Jewelry has been a medium of communication regarding love, status, and culture. Is it possible it has lost some of its strength or meaning through the centuries? As modern women, how we choose to adorn ourselves involves more freedom than in the past, but social media pushes us to blindly follow trends and go for inexpensive, mass-produced pieces that will break or tarnish quickly. The question is, how is the jewelry we choose shaping our identity, and how can we use it as a positive force of femininity and self-expression?
Silver vs Gold: Are Mixed Metals Allowed?
In centuries past, the distinction between silver and gold girls was likely based almost entirely on social class and wealth, with gold only being accessible to the upper class of women around the world and silver perhaps being a slightly less expensive and accessible alternative for middle- or lower-class women.
​ Now, today’s girls and women have the freedom of choosing which precious metal suits them best. Color theory states that each skin tone is better suited to either gold or silver, but girls like me stay away from getting my skin tone interpreted for fear that it may eliminate my favorite colors or metals. Â
​ There seems to be an unspoken rule about choosing one metal and sticking to it, but I feel there is something extremely liberating about mixing metals. Cool jewelry is cool jewelry, and as women and individuals, it is our prerogative to change our minds. Wearing both gold and silver doesn’t detract from a persona or outfit in any way, and oftentimes it can actually elevate an ensemble to have a combination of metals, textures, and patterns going on. Who says we should have to choose?
The Underrated Convenience and Versatility of Silver
Gold seems to be widely more popular among modern young women today, as it does, by nature, come off as more expensive and often can brighten an outfit or a person’s features. However, along with mixed metals, I think silver is criminally underrated.
​ It can be extremely elevated and classy in a more understated and soft way than gold. My favorite example of this is pairing bright, chunky silver pieces with a very classy, timeless nautical-toned outfit with classic fabrics like wool and denim. This metal is exceedingly versatile because it also pairs wonderfully with more grungy streetwear outfits, as well as classic cowboy flowy skirts and pointed-toe boots.
In addition to its versatility, silver also has a convenience that gold does not. If something is not real gold or gold-plated, it is sure to tarnish eventually. There is more wiggle room with silver pieces, as they can be made from durable metals like titanium or stainless steel but still appear silver. Sterling silver is also inexpensive and non-tarnishing, and it is easy to find unique pieces made from sterling silver for lower prices or just find second-hand silver that is also priced very fairly.
The Sentimentality of it
It is fascinating the immense meaning we apply to jewelry specifically and how we place identity in certain pieces. Have you noticed how many girls and women have one delicate and simple necklace they wear every day and almost never take off? To these women, that necklace is more than a chain and charm; it is an anchor, grounding them to their womanhood and personal beauty no matter how they look or feel on any given day.
Obviously, rings are exchanged in engagement and marriage to symbolize everlasting devotion, but I think a ring can be a really wonderful gift when exchanged between friends as well. I have given and received rings from friends, and I see it as a small but powerful memento showing how well we know and care for each other.
cOOL PLACEs TO FIND YOUR jEWELRY
My absolute favorite place to source my jewelry is by thrifting it. This may be easier said than done, coming from a silver girl, but there is plenty of affordable gold and silver out there to be discovered secondhand. The next time you’re in a Goodwill, don’t glaze over the messy rack of old jewelry; this is where I’ve found all my favorite earrings and bangles.
Markets are another wonderful place to find standout jewelry pieces. Farmers and art markets often have local vendors who price fairly and could also use your support! A great example of this is the spoon ring I purchased for $25 at my hometown farmer’s market, which was made on the spot for me by the seller after I chose from her table of vintage silverware.
​ Finally, there is no better place to shop for beautiful and unique jewelry than your mom’s jewelry box. Ideally, you should ask before going through her things, but when you do, you’re sure to find some edgy 90s necklace or ring that she grew out of. It’ll put a smile on her face to see you wearing a piece she once cherished.