unfortunately has its cons. But how does gold jewellery fare compared to some of its counterparts?
9ct Yellow Gold Sublime Diamond Hoop Earrings
$299.00
$799.00
In a classic huggie, Diamond set earrings in 9 carats of stunning yellow gold are sure to impress. Defined with stunning diamonds in a brilliant cut shape and channel setting, the endlessly stylish earrings will last a lifetime.… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Filled 19cm Anchor Bracelet
$39.99
$79.99
Make an on-trend statement with these gorgeous Anchor. The 9ct yellow gold filled bracelet is simple but exquisite.… read more
The Pros of Gold Jewellery
There are many advantages to choosing gold over silver jewellery, its timelessness included but no reason is as advantageous as its durability. Gold is an extremely tough mineral that naturally makes jewellery set into gold very durable and hardwearing. This is because gold is often combined with other metal alloys such as copper, zinc and silver not only makes gold jewellery more affordable but also helps make it even more sturdy and durable.
Another aspect of gold that is incredibly attractive to jewellery buyers is its versatility. From classic yellow gold jewellery to romantic rose gold jewellery and the more subtle white gold jewellery, there are so many variations of gold out there that are not just limited to colour. There’s the extremely valuable solid gold, the slightly more affordable silver-filled gold, dainty gold vermeil and the more carefree gold-plated silver jewellery. Each type of gold jewellery brings something new to the table and allows practically every budget out there to have a little touch of gold in their life whether it's a funky pair of gold hoop earrings or a few stylish gold chains.
9ct Yellow Gold Initial "A" Pendant On 43cm Chain
$129.50
$259.00
This 9ct yellow gold pendant with initials "A" is special and sentimental. The pendant comes with 43cm chain. Buy it for yourself or for your loved ones to show them you care. … read more
9ct Yellow Gold Diamond Ring Set with 5 Brilliant Diamonds
$349.00
$899.00
Ooze pure class with this stunning Gold Diamond Ring. Crafted from luxurious 9ct gold, in an enchanting Japanese style wagara wave pattern, and embellished with 5 brilliant cut diamonds, this ring is nothing short of breathtaking. Wear alone for a… read more
The Cons of Gold Jewellery
One unfortunate con of gold is its price point. Gold jewellery is significantly more expensive than other types of jewellery out there including silver, something that is bad news for your budget. And while there are cheaper variations of gold such as gold vermeil, gold-plated and silver-filled, if you have your heart set on solid gold you can expect to pay a lot more for it.
Gold is also one of the softer minerals used for jewellery and while it is still somewhat durable, it is also very malleable. This is why there are a lot of gold pieces out there that are combined with other metal alloys such as nickel. Nickel is a metal that is often prone to causing allergic reactions. While no one knows exactly what causes these allergies, wearing a pair of gold earrings or a gold pendant that contains nickel can cause contact dermatitis that can often result in redness, bumps, rashes and dry patches appearing on the skin.
Silver Jewellery Pros and Cons
There are two main types of silver most commonly used for jewellery, fine silver and sterling silver. While fine silver contains over 99.9% of pure silver, sterling silver jewellery contains over 92.5% of pure silver and 7.5% of silver alloys such as zinc and copper. Much like gold, both these types of silver jewellery have their fair share of pros and cons. But how do they compare to gold?
Sterling Silver Diamond Stud Earring Set with 30 Brilliant Diamonds
$59.00
$149.00
Step out in style in these elegant Sterling Silver Diamond Stud Earring Set with 30 Brilliant Diamonds that you will adore. Featuring a cushion shaped design that exudes vintage glamour. Crafted in quality sterling silver that has a smooth shiny… read more
Sterling Silver Figaro 1:3 Heart Padlock Bracelet
$49.99
$99.99
This Sterling Silver Figaro 1:3 Heart Padlock Bracelet has the perfect mixture of strength and beauty. It’s heart pendant is embellished with flowers and patterns, yet has a thickness and boldness that has high appeal. In all sterling silver, these… read more
Solid Sterling Silver Plain Golf 65mm Bangle
$129.00
$259.00
For a simple and chic look, this plain round bangle is perfect. Crafted in sterling silver, the 65mm golf bangle will make a gorgeous statement when worn alone.… read more
The Pros of Silver Jewellery
Silver jewellery is not only much more affordable than gold, but it is also significantly lower priced than a lot of other metals out there. The affordability of silver enables shoppers to get their hands on a timeless pair of silver earrings, a stylish silver ring or even gifts for their loved ones for a truly unbeatable price. The bulk of the silver found in jewellery stores is sterling silver jewellery which is made up of 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% of other metal alloys (usually copper).
This means that sterling silver is completely hypoallergenic as it doesn't contain metals like nickel that are known to cause a reaction. Another aspect that people love about silver jewellery is that it is also very durable. While fine silver may be quite soft and malleable, sterling silver is incredibly sturdy and hard-wearing due to the presence of other metal alloys and therefore is unlikely to become scuffed, scratched, bent or broken after a hard blow.
Sterling Silver 7 Rings of Luck Pendant With 50cm Chain
$49.99
$99.99
We love this 7 rings of luck necklace. Sitting on a 50cm singapore chain, the sterling silver necklace is a stylish must-have.… read more
Sterling Silver 55cm 120 Gauge Dicut Curb Chain
$299.00
Sitting at 55cm in length, this Sterling Silver dicut curb chain is sure to stand-out.… read more
Sterling Silver Infinity Diamond Ring with 1 Brilliant Cut Diamond
$84.99
$234.00
Fitted with 1 Brilliant Cut Diamond, this Sterling Silver Infinity Diamond Ring will have you completing tasks in both style and confidence. … read more
The Cons of Silver Jewellery
One downside of silver jewellery has always been and will always be tarnishing. While tarnishing on any type of jewellery, it is most commonly associated with silver. A chemical reaction that occurs when your jewellery is exposed to sulfuric gases or moisture in the air, tarnishing can severely discolour your jewellery and impact its structure. While sterling silver is relatively durable, jewellery that is made from nothing but pure silver is unlikely to be as strong due to how soft it is. So, it is strongly encouraged that you opt for sterling silver rather than silver in its purest form.
You should also refrain from layering silver bangles and bracelets too close to heavy items such as watches as these items can cause small hairline scratches. Another potential con of silver is the mentality some people have when it comes to this type of jewellery. While some people negatively refer to silver as “cheap” and not at all as luxe as gold, others believe that silver jewellery is unable to be seen as dressy as other types of jewellery, particularly when it is silver diamond jewellery.
The Verdict
So, how do both types of jewellery fare in the battle of gold vs. silver jewellery? Well, it is hard to say as it is largely down to budget, personal preferences and lifestyle. If you are someone who is looking to add to your collection while spending as little as possible, you may want to look at purchasing some stylish silver jewellery.
But if you are someone who lives by the mantra of ‘quality over quantity', well, then gold jewellery might just be what is right for you. If you are just keen to own some jewellery that is both stylish and extremely versatile, both gold and silver jewellery will help fill that role for you.
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