Choose gold if you like a warm, soft look in which the white stone stands out nicely. Choose silver if you want a cool, bright look in which the stone looks bigger and icier. Match your choice to your skin, your other jewellery and how often you wear the earrings. Still unsure? In 2026 you can happily wear both.
How does the look differ?
With a gold earring, you see contrast. The white stone sits in a warm yellow rim. That makes the stone stand out even more, a bit like a star against a sunny sky. The result is a classic, festive look.
With a silver earring, the stone blends into the metal. White on white makes the whole piece bright and fresh. The stone looks bigger, because your eye sees the rim less clearly. That suits a sleek, modern style.
How the light falls
Do you mostly wear your earrings in daylight? Then silver shines fresh and cool. In candlelight or a warmly lit room, gold really comes to life. So think for a moment about where you wear the earrings most.
Which colour suits your skin?
Your skin has a warm or a cool undertone. With a warm undertone, gold often looks soft and natural. With a cool undertone, silver usually looks better. Not sure which type you are? Then read are you a gold or silver type, with a few simple tests.
Still, your skin is not the only rule. Many women simply wear the colour they like best themselves. That is perfectly fine, because you wear your jewellery for yourself first and foremost.
What is underneath the colour?
In this collection, gold and silver share the same base: 925 sterling silver. The difference lies in the layer on top. Gold plated is a layer of 14 carat gold. So it is not solid gold, but gold plated silver. You can read how this compares to 9 carat and 14 carat gold in this article on gold plated and gilded jewellery.
Rhodium plated is a thin layer of rhodium, a white metal from the same family as platinum. It gives silver a bright, mirror like shine and makes the surface harder. As a result, the silver discolours less quickly.
Botanic Stud Earrings Zirconia
Which finish lasts longest?
Every layer wears a little in places where it often rubs against something. With earrings, that is mainly the post and the clasp. Rhodium is harder than gold and therefore wears a little more slowly. The plating of hoops and studs comes with a 6 month guarantee for both.
You can extend their life yourself with a few simple habits. Take your earrings out before showering and sleeping, and store them separately. You can read why that matters so much in can you shower and sleep in cubic zirconia earrings.
How do you combine them with your other jewellery?
First look at what you already have. Do you wear a gold necklace or ring every day? Then a gold earring completes your look. If you mostly have silver in your jewellery box, silver is the easy choice.
Mixing is allowed too. The brand's Mix & Match concept was designed precisely for combining freely. A gold hoop with a silver stud in the second piercing looks playful and modern. Do keep one colour as your main colour, so the look stays calm.
For every day or for a party
For the office and the weekend, a small silver design is very versatile. For a wedding or a dinner, gold often feels more festive. Only have room for one pair? Then choose the colour of your other jewellery.
Flora Push Back Earrings Zirconia
Still in doubt? Choose by design
All bestsellers in this collection come in both finishes. So you first choose the shape you love, and only then the colour. When choosing, also look at the setting and the clasp, as you can read in what to look for in cubic zirconia earrings.
Mostly want warm gold? Then browse the gold earrings. For a fresh, bright look, you will find all silver earrings with zirconia in one overview.
Frequently asked questions about gold or silver with cubic zirconia
I'm happy to answer a few frequently asked questions:
Is a gold cubic zirconia earring made of real gold?
It has real gold on it, but it is not solid gold. It is a layer of 14 carat gold on 925 sterling silver.
Which colour is the most timeless?
Both. Gold and silver come back every season. So mainly choose the colour that goes with your other jewellery.
Can I wear gold and silver in one ear?
Yes, that is actually a lovely trend. Choose one main colour and use the other colour as a small accent.
Want to know more, or have questions? The experts at Sparkling Jewels are happy to help.
