Whenever I hear the words “gold or silver?” I immediately think of the iconic video from Todd Oldham’s Spring 1995 show where Shalom Harlow, resplendent in a silver sequin miniskirt and silver cropped shirt, eclipses gold-clad fellow supermodel Amber Valletta at the end of the runway. Contrary to what the comments section might have you believe, this moment was not actually intended to illustrate silver overtaking gold in popularity, but nonetheless plays into the classic rivalry: are you team silver or team gold?
These two opponents have remained in a state of flux for as long as trends have existed. However, this year it seems as if the pendulum is swinging back in favour of silver; the most versatile of metals has charmed its way across the Spring/Summer 2026 shows of brands such as Chanel, Givenchy, and Bottega Veneta. The bold statement of a sculptural silver piece is definitely in, as you may have gleaned from the bangle stacks of many a fashion-forward Cambridge student. Those who know me will not be shocked to learn that I am among their ranks; silver has my heart. However, this conclusion is not cut-and-dried. I am liable to slip into a gold phase once in a while, a fact which I believe makes me suitably qualified to discuss the merits of both.
“Silver has the upper hand when it comes to affordability, a factor which, as students, we cannot overlook”
Putting its aesthetic appeal to the side for the moment, one thing gold and silver fans can all agree on is that silver has the upper hand when it comes to affordability, a factor which, as students, we cannot overlook. Even brand new silver jewellery will not break the bank, and it also tends to crop up in vintage stores and second-hand markets for very reasonable prices. If you know what you’re looking for, there are true steals out there – I once bought a solid silver ring in a highstreet charity shop for the hefty sum of 50p. Although it doesn’t carry quite the same prestige or investment potential as gold, real silver jewellery still feels luxurious and can last a lifetime (or longer) if cared for properly.
I like to think of silver as gold’s cooler cousin, both in appearance and disposition; there is an edginess to silver which gold cannot quite rival, especially where chunkier pieces like statement necklaces and cuffs are concerned. Personally, I like to layer silver necklaces and bracelets to elevate my everyday outfits and add some percussion to my movements. However, silver can also work well in the form of a simple pair of hoop earrings, or a standalone pendant. In my opinion, it really comes into its own when paired with darker colours like grey, navy, and of course black. I also like to tie in my silver jewellery with other silver accessories such as belt buckles, bags, hairclips, or even silver eyeshadow for a space-age touch.
“Gold is timeless, and oozes an elegance which my bulkier silver accessories lack”
I strive to remain unbiased, so it’s time to let gold take the spotlight. It cannot be denied that gold is timeless, and oozes an elegance which my bulkier silver accessories lack; it is for this reason that I reach for daintier pieces in gold than I do in silver. Gold’s more luxurious reputation makes it the perfect choice for formals or special occasions, or even just adding a put-together air to an ordinary outfit. I also find that gold settings complement gemstones or pearls in a uniquely refined way, giving you the opportunity to incorporate a variety of vibrant colours into your jewellery ensemble. In contrast to silver, gold stands out well when paired with garments in pastels, whites, and creams, leaning into a more classic colour palette. However, it also creates a striking look when coupled with darker shades, including rich reds and purples. Again, I like to coordinate gold jewellery with the hardware on my bag, my makeup, or my hair accessories. Of course, if solid gold is a bit of a stretch, there are many high-quality gold-plated or alternative metal options out there.
Here’s some food for thought: perhaps it’s time to break free of single-metal monotony and embrace the charm of mixing metals. Combining silver and gold is a great way of adding allure to a more basic outfit, but it can also allow for more forgiveness regarding experimentation, allowing you to mix and match other elements of your look (such as your shoes and bag) as well. Since, for many of us, the jewellery we wear carries personal significance, holding memories of holidays, birthdays, loved ones and perhaps even family history, what better way could there be to embrace this patchwork of sentimentality than to end the feud between gold and silver and unite them in sisterhood? I will let you be the judge.