When it comes to accessorizing, few choices are as personal—and impactful—as selecting the right metal for your jewelry. Gold and silver are timeless options, but choosing the one that best complements your skin tone can elevate your look to the next level.
Here’s a guide to help you decide which metal suits you best.
Understanding Skin Undertones
The key to determining whether gold or silver jewelry is more flattering lies in your skin’s undertone.
While your surface skin color can change due to tanning or other factors, your undertone remains constant and falls into one of three categories:
Cool Undertones
Cool undertones have hints of pink, red, or blue. A simple way to identify them is by checking the veins on your wrist—if they appear bluish, you likely have cool undertones. People with cool undertones also tend to look better in cool colors like blues, purples, and emerald greens.
Warm Undertones
Warm undertones have golden, peachy, or yellow hues. Greenish veins on your wrist often signal warm undertones. People with warm undertones tend to glow in earthy shades like oranges, browns, and olive greens.
Neutral Undertones
Neutral undertones are a balanced mix of cool and warm. If the veins on your wrist appear to be a mix of blue and green or hard to distinguish, you probably have neutral undertones. People with neutral undertones can wear a variety of colors and usually look good in both gold and silver.
Silver Jewelry for Cool Undertones
Silver jewelry beautifully complements cool undertones by bringing out the bluish and pinkish hues in the skin. Metals like silver, white gold, and platinum have a cool base that aligns perfectly with cool-toned complexions.
Pro Tip: If your undertones are cool, silver jewelry pairs well with cool-toned clothing in blues, purples, and grays, amplifying your natural glow.
Gold Jewelry for Warm Undertones
Gold jewelry enhances the natural warmth of your skin, creating a harmonious and radiant look. Warm-toned individuals often find that yellow gold, rose gold, and even bronze metals make their complexion appear more vibrant.
Pro Tip: If you have warm undertones, pair gold jewelry with outfits in warm hues, such as oranges, browns, or olive greens, to create a cohesive look.
What About Neutral Undertones?
Lucky you! With neutral undertones, you have the flexibility to wear both gold and silver jewelry. However, the decision might depend on other factors, such as your outfit, the occasion, or personal preference.
Pro Tip: Experiment with mixing metals for a trendy, layered look. Pair a silver necklace with gold rings to create a versatile, fashion-forward style.
Additional Considerations
- Hair and Eye Color: While skin undertone is the most important factor, your hair and eye color can also influence how gold or silver jewelry looks on you. For example, those with dark hair and light eyes might find that silver jewelry creates a striking contrast, while gold jewelry enhances warmer complexions and hair tones.
- Outfit Coordination: Consider your wardrobe. If your clothing leans heavily toward warm tones like reds, oranges, and yellows, gold jewelry might feel more cohesive. For cooler-toned wardrobes with blues, grays, and purples, silver could be your go-to.
- Personal Style: At the end of the day, personal preference matters most. If you love gold but have cool undertones, don’t hesitate to wear it confidently. The most flattering jewelry is the kind that makes you feel your best.
Final Thoughts
Gold and silver are both beautiful options, but understanding your skin tone can make it easier to choose the metal that truly flatters you. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or adding a touch of glam to your everyday look, the right jewelry can highlight your natural beauty and complete your ensemble.
Now that you know how to match jewelry to your skin tone, which will you choose—gold, silver, or both?