A thoughtful guide to gold, silver and the art of mixing metals.

Choosing the right metal is, at its heart, an exercise in intuition. How a colour sits against your skin, how a piece feels in daily wear, how it moves with your wardrobe and your life.

This quiet guide offers clarity - balancing durability, tone, sustainability and style - so you can choose pieces that become part of your everyday rhythm.

Gold: Warm, Enduring, Everyday

Gold carries a gentle warmth that suits most skin tones. In its solid form, it offers a blend of strength and softness - a metal designed to be worn, lived in and passed down.

9ct Gold

Subtle in hue. Durable for daily wear. A quietly confident choice for rings, chains and pieces that never leave your skin.

18ct Gold

Richer in colour, softer in feel. Ideal for meaningful pieces and heirlooms - jewellery that holds sentiment as well as value.

Why choose gold:

• Colour that deepens gently over time
• Strong enough for everyday wear
• Beautiful with diamonds, pearls and gemstones
• A timeless foundation for any jewellery wardrobe

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Silver: Cool, Sculptural, Understated

Sterling silver has an elegant restraint - a cool-toned metal with a soft sheen. It lends itself beautifully to sculptural forms, creating jewellery that feels modern yet enduring. Silver pairs effortlessly with wardrobe staples: a white shirt, a simple knit, clean tailoring.

Why choose silver:

• A cooler tone that complements most complexions
• Ideal for bold, architectural pieces
• Lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear
• Crafted from 100% recycled silver at Maya Magal

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Mixed Metals: A Study in Contrast

Gold and silver don’t need to compete. Together, they create a thoughtful balance - warm against cool, soft against bright. Mixing metals feels modern, natural and quietly expressive.

It also allows you to build a jewellery wardrobe that’s flexible: rings that stack with ease, chains that layer without effort, and pieces that shift with your mood and the season.

Why choose mixed metals:

• A contemporary, relaxed approach to styling
• Adds depth and texture to your everyday look
• Makes it easier to wear both new and existing pieces together
• A signature element of Maya Magal design

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Considering Skin Tone - Gently

Skin tone can guide your choices, but it shouldn’t dictate them.

• Warm undertones often pair beautifully with gold.
• Cool undertones find harmony with silver.
• Neutral undertones can wear both effortlessly.

But jewellery is personal. The right metal is the one that feels like you.

Lifestyle & Wear: What Suits Your Everyday

Your daily rhythm plays a quiet but important role in choosing metal.

For jewellery you never take off

9ct gold or 18ct gold are ideal - durable, water-safe, and resistant to tarnish.

For pieces you rotate often

Sterling silver and gold vermeil offer beauty with a lighter touch.

For hands-on lifestyles

Stronger metals - 9ct gold and sterling silver - stand up well to everyday knocks.

For sentimental pieces

18ct gold offers a richness and permanence suited to heirlooms.

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Sustainability & Materials

At Maya Magal, every piece begins with conscious materials:

• 1 00% recycled sterling silver
• 100% recycled 9ct and 18ct gold
• Responsibly sourced gemstones
• Zero-waste practices in our London studios

Choosing your metal is not only about aesthetics - it’s a choice for longevity, responsibility and craft.

Discover our Sustainable Practices

How to Choose - A Quiet Checklist

When in doubt, consider:

• Colour: What sits most naturally against your skin?
• Durability: Will this piece live on your hand, wrist or neck every day?
• Style: Do you prefer warmth, cool tones, or contrast?
• Meaning: Is this a piece to mark a moment?
• Sustainability: Does the metal align with your values?

Jewellery becomes a part of you. Let your choice be intuitive, grounded and lasting.

FAQs: How to Choose the Right Metal

Is gold or silver better for everyday wear?

Both are well suited to daily life. 9ct gold offers exceptional durability, while sterling silver is strong, comfortable and perfect for modern, sculptural designs. The choice comes down to colour, feel, and how you like to wear your jewellery.

Does gold tarnish?

Solid gold does not tarnish. Over time, it may develop a gentle patina - a soft, lived-in finish that can be polished back at any time.

Does silver tarnish?

Sterling silver naturally oxidises. A simple polish restores its clarity, and regular wear slows tarnish - your skin keeps the metal bright.

Can I wear gold and silver together?

Yes. Mixing metals feels modern, relaxed and expressive. It also allows your collection to grow more fluidly.

Which metal is best if I have sensitive skin?

Solid gold is the gentlest option for sensitive skin. Sterling silver is also a thoughtful, skin-friendly choice.

Is 9ct gold “less valuable” than 18ct?

Not at all. 9ct is more durable and understated; 18ct is richer in tone. Both are enduring, both meaningful.

Which metal should I choose for a gift?

Gold feels classic; silver feels modern. If unsure, choose a mixed metal style - versatile and quietly expressive.

Is gold vermeil good quality?

Yes. Gold vermeil uses a thick layer of gold over sterling silver. It offers the warmth of gold with a gentler price.