Silver coloured trim vs gold trim/nib

[Medieval]

What is your preference and why?

Which do you find tends to keep their colour over time?
I keep reading many anecdotes that some pens especially those by Montblanc and Pelikan are susceptible to plating issues, so whether a pen is gold or rhodium trim/nib may later factor into my future buying decisions.

[Deb]

I voted for gold trim though my preference is only marginal. I just think it looks better on the old pens I deal with.

[Medieval]

What about modern pens? Some people say that they prefer gold furniture on old pens and silver on modern.

[catbert]

What about modern pens? Some people say that they prefer gold furniture on old pens and silver on modern.

A strong initial preference for silver trim has shifted over time to a slight preference for gold. Voted 'not fussed' but I think it is contextual, as you suggest: modern pens with silver trim, vintage pens with gold.

[Robert]

I don't think it's a matter of vintage vs. modern. On any given pen, nib, clip, band and other trim should match, imo. Silver with silver; gold with gold.

[catbert]

I don't think it's a matter of vintage vs. modern. On any given pen, nib, clip, band and other trim should match, imo. Silver with silver; gold with gold.

I used to think nib, cap, trim, etc., should match. Then I found that vintage Aurora 88s have silver clutch rings regardless of cap colour and it didn't bother me.

[KrazyIvan]

Although I have pens with gold trim, I much prefer ruthenium or rhodium. Gold trim reminds me of the 80's and wood paneling with those cheap brass and glass end tables.

[catbert]

Although I have pens with gold trim, I much prefer ruthenium or rhodium. Gold trim reminds me of the 80's and wood paneling with those cheap brass and glass end tables.

1880s?

Matte black 'stealth' pens (matte black 'stealth' anything, really) remind me of the 1980s.

[KrazyIvan]

I guess that would be the 80's too but I have fonder memories of stealth black.

[Kulprit]

With very few exceptions I have no love for gold on anything. I have a few pens with gold trim but it's usually because gold suits the overall scheme, e.g., my Bourgogne 3776.


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[although]

I voted not fussed. I tend to lean toward a classic look, which frequently means gold colored shiny bits. But I'm cool with silver when it works well with the overall aesthetic of the pen. Heck you gotta pick your battles. Gold v silver just isn't one that I've chosen. I'm having a hard time warming up to the current fascination with orange pens though... I mean, what's that all about?

[SIR]

Depends on the pen, doesn't it, really?

A clear demonstrator looks better with rhodium rather than gold nib and trim, a black pen looks great with either, and rose gold looks great on a lot of things.

[Rapidray]

Gold. Looks better on the pens I like. It will depend on ones taste in pens.

[BlkWhiteFilmPix]

While most of my pens have gold nibs because they came that way, I like my Pelikan M805 clear demo with the rhodium / white metal nib and trim, too.

So I'm a nonfussed.

[NibsForScript]

It is all a matter of personal taste. No different than the clothes, watch or the jewelry we choose to wear. Each of us are drawn to certain looks in pens as we continue to collect. As ones collection grows and as one grows and learns, preferences can change. My personal taste right now is yellow gold on older pens and little or no hardware on modern pens. Nib color or material depends on the color of the pen. It is the joy of a great pen and the hunt for another....

[wingwiper]

What is your preference and why?

Which do you find tends to keep their colour over time?
I keep reading many anecdotes that some pens especially those by Montblanc and Pelikan are susceptible to plating issues, so whether a pen is gold or rhodium trim/nib may later factor into my future buying decisions.

Since I started collecting before many of you were born everything back then mostly was gold- except Esties for the most part, etc., so I still prefer yellow gold.

Of course many will argue Parker, Sheaffer, Waterman, etc. came in sterling, chrome, etc. but most of my vintage is yellow gold.

Really no plating issues.

Of course white gold, platinum, etc. is what I guess is more popular


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[azkid]

I guess I am a sucker for gold and black but tend to like some type of silvery-chromey-rhodiumy trim on other colors. But black/silver is nice too. And I prefer consistent trim (looking at you, Parker). I like some pens that are all gold.

[Jon Szanto]

Choice of plating is entirely dependent on the aesthetic, design and materials of the pen. Quality of plating is independent of the material used to plate - all materials can be plated well, though some are more robust than others. Let's just say I'm a little more careful with those that have rose gold hardware, but I've got most every kind of look one can find. The spice of life, and all that...

[calamus]

I voted "not fussed" also. When I look at a pen, either the color combination works for me, or it doesn't. I have a bit of a preference for unplated furniture, which on my budget means something like nickel silver, since solid gold tends to be out of my price range. If the plating is thick enough, however, I'm fine with gold plate. I can accept some brassing on a vintage pen, but it would make me unhappy to see any appear on a pen I'd bought new. And in general I do like the furniture to match the nib in color, but if if a pen has both gold and silver and it works (in terms of aesthetics), then I'm still not fussed. Some nibs that have both are quite attractive.

[Runnin_Ute]

No real preference, as I like both. Must fit th re pens general aesthetic though.

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