Choosing jewellery is more than just finding a beautiful piece. It is also important to select colours and materials that enhance your natural features and complement your skin tone. Wearing metals and gemstones suited to your unique complexion can make your skin look more radiant, emphasise your eye colour and elevate your entire look. This guide explains skin undertones and offers tips on choosing jewellery for your skin tone.

Understanding Skin Undertones

Before diving into specific metal and gemstone recommendations, it is essential to understand your skin undertone. Skin undertone is different from your skin tone. Skin tone is the surface skin colour, whereas skin undertone is the subtle hue underneath the surface. It affects how colours look on you. There are three main undertones:

• Cool undertones – Skin with cool undertones typically has hints of blue, pink or red. If you have cool undertones, silver jewellery often looks great on you. As for the gemstones, you may notice that blues, greens and purples flatter you well.
• Warm undertones – Skin with warm undertones usually has yellow, peachy or golden hints. Gold jewellery enhances the skin’s natural warmth and adds an inviting richness to the look. You may find that gemstones with earth tones, reds, yellows and oranges look amazing on you.
• Neutral undertones – If you have a mix of cool and warm hues or no obvious undertone, you have a neutral undertone. Those with neutral undertones often find that they can easily wear a wide variety of metals and gemstones.

Some Tips to Determine Your Undertone

• Vein test - Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear more blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones. If they look greenish, you may have warm undertones. If it is hard to tell, you may have a neutral undertone.
• Sun exposure test - People with cool undertones tend to burn easily, while those with warm undertones tan more easily.
• Clothing test - Think about the colours you receive compliments on. If tones like royal blue or emerald green suit you best, you may have cool undertones. If warm earth tones like brown, mustard or burnt orange make you glow, you probably have warm undertones.

Jewellery for Cool Undertones

If you have cool undertones, opt for silver jewellery and gemstones with similar cool shades that bring out the natural hues in your skin.

Ideal Gemstone Choices for Cool Undertones

• Lapis Lazuli – Deep, rich blue enhances cool undertones, creating a stunning contrast to your complexion.
• Amethyst – The purple tones in Amethysts are universally flattering, especially on those with cool undertones. Amethysts add an air of sophistication and elegance.
• Angelite – With its cool, gentle blue tones, Angelite is a natural choice for cool undertones. It adds a light, refreshing feel and pairs beautifully with silver or white gold.
• Green Agate – The deep green hues can bring out the blush in cool undertones, adding a balanced contrast that highlights natural beauty.
• Rose Quartz – The soft pink tones in Rose Quartz add a gentle, feminine touch. It is ideal for those with fair, cool-toned skin.

Ideal Metal Choice for Cool Undertones

Cool undertones look best with silver, white gold or platinum jewellery. These metals do not clash with cooler skin tones and instead enhance them. Silver tends to brighten and refine the overall complexion giving it a radiant, polished look.

Jewellery for Warm Undertones

Warm undertones benefit from gold jewellery and gemstones with golden, rich and earthy hues that enhance the skin’s natural warmth.

Ideal Gemstone Choices for Warm Undertones

• Yellow Jade – With its sunny yellow to golden hues, Yellow Jade complements warm undertones, adding warmth and brightness.
• Garnet – Garnet’s deep red colour is striking against warm skin tones. It is an elegant choice that adds depth to any look.
• Red Bamboo Coral – This vibrant red gemstone complements warm skin tones and brings a natural, fresh glow.
• Red Aventurine – With its rich orange-to-red colour it adds a bold touch that enhances the natural golden hues in warm undertones.

Ideal Metal Choice for Warm Undertones

Gold vermeil or yellow gold work exceptionally well with warm undertones. These metals add a subtle glow to warm skin, creating a cohesive, polished look.

Jewellery for Neutral Undertones

With neutral undertones, you have the flexibility to wear a wide range of metals and gemstones. You can experiment with both warm and cool-coloured gemstones to see what makes you feel and look your best. Softer tones like freshwater pearls, mother of pearl, labradorite and amazonite can be especially flattering.

Ideal Gemstone Choices for Neutral Undertones

• Labradorite – This greyish gemstone adds a touch of mystery and pairs wonderfully with neutral tones. Labradorite comes in base colours of grey from light to dark and displays stunning rainbow-coloured iridescent flashes of different colours under the light.
• Mother of Pearl – Its multicolour iridescence works well with neutral undertones, adding a unique shimmer and capturing a variety of hues.
• Amazonite – Available in a range of hues, it is a versatile choice that allows you to find a shade that best complements your neutral skin tone.

Ideal Metal Choice for Neutral Undertones

Those with neutral undertones can enjoy both silver and gold jewellery. Experimenting with mixed metal pieces is a great way to showcase your versatility and create unique looks.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your skin tone and colour season is beneficial when shopping, coordinating your outfit, and selecting accessories. With that knowledge comes an awareness of which metals and gemstones are best suited to your skin tone. Choosing jewellery for your skin tone is about finding a harmonious blend that makes you feel radiant and confident. Whether you lean toward cool, warm or neutral tones, there is a gemstone and metal combination perfect for you. Embrace the beauty of carefully selected gemstones and wear them as an extension of your unique personality.

By following these tips, you can make more informed choices and build a jewellery collection that truly enhances your natural beauty. Let your jewellery express who you are and bring out the best in your skin tone, making each piece feel like it was crafted just for you.

If you need additional help on how to choose jewellery for your skin tone and in-depth information on colour seasons and colour analysis follow Maria @houseofcolour_mariamacklin on Instagram. She will bring you a wealth of knowledge and skills that will positively change you.