when i first started with chanel, i was convinced that it will only be gold hardware all the way for me. i now have two bags with gold and two others with silver. i did not plan it. i just went with my heart while choosing the bags at the boutique. after learning a lot from this forum (thanks to all of you gorgeous ladies!) and based on my own experiences, this is how i look at it now --- when it comes to classic flaps in the medium size, i chose silver because i feel that the flaps itself are already elegant without the need for an extra wow of gold and my red did not come in gold and i am glad that only came in silver. for the matte distressed reissue in black, i chose gold coz i am just simply in love with this combo. when it comes to casual styles like the GST, i prefer the gold coz the gold set against shiny caviar gives the casualness of the GST an extra wow factor. now if i am to get another big bag and i plan to buy a jumbo in caviar, then i would choose gold again. a big bag for me gives out a casual vibe but combined with gold, you get some balance between casual and elegance. i hope i make sense here but the choice of hardware is really very personal. you have to go with your heart. hope this helps and have fun shopping!