Silver or gold? It's the first question in custom jewelry - and there's no universal answer. The right metal depends on your lifestyle, skin, budget, and taste.
Properties Comparison
| Property | Silver 925 | Gold 14k (585) | Gold 18k (750) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity | 92,5% Ag | 58,5% Au | 75% Au |
| Color | bright white | warm yellow/white/rose | rich yellow/white/rose |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 2,5–3 | 3–4 | 2,5–3 |
| Density | 10,5 g/cm³ | 13,1 g/cm³ | 15,2 g/cm³ |
| Tarnish | yes (patina) | no | no |
| Price range | €€ | €€€ | €€€€ |
Practical Durability
- Silver 925 - soft, scratches more easily, needs polishing - but very easy to repair
- 14k gold - hardest alloy of the three - best for daily wear
- 18k gold - softer than 14k but richer color - ideal for special pieces
Allergies & Skin
- Pure silver and high-karat gold are hypoallergenic
- Nickel in some gold alloys causes reactions - at AEJaCA we use nickel-free alloys exclusively
- Skin pH affects tarnishing - some people darken silver faster
- Rhodium plating (on silver or white gold) adds extra protection
Realistic Price Comparison
| Piece | Silver 925 | Gold 14k | Gold 18k |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple ring | from €40 | from €180 | from €280 |
| Pendant | from €35 | from €150 | from €220 |
| Earrings (pair) | from €50 | from €200 | from €320 |
| Engagement ring | from €80 | from €350 | from €550 |
Prices exclude gemstones, which add €20 to €2,000+ depending on type and size.
When to Choose Which?
Choose silver if:
- you're budget-conscious
- you love variety and changing styles often
- it's your first custom piece
Choose 14k gold if:
- you wear jewelry daily
- you're looking for an engagement or wedding ring
- you value durability and warm color
Choose 18k gold if:
- it's an investment or heirloom piece
- you want deep, rich gold color
- you seek luxury in every detail
Sources
- Polish Hallmarking Act of 1 April 2011, legal finenesses: gold 333, 375, 500, 585, 750, 960, 999; silver 800, 830, 875, 925, 999
- ECHA, REACH Annex XVII, entry 27 (nickel), nickel release limit for prolonged skin contact: 0.5 µg/cm² per week, and 0.2 µg/cm² for piercing jewellery
- Vickers hardness in jewellery manufacturing, 14k gold reaches 150 to 200 HV against 125 to 180 HV for 18k, which confirms 14k is the more scratch-resistant of the two
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