When looking through jewelry, such as gold toggle necklaces or sterling silver monogram necklaces, one question that often comes up is "Which metal is the right choice?" Maybe the piece is for you, or it's intended as a gift, but either way - you should pick the right material for the right person.
Three of the most popular options are yellow gold, rose gold, or silver. Let's take a look at their differences, and when they're a good choice.
Rose gold is one of the newer options in jewelry. It's an alloy that is approximately 75% gold to 25% copper, giving the metal a red tint. "Rose gold" covers several different colors, including red, pink, and rose gold. They all include copper, in slightly different ratios.
Rose gold is stronger than standard yellow gold, thanks to the copper, and sometimes a bit less expensive. Being red or pink, it also has a suggestion of romance - so give rose gold to a lover, not a friend. Rose gold works well with a variety of skin tones, both light, and dark.
Yellow gold is one of the more expensive options in jewelry, but that also adds to its value and charm. Gold never tarnishes, and it's easily repaired. A sturdy gold ring or gold toggle necklace could genuinely last for generations with minimal maintenance. If it needs to be cleaned, all you need is soapy water.
Gold also works well with almost any skin tone. The only significant drawback is that gold is relatively soft and can be damaged by scratches or impacts. That said, it's also just as easily repaired.
Sterling silver is less expensive than gold and can be a good choice for someone in your life you care about but isn't a lover. Silver is also harder than gold and will stand up to daily wear more than some other metals. Like with yellow gold, it can fit almost any skin tone.
It must be cleaned regularly to maintain its luster. Also, some people are allergic to silver, so be careful if this is intended as a gift.
Wellesley Row has a wide selection of yellow gold, rose gold, and sterling silver jewelry to fit any occasion. Click here to browse our selection!
Looking for a great holiday gift for a man in your life? No one says 'no' to jewelry! From men's sterling silver cufflinks to stylish contemporary beadwork, there's a renaissance in men's jewelry happening and every man should get in on it.
When it comes to jewelry, your choices in metals can sometimes feel a bit restrictive. The majority of pieces are either yellow gold, or a grey metal such as silver, platinum, or white gold. There aren't many other options, especially when copper tarnishes so easily and can stain the skin.
