Silver vs Gold Jewelry for Men – Which Fits Your Style Best?
Table of Contents
Why Men Struggle to Choose Between Silver and Gold
Silver or gold? It’s one of the first decisions men face when they start wearing jewelry. The choice shapes your entire style. But what most men don’t realise is this: the right metal depends on your undertone, wardrobe, lifestyle and personal aesthetic.
If you’ve ever searched “should men wear silver or gold”, “silver vs gold men’s jewelry” or “what color ring suits my skin tone”, this guide is written to give you clear, non-confusing answers.
If you're totally new to jewelry, start with our Beginner’s Guide – it explains the basics before you explore metal types.
Understanding Skin Undertones
Your undertone determines which metal naturally suits you. This has nothing to do with how light or dark your skin is – it’s about the colours beneath it. Once you understand your undertone, choosing between silver and gold for men’s rings, chains and bracelets becomes much easier.
There are three undertones:
- Cool — pink or blue hues → silver men’s jewelry usually looks most natural
- Warm — olive or yellow hues → gold men’s jewelry adds warmth and glow
- Neutral — between both → you can wear silver and gold easily, or even mix them
A simple test: look at the veins on your wrist in natural daylight. More blue or purple? You’re often on the cool side. More green? Probably warm. Somewhere in between? Neutral.
If you want to understand jewelry materials in more depth, read our Jewelry Materials Guide.
When Silver Works Best
Silver is clean, modern and subtle – perfect for minimalists and men who like a low-key look. If you live in black jeans, white T-shirts and simple sneakers, a minimalist silver ring stack or a thin silver chain will almost always feel right.
Silver is ideal if you:
- Have a cool undertone
- Wear monochrome outfits (black, grey, white, navy)
- Like modern, minimal, Scandinavian-inspired outfits
- Want jewelry that feels like part of your outfit, not the main focus
Silver men’s jewelry is also a safe choice if you’re experimenting for the first time: a simple silver chain, one or two slim rings and maybe a bracelet. You can always add gold later once you know what you like.
When Gold Works Best
Gold adds warmth, expression and a subtle luxury. It’s perfect if your skin has warm undertones or if your wardrobe leans towards earthy, neutral colours. A single gold ring or chain can turn a simple outfit into something intentional without feeling overdressed.
Gold fits best when you:
- Wear beige, olive, cream, camel or brown
- Like contrast between warm metal and darker clothing
- Prefer expressive details in an otherwise simple outfit
-
Look for an ‘elevated basic’ – something simple that still feels luxurious.
Gold men’s rings work especially well if you like loafers, tailored trousers, overshirts, knitwear or a slightly dressed-up casual look.
Gold pairs extremely well with clean signature pieces like the Flower Ring, which works both in silver and gold tones.
Matching Metals With Your Wardrobe
Stylists often use a simple rule that works very well for men’s outfits:
- Silver → black, white, grey, navy, denim, techwear-inspired fits
- Gold → beige, camel, olive, cream, brown, warm streetwear layers
If your closet is mostly black, white and grey, silver men’s jewelry for everyday outfits is usually the cleanest choice. If you live in warmer tones – sand-coloured trousers, brown knitwear, olive overshirts – gold will feel more natural.
For help combining metals or building a layered chain look with rings and bracelets, check our Layering Guide.
Lifestyle, Personality & Message
Jewelry always communicates something, even if it’s subtle.
Silver → minimal, clean, modern, intentional, slightly understated
Gold → warm, expressive, artistic, elevated, slightly more visible
If you work in a more classic or corporate environment, subtle silver pieces – a thin chain, a single ring, maybe a bracelet – are often the easiest to integrate. If you’re in a creative field, nightlife, or simply like a bit more personality, minimalist gold jewelry for men can add just enough character.
If you want jewelry you can wear daily and maintain easily, read our Jewelry Care Guide.
Can You Mix Silver and Gold?
Yes – but do it intentionally. Mixing silver and gold men’s jewelry can look very modern if you keep the shapes simple and repeat the same metals in a few places.
- Keep shapes clean and similar (no heavy patterns next to ultra-minimal pieces)
- Use a 60/40 balance between metals – one dominant, one accent
- Choose one connector piece (for example, a ring in gold and a bracelet in silver that share the same thickness or shape)
A simple way to start: wear a silver chain and bracelet, and add one gold ring as a small contrast. Or the opposite: gold chain, silver ring. This keeps the look balanced instead of chaotic.
How to Choose Your First Metal
For beginners, keep it simple. Think in terms of one “hero piece” you can wear almost every day, then build from there.
- Silver — if you want clean, minimal and highly versatile jewelry for everyday outfits
- Gold — if you want warmth, contrast or a slightly more expressive accent
- Both — if you have a neutral undertone and like mixing soft contrasts
A clean chain like the Nova Chain is the best first piece. Follow it with the Flower Necklace, the Flower Ring or our signature EXCITÀRE Ring for a simple men’s ring stack in silver or gold.
Conclusion
Silver and gold aren’t opposites – they’re two ways to express your style. Choose what fits your skin, your wardrobe and your energy. Start small with one or two pieces, see how they feel with your daily outfits, and let your style evolve naturally.
Over time, most men end up with a small rotation: a silver everyday jewelry set for clean days, and one or two gold accents when they want a bit more presence.
FAQ
Is silver or gold better for beginners?
Silver is usually the easiest starting point. A simple silver chain or ring looks good with almost any outfit and feels less “loud” than gold for most beginners.
Can men wear gold without looking flashy?
Yes. The key is choosing minimal designs and keeping quantities small. One gold ring or one gold chain is enough to add warmth without feeling over the top – especially with pieces like the Flower Necklace or EXCITÀRE Ring.
Can I mix silver and gold men’s jewelry?
You can. Keep shapes simple, repeat both metals at least once, and aim for a 60/40 balance so one metal clearly leads. For example: silver chain + silver bracelet + one gold ring.
Is your jewelry waterproof?
Yes. All EXCITÀRE pieces made from 316L stainless steel and 18K PVD plating are built for everyday wear, including rain, sweat and occasional water exposure. We still recommend rinsing and drying after saltwater or chlorine.
Which metal is better for sensitive skin?
For most people with sensitive skin, 316L stainless steel is the safest long-term choice. It’s stable, low-maintenance and much less likely to cause irritation than mystery alloys or thin plating over copper.
Want a full overview of materials, sizing, styling and care? Read our full 2026 pillar guide for all topics inside our jewelry guides series: Men’s Jewelry Guide – The Complete 2026 Handbook .