Should I Wear Gold or Silver Jewelry?

If you’ve been wondering whether you should pick gold or silver permanent jewelry, you’re not alone! I get asked this question daily at pop-ups, so I put together some quick tips to help you decide🫶

First off, all jewelry at The Little Refinery is 14k gold-filled, sterling silver, or solid 14k gold. All of these options are nickel free, so you don’t need to worry about that allergy while you’re choosing!

✨TIP: If you have had allergic reactions to jewelry in the past but you’re unsure why, it was probably nickel! About 20% of the population is right there with you.

SO…My first response when someone asks which metal they should wear is, “Go with whatever you like most!”

BUT… if you really can’t decide, you can consider your skin tone:

  • If you have a cool skin tone, silver might be a better choice for you.
  • If you have a warm skin tone, gold might be a better fit.
  • Scroll down for tips on finding your tone & a few more FAQs!
  • If you're not sure, you can always mix and match metals to create a unique and versatile look.

The best way to decide is just to come in-person and try out some options! Go with whatever you’re most excited about! Bring a friend for backup and experiment with a few metals and styles until you find your perfect look 💫

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A FEW MORE THINGS TO CONSIDER

WAIT! WHAT ABOUT…

How do I know if I have a cool or warm skin tone?

Here are a few ways to test!

The veins test: This is a quick and easy way to determine your skin tone. Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you have a cool skin tone. If they appear green, you have a warm skin tone. If you can't tell, you may have a neutral skin tone.


The jewelry test: Hold a piece of silver and a piece of gold jewelry up to your face. The metal that makes your skin look more vibrant is the metal that complements your skin tone. If silver makes your skin look brighter, you probably have a cool skin tone. If gold makes your skin look brighter, you probably have a warm skin tone.


Consider your eye color: If you have blue, green, or gray eyes, you probably have a cool skin tone. If you have brown or hazel eyes, you probably have a warm skin tone.

Consider your overall complexion: If your skin has a pink or rosy hue, you probably have a cool skin tone. If your skin has a golden or yellow hue, you probably have a warm skin tone.

Hope this helps 🫶

What’s trending?

Both silver and gold are trending right now, but silver is having a moment for sure. It's a popular choice on the runways and for celebrities & influencers too. If you’re into the 90s/2000s aesthetic, I’d definitely recommend going for the silver!

Should I match my wedding ring?

Usually if you’re asking this question it’s because your ring is silver/gold but you have your eye on a permanent chain that doesn’t match. No worries! I’d recommend one of these options:

  • Put the opposite metal on your right hand (opposite of your wedding ring)
  • Mix in a charm that matches your wedding ring! For example, if your ring is gold you could get the silver Mira chain and add a gold initial charm.
  • Stack a gold and a silver on either arm to tie in both metals! I love the mixed metals look🤍💛

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