Silver and Gold Nails Are the Key to Upgrading Your Manicure

Some nail colors have timeless appeal. Glossy reds and blacks are classics that never fail to deliver full-on main character energy. Silver and gold are two other hues that can elicit the same feeling. Like a necklace or ring stack, they have the power to upgrade any manicure look. It’s no surprise, given the sleek, smooth nature of the colors. Gold, whether gilded or bright like the sun, is regal and commanding. Silver, on the other hand, has an artistic and icy tone that feels modern and edgy. That said, the two are perfect for creating unique manicures, and creators have taken to dreaming up one unique look after another. Instagram is filled with silver and gold nail ideas, from solid manicures to artsy swirls and intricate designs. You could spend hours scrolling to find a look you love or you could take a peek at the list below. Ahead, the best silver and gold nail ideas to add to your mood board.

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Gold Velvet

Fall is the perfect time to embrace velvet nails in a seasonal hue. The distinctly fuzzy look has a cozy feel, regardless of the hue. But if you want to fully lean into the season, try sporting a golden shade that mimics the color-changing leaves.

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Glittering Silver Tips

A full set of glitter-covered nails can be hard to pull off. However, when painted on just the tips of the fingernails, it’s a different story. Take a cue from this set and use a bold silver glitter polish to spice up your nude nails.

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Mirror Nails

The velvet nail trend is even more alluring in silver. Instead of looking fuzzy, the metallic pigments give the manicure a reflective finish and mirror-like shine.

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Gold Swirls

Few nail art looks are as easy to master as delicate swirls. Whether you opt for a thin paintbrush or a nail polish pen, you can create an artistic design in a snap. Even better? The design is meant to be creative, so you have room to play around with sizes and shapes.

5 / 10

Invisible French Manicure

Of the many iterations of the French manicure, this invisible look takes the cake. Using strips of gold polish to outline the shape of the tips, it creates a sleek manicure. Pro tip: Pair this look with almond nails for an elegant look.

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Mixed Metals

Mixing gold and silver jewelry always has a contemporary yet artistic look. The same can be said about this manicure. Instead of settling on one shiny shade, it features both for a stylish-looking manicure.

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Chrome Finish

Chrome-dusted fingernails are still top-tier for creating head-turning looks. The ombre chrome method is a fun twist, but a simple silver shade is classic and chic. To maximize the effect, paint your nails with metallic silver polish, then finish with a chrome powder and high-shine topcoat.

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Negative Space

This short manicure is perfect for the minimalist. The elegant look features a hand-drawn silver design against a creamy base. While you could opt for an oval nail-shape, short square nails add to the contemporary look.

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Silver Sage

You may think that silver is one note, but it offers a lot of range. This silvery-sage shade proves that tenfold. The creamy color blends the two hues beautifully for a molten look. To get the full effect, look for a polish that has a pistachio undertone to it.

10 / 10

Ivory & Gold

White nail polish is having a major moment right now. On it’s own, the crisp color is clean and sleek, but when paired with gold it exudes luxury and glamour. This set features an opaque ivory polish and shiny gold for a gilded effect.