How to Choose Jewellery for Your Skin Tone (Warm vs Cool Undertones)

Golden Hour Geometric Set

£53.99

Luna Pearl Pendant (Silver)

£78.29

Rose Quartz Dreams Bracelet

£51.29

Larimar Dreams Studs

£59.39

Warm gold, cool silver and soft rose tones from our collection

Have you ever noticed that some jewellery seems to light up your face while other pieces look a little flat, even when you love the design? Often it comes down to undertone — the subtle warmth or coolness in your skin. Matching metals and gemstone colours to your undertone is a small trick that makes everything you wear look more intentional. Here is how to find yours and shop with it in mind. (Think of this as a helpful starting point, not a strict rule — if you love a colour, wear it.)

First, find your undertone

Undertone is different from how light or deep your skin is; two people with the same complexion can have different undertones. A few easy checks:

The vein test. Look at the veins on your inner wrist in natural light. Bluish or purple veins usually point to a cool undertone; greenish veins suggest a warm one. If you genuinely cannot tell, you are likely neutral.

The jewellery test. Hold a gold piece against your skin, then a silver one. Warm undertones tend to glow next to gold; cool undertones look brighter beside silver. Whichever makes your skin look healthier is your friend.

The white vs cream test. Does pure white or soft cream flatter you more? Bright white tends to suit cool undertones, cream and ivory suit warm ones.

If you are warm

Warm undertones (golden, peachy or olive) are beautifully complemented by yellow gold and rose gold. For stones, reach for warm colours: red agate, ruby tones, garnet, citrine, warm ambers and rich greens like emerald. These echo the warmth in your skin rather than fighting it.

If you are cool

Cool undertones (pink, red or bluish) are flattered by silver, white gold, platinum and rhodium-plated pieces. Choose cool-coloured stones: blue sapphire and larimar, amethyst and purples, clear stones, and icy blues. Pearls and diamonds also sit beautifully against cool skin.

If you are neutral

Lucky you — a neutral undertone means most metals and colours work. This is a great excuse to mix metals, layer gold and silver together, and experiment with almost any gemstone colour. Rose gold and pearls are especially universally flattering.

Use this as a guide, not a rulebook. Undertone is a helpful shortcut, but the pieces you reach for again and again are usually the ones you simply love. When a metal and your skin agree, though, you will see it straight away — your complexion looks brighter and the jewellery looks like it belongs.