Table of Contents
- Understanding Skin Undertones
- How to Determine Your Skin Undertone
- Jewelry for Cool Skin Undertones
- What Jewelry Looks Best on Cool Skin Tones?
- Silver or Gold for Cool Skin Tone?
- Can Cool Undertones Wear Gold?
- Jewelry for Warm Skin Undertones
- What color jewelry is best for warm skin tones?
- Gold or Silver for Warm Skin Tone?
- Does Silver Look Good on Warm Skin Tones?
- Jewelry for Neutral Skin Undertones
- Breaking the Rules: Personal Style Over Color Theory
- Conclusion
Summary: Choosing jewelry that complements your skin tone can enhance your overall look. This comprehensive guide explains how to identify your skin’s undertone (cool, warm, or neutral) and reveals what color jewelry best fits each undertone. We also showcase examples of models wearing gold and silver pieces on different skin tones, and explain why in the end you should wear whatever jewelry makes you feel best.
Understanding Skin Undertones
Summary: Your skin undertone is the subtle hue beneath your skin’s surface (cool, warm, or neutral) that affects which jewelry metals flatter you most. It’s different from your skin’s surface color or shade. Understanding your undertone will help you pick jewelry – especially metal colors like silver or gold – that naturally enhances your look.
Skin undertones fall into three main categories:
- Cool Undertones: Hint of pink, red, or bluish tones in the skin.
- Warm Undertones: Hint of golden, peachy, or yellow tones in the skin.
- Neutral Undertones: A balanced mix of both cool and warm tones (no obvious undertone).
It’s important to note that any skin color (from very fair to deep) can have cool, warm, or neutral undertones. For example, there are light and dark skin tones with cool (pink-based) undertones, just as there are light and dark skin with warm (yellow-based) undertones. Figuring out your undertone is the key to choosing jewelry metals (and even clothing colors) that make your complexion glow.
Above is a range of skin tones all sharing cool undertones – notice the subtle pink or bluish cast common to all.
In contrast, people with warm undertones have more golden or olive hues in their skin (see above).
The image above shows neutral undertones that fall in between.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure what undertone you have yet – in the next section, we’ll go through some easy tests (using vein color, etc.) to help you find out.
How to Determine Your Skin Undertone
Summary: There are a few simple tests to figure out if you have cool, warm, or neutral undertones. The most popular is the vein color test (checking whether your veins look blue or green). You can also drape yourself with a pure white cloth versus a cream-colored cloth to see which flatters you more. These methods will help you pinpoint your undertone so you can choose the right jewelry.
The Vein Test
One of the quickest ways to identify your undertone is by checking the color of the veins on your wrist in natural light. This “vein color” method is a classic for determining undertones and is very useful for jewelry choices:
If your veins appear predominantly blue or purple, you likely have a cool skin undertone (sometimes people even refer to this as having a “silver undertone,” because silver jewelry tends to complement cool tones best). In the image below, the man’s wrist shows blue-purple veins, indicating a cool undertone:
If your veins look green or olive through your skin, you likely have a warm skin undertone. (This happens because you are seeing your blue blood through yellow-toned skin, which makes the veins appear greenish.) For example, the following image shows a wrist with green-teal veins, typical of a warm undertone:
If you can’t clearly tell if your veins are blue or green – they might look like a mix of both colors, or you see no obvious dominant color – then you may have a neutral undertone. Many people fall into this category. The wrist below, for instance, has a mix of blue and green tones in the veins, suggesting a neutral skin undertone:
Tip: The vein test doesn’t work for everyone. If your veins aren’t very visible or you still feel unsure, try the next test with white and cream fabrics.
The White vs. Cream Test
Another easy way to determine your undertone is using the “white vs. cream” test. Hold a pure white piece of clothing (or even a white sheet of paper) up to your face and notice how your skin looks. Then do the same with an off-white (cream or ivory) piece of clothing. One will likely flatter you more:
If you have cool undertones, bright white will tend to make your skin look vibrant and clear, whereas cream can make you look a bit dull or reddish by comparison. In the images below, you can see the difference: First, the cool-toned gentleman looks fresh in a stark white sweater; then, wearing an ivory cream sweater, his skin appears slightly more pinkish or muted.
By contrast, if you have warm undertones, an off-white or cream color will flatter you more, making your skin glow, whereas pure white might look a little stark or wash you out. In the next images, the warm-toned man looks healthier in the creamy beige sweater (first image) and slightly pale or ashy in the bright white sweater (second image):
If both pure white and off-white seem to flatter you equally (or you don’t notice much difference), that’s a good sign you have neutral undertones.
Additional hints: Some people use other clues to determine undertone: how easily you tan or burn (cooler undertones may burn more easily, while warm undertones tan easily) or which colors of clothing or makeup naturally suit you. You can also try the “jewelry test” – hold a piece of silver jewelry and a piece of gold jewelry up to your skin and see which looks more harmonious (we’ll go into detail on that next!).
Jewelry for Cool Skin Undertones
Summary: If you have a cool skin tone, jewelry metals with cooler hues will usually look best on you. Silver, white gold, platinum, and steel are top choices for cool undertones because they enhance your skin’s natural pink or blue base. These metals won’t overpower your complexion. That said, can cool undertones wear gold? Absolutely – yellow or rose gold jewelry can still be worn for contrast or personal preference. Below we explain the best jewelry colors for cool undertones and how to make any metal work for you.
What jewelry looks best on cool skin tones?
Generally, cool undertone jewelry should be in light or silvery metals. Bright white metals complement the subtle reds and pinks in cool skin. Think of metals like sterling silver, platinum, white gold, or even stainless steel – these have a gray or blueish cast that harmonizes with cool complexions. For example, if you have a cool skin tone, jewelry such as a sleek silver chain, a platinum ring, or a watch with a silver-tone metal strap will likely look very flattering against your skin.
Here’s an example. Notice how the silver ring in the photo below complements the model’s cool undertone. The bright silver of our Grain d’Orge Ring picks up on the cooler pink hues in his skin, creating a cohesive, balanced look:
Beyond metals, consider gemstone colors as well: People with cool undertones often look great in cool-colored stones like deep blue sapphire, emerald (which is green – cool-toned compared to say, orange), amethyst (purple), or icy diamonds. These colors echo the cool theme and can be a stunning addition to cool skin tone jewelry selections.
Silver or gold for cool skin tone?
The common advice is to favor silver (or metals in the “silver” color family) if you have cool undertones. Silver and white gold tend to be the safest bet for enhancing cool-toned skin, whereas yellow gold can sometimes clash a bit with the natural pinkish/red tones. If you’ve ever put on a gold necklace and felt like it looked a little off against your cool skin, that’s why – the warm color of the gold can accentuate redness or make your skin tone appear less vibrant. On the flip side, a shiny silver piece will usually make your skin look bright and clear. Many people even describe silver or white metals as “popping” on cool skin tones.
But can cool undertones wear gold?
Yes, absolutely! There is no hard rule that you can’t wear a certain metal. It’s more about what is most complementary, but personal style trumps all. In fact, cool-toned individuals often wear gold jewelry beautifully – it can create a bold, eye-catching contrast. The key is in how you style it. For instance, a cool-toned person might opt for a slightly softer shade of gold (such as a white-gold plated or a pale yellow gold, or even rose gold which has a bit of pink that can flatter cool skin). Additionally, pairing a gold piece with a cool-colored outfit (like a blue or purple shirt) can tie it all together.
Check out this cool-toned model wearing our Zébre Bangle in gold. Despite his clearly cool (pinkish) undertone, the gold bracelet still looks stylish on him – it creates a contrast that actually draws attention to the jewelry as a statement piece:
The example above shows that cool undertones jewelry color choices don’t have to be limited to silver. If you love gold, wear it! One tip for cool undertones wearing gold is to consider the design and context: a daintier gold chain on fair, cool skin might be subtle and elegant (even if not as vibrant as silver), whereas a chunkier gold piece becomes a deliberate contrast fashion statement. Also, rose gold can be a happy medium – because it has a rosy tint, it often complements cool skin better than pure yellow gold.
In summary, the best jewelry for cool skin tones typically includes silver, white gold, and platinum pieces. These will naturally blend with your cool complexion. However, don’t shy away from gold jewelry if you’re drawn to it. You can absolutely rock gold on cool skin tones, especially if you style it right. Mixing metals is also an option (more on that later). Confidence is key – the “rules” are there to guide you, but your personal taste matters most.
Jewelry for Warm Skin Undertones
Summary: Warm skin tones glow when paired with jewelry in warm-hued metals. If you have a warm undertone, jewelry made of yellow gold, rose gold, copper, or brass will typically complement your skin’s golden or olive tones. These metals can make warm complexions look even more radiant. Still, you might wonder: gold or silver for warm skin? The classic answer is gold, but silver can provide a striking contrast on warm skin. Below, we’ll discuss what color jewelry suits warm undertones best, and how warm-toned people can wear silver jewelry too.
What color jewelry is best for warm skin tones?
People with warm undertones generally look fantastic in metals that have a warm coloration themselves. That means yellow gold is usually the top choice for warm undertone jewelry. The rich yellow of gold picks up the yellow/golden notes in warm-toned skin, creating a harmonious, healthy look. Other metals that work great are rose gold (which has a rosy, pinkish-gold hue – also warm and very flattering, especially on those with a bit of a peachy undertone) and even brass or copper tones (these metals have an earthy, reddish warmth that can complement deeper warm complexions). If you have a warm skin tone, jewelry like a classic gold chain, a pair of 18k gold cufflinks, or a rose gold ring will likely look excellent on you.
For example, observe how this warm-toned individual wears our Oasis Bangle in a gold finish. The golden metal instantly picks up the warmth in his skin, making it appear richer. There’s a natural affinity between the gold jewelry and his warm skin tone:
Warm undertones also pair nicely with colored gemstones that have warm hues. Think of stones like citrine (golden yellow), amber, garnet, or even turquoise and coral – these can all look wonderful as they play off the warmth in the skin. If you’re a fan of beads or natural materials, yellow-toned woods or leather accents can also complement warm skin.
Gold or silver for warm skin tone?
The prevailing wisdom is to lean towards gold-tone metals if you have a warm skin tone. Gold jewelry tends to blend with warm skin, almost “sinking in” and adding to that sun-kissed glow. Silver jewelry, on the other hand, is a cool-toned metal and stands out more against warm skin. Does that mean you shouldn’t wear silver if you have warm undertones? Not at all! It simply means silver will be higher contrast. For some, that contrast can look chic; for others, they might feel it’s not as flattering as gold. It really comes down to personal preference and the particular piece.
Does silver look good on warm skin tones?
It can, especially if styled intentionally. If you have warm undertones and love the look of silver (or say, you want to wear a platinum wedding band), you can absolutely do so. One trick is to incorporate a mix of warm and cool elements: for example, a warm-toned outfit (olive green, cream, or brown clothing) with a silver necklace can still work because the warm colors of your clothing tie in with your skin, allowing the silver jewelry to be a pop of contrast. Also, jewelry design matters – a very delicate silver piece on warm deep skin might not be as noticeable (which is fine if you want subtlety), whereas a bold, shiny silver piece will deliberately contrast your skin – which can be stunning.
In the image below, our model with a warm undertone is wearing a Croisé Bangle in a silver tone. You can see that the cooler color of the bangle is more pronounced against his warm skin, but it still looks modern and stylish – the contrast actually draws attention to the piece as a contemporary statement:
For those who fall into the seasonal color analysis system, a person with a “Warm Autumn” complexion (which usually means warm undertone with perhaps a bit of muted, darker coloring) will find that yellow gold and bronze-toned jewelry harmonize beautifully with the earthy, autumnal palette of their skin and hair. In fact, warm autumn jewelry recommendations often include antique gold finishes and coppery metals that enhance that autumn warmth.
To summarize, the best jewelry for warm skin tones is typically in the gold family: yellow gold, rose gold, and other warm metal finishes. These metals will enhance your golden/olive undertone and make your skin look luminous. However, if you prefer silver jewelry (or white gold/platinum), you can certainly wear it – just be aware that it’s a different look (more contrast). Many warm-toned people successfully wear silver accessories for a cooler accent to their style. As always, let your personal style guide you. The goal is to choose jewelry that makes you feel confident and gorgeous.
Jewelry for Neutral Skin Undertones
Summary: Neutral skin undertones are very versatile when it comes to jewelry. If you have a neutral undertone, you can generally wear both cool-colored metals (silver, white gold) and warm-colored metals (yellow or rose gold) with equal success. Neutral skin tones often look great in either, so you have the freedom to choose based on personal preference or even mix metals. In this section, we explain why neutral undertones can “have it all” and provide examples of jewelry for neutral undertones in both gold and silver.
Having a neutral undertone means your skin doesn’t strongly lean pink/blue (cool) or yellow/golden (warm) – it’s somewhere in the middle. The advantage is that your skin acts like a fairly impartial backdrop for jewelry. So when it comes to jewelry for neutral undertones, you can wear any metal color and it’s likely to look good. Silver or gold? Both! People with neutral skin tone can wear silver or gold without either one clashing – lucky you!
Typically, neutral skin will pick up tones from what you wear. If you put on a warm metal like gold, your skin may glow slightly warm; if you put on a cool metal like silver, your skin might take on a subtle rosy or porcelain tint by comparison. Neither is unflattering – they are just different effects. This means you can choose jewelry color based on other factors, like your outfit color, or the style vibe you want. For instance, if you want a classic, dressy look, you might opt for gold accessories against neutral skin while wearing earth-tone clothing; if you want a sharp, modern look, you might pair silver jewelry with black or navy attire. Both will work on you.
Let’s look at an example of a neutral undertone with different metals. First, here is a neutral-toned model wearing our Damier Bangle in gold. His skin has both some underlying warmth and coolness, so the gold bangle simply reads as a bright accent – it doesn’t clash or overly blend, it just looks naturally stylish on him:
Now contrast that with another piece: in the next image, the same neutral undertone individual is wearing a pair of Imperiale Cufflinks in sterling silver. The cool tone of the silver looks equally as good on his skin. Because his undertone is balanced, the silver doesn’t wash him out – it just provides a sleek, elegant highlight against his skin. Whether he chooses gold or silver cufflinks becomes more a matter of outfit coordination than skin compatibility:
With neutral skin tone jewelry choices, you truly have flexibility. You might find that you personally prefer one look over another – for example, some neutrals lean slightly warm or cool, making them favor one metal just a bit more. But overall, you won’t get the stark clash that, say, a very cool person might see with pure gold, or a very warm person might feel with a shiny silver. Rose gold, two-tone watches, mixed metal pieces – all of these are usually fantastic on neutral undertones.
One fun aspect of being neutral is that you can also mix metals within one outfit and it often looks very chic. Since your skin doesn’t emphasize one tone or the other, wearing a gold necklace and a silver ring together, for example, can come off as an intentional style statement rather than a mismatch. (Of course, anyone can mix metals if done thoughtfully – but neutrals have the advantage that their skin undertone isn’t adding to the mix of colors, so gold and silver both sit comfortably on them.)
In short, if you have neutral undertones, you have the best of both worlds in terms of jewelry options. The best jewelry for neutral skin tones could be gold, could be silver – it’s whatever you love. Focus on your personal style, the design of the piece, and what you’re wearing, rather than worrying about metal color. Chances are, both warm and cool metals will flatter you in different ways. Enjoy the freedom to experiment with jewelry for neutral undertones – you can’t go too wrong!
Breaking the Rules: Personal Style Over Color Theory
Summary: While it’s helpful to know the “color theory” of matching jewelry with skin undertones, these guidelines are not strict rules. Ultimately, you should wear what you love and what makes you feel confident. Many people successfully break the traditional undertone rules – cool-toned individuals rock gold, warm-toned individuals shine in silver, and mixing metals can create striking looks. In this section, we emphasize that personal style and preference matter most, and we show an example of mixing gold and silver jewelry on a cool skin tone.
By now, you’ve learned the general recommendations: silver for cool, gold for warm, and anything for neutral. These pointers are a great starting point to find pieces that naturally complement your coloring. However, fashion and personal style aren’t always about following rules. Some of the most interesting looks come from breaking them! The truth is, undertones and jewelry pairing is a guideline, not a mandate. What’s most important is that you feel good wearing your jewelry.
Do you have a cool undertone but are in love with a gold statement necklace your grandmother gave you? Wear it with pride. Are you a warm-toned person who prefers the look of sleek silver or platinum? Go for it. There are ways to make any metal work with any skin – often it comes down to the overall styling and your confidence. For example, a very fair, cool-toned man might wear a yellow gold wedding band because it has personal significance; it will still look great because it’s part of his style and story.
Mixing metals is another way style-forward individuals bypass the old rules. Wearing both gold and silver together has become a modern trend – and it looks intentional and trendy when done thoughtfully. Layering necklaces of different metal colors, stacking rings in both gold and silver, or wearing a two-tone watch that incorporates both hues are all methods to mix metals. This approach actually works on any undertone, because you’re no longer trying to “match your skin,” you’re creating a fashion statement of your own.
For instance, see the cool-toned model below. He’s confidently mixing a silver and a gold bangle: our Craftsman Bangle in a silver finish stacked next to the Damier Bangle in gold. Conventional color theory might say a cool undertone “shouldn’t” wear gold – yet here the combination looks stylish and intentional. The contrast of metals actually adds visual interest, and his cool skin provides a neutral background for this mixed-metal look:
This example proves that rules are meant to be bent. Fashion is about self-expression. As long as you coordinate your pieces with each other, your overall outfit, and most importantly wear them with confidence, you can make any metal work for you regardless of your undertone. Sometimes the most memorable style moments come from these unexpected pairings.
Also, keep in mind that skin undertones exist on a spectrum. You might not fit perfectly in “cool” or “warm” – many people are in between. If you’re on the borderline (say, neutral-cool or neutral-warm), you might find that you can wear some shades of gold or silver better than others, or that you prefer a certain mix. Use the guidelines as a tool, but not a strict rulebook.
At the end of the day, the goal of jewelry is to adorn yourself in a way that brings you joy and confidence. Whether that means sticking to the metal tone that universally flatters you, or boldly wearing the opposite because you love the design, do what makes you happy. When you feel good in your accessories, that confidence shines brighter than any metal.
Conclusion
Summary: Matching jewelry with your skin tone can enhance your natural good looks – silver-toned metals tend to flatter cool undertones, gold-toned metals tend to flatter warm undertones, and neutral undertones can enjoy both. By determining your undertone (via tests like checking your vein color or using white vs. cream fabrics), you gain a helpful guideline for selecting jewelry that complements you. However, these guidelines are not absolute rules. Feel free to experiment: a cool skin tone can wear gold, a warm skin tone can shine in silver, and mixing metals can create a unique style. The most important thing is that you wear what you love with confidence. When you do that, any jewelry will look great on you.