We've all been there: standing in front of the mirror, swapping a gold hoop for a silver one and back again, trying to work out which looks better. If you've ever asked yourself "do I suit gold or silver?", you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions we get in the studio! The good news is there are a few easy ways to find out, plus a quick quiz at the end to help you decide.
Why Some People Suit Gold and Others Suit Silver
It all comes down to your undertone. That's the subtle warm, cool or neutral tone beneath the surface of your skin, and it stays the same no matter how much sun you get. Gold is a warm metal and silver is a cool metal, so the one that matches your undertone usually looks the most natural on you.
- Warm undertones usually suit gold
- Cool undertones usually suit silver
- Neutral undertones can wear both
Think of this as your gold vs silver cheat sheet. Now let's find out which one you are.
How to Find Your Undertone: 4 Easy Tests
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Try these in natural daylight for the most accurate result. Doing a few of them together gives you a clearer answer than relying on just one.
1. The Vein Test
Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they look green or olive, you likely have warm undertones and gold will suit you. If they look blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones, so silver is your match. Can't quite tell, or see a mix of both? You're probably neutral.
2. The Sun Test
Think about how your skin reacts to the sun. If you tan easily, you probably lean warm. If you tend to burn, you probably lean cool. And if you burn a little before you tan, you might be neutral.
3. The White Fabric Test
Hold a piece of crisp white fabric up to your face, then a piece of cream or off-white fabric. If bright white makes your skin look fresh and glowing, you likely have cool undertones. If cream looks more flattering and white makes you look a little washed out, you likely have warm undertones. This one is great if your veins are hard to see.
4. The Jewellery Test
The simplest test of all: hold a gold piece near your face, then a silver one. Pick two pieces of a similar size and shine so it's a fair comparison. Which one makes you look brighter and more awake? That's your metal. If you've seen the gold vs silver test filter trending on TikTok, it works on the same idea, though trying the real thing in natural light will always give you a more honest
What If You Have Olive Skin?
Olive skin often has a neutral or slightly warm undertone, which means both metals tend to look great. If you have olive skin, don't be afraid to experiment. You might find gold looks stunning in summer and silver feels just right with your winter wardrobe.
Your Metal Can Change With the Seasons
Here's a little secret: you don't have to pick just one forever. Personally, I love wearing silver in winter. It feels so crisp and clean with knits and cooler tones. Then come summer, I switch to gold, because nothing beats it with a tan and a sundress. Your skin, your wardrobe and your mood all change through the year, so it makes sense that your jewellery can too.
Take Our Gold or Silver Quiz
Still not sure? Take our quick quiz to find out whether you're a gold girl, a silver girl, or lucky enough to suit both.
Can't Decide? Wear Both!
If your quiz result said both, or you simply love both, mixing metals is the answer. Gold and silver look gorgeous together when you balance them well, and we share all our tips in our mixed metals guide. Our stainless steel pieces make it even easier, as you can wear both tones every day without worrying about tarnish. You'll find out why in our guide to waterproof stainless steel jewellery.
At the end of the day, the best metal is the one that makes you feel most like you.
