How to Choose Jewellery Colours for Your Skin Tone
Find the best jewellery for your undertone. A simple guide to metals, gemstones and colour theory to help you choose pieces that truly suit your skin tone.
Jewellery has a strange sort of magic. The right piece can brighten your entire face, make your outfit look intentional, or add a hint of polish on days when you need it most. But if you have ever tried on a necklace that looked incredible on someone else yet slightly off on you, there is usually one reason behind it: undertones.
Colour theory plays a surprisingly big role in how jewellery sits against your skin. Certain metals glow, others clash, some feel invisible, and a few instantly bring your features to life. Once you know where you sit on the undertone spectrum, choosing jewellery becomes a lot easier. Whether you love bold gemstones, clean minimal chains or statement earrings, here is how to find the colours that suit you best.
Written By: Dawn Rajah - Published: 05.12.25
Jewellery for Cool Undertones
Cool undertones have a pink, red or blue base. Icy metals and blue-based stones usually look the most harmonious.
Metals That Suit Cool Undertones:
-
Silver
-
White gold
-
Platinum
-
Rhodium
-
Steel and chrome-like finishes
These tones give a clean contrast and naturally brighten cool complexions.
Gemstones That Suit Cool Undertones
Cool undertones glow next to stones with crisp, blue-based colours. Try:
-
Sapphire
-
Amethyst
-
Emerald
-
Aquamarine
-
Tanzanite
-
Icy diamonds
-
Blue-iridescent pearls
These shades enhance the coolness in your skin rather than compete with it.
When to Break the Rules?
Some cool-toned people look amazing in rose gold, particularly pink-leaning versions rather than coppery ones. Brushed gold or two-tone metals also work if you prefer warmer jewellery but still want balance.
Jewellery for Warm Undertones
Warm undertones lean golden or peachy. Yellow-based metals and earthy gemstones tend to create the most flattering match.
Metals That Suit Warm Undertones:
-
Yellow gold
-
Bronze
-
Copper
-
Rose gold with a warm base
These metals highlight the warm glow already present in your skin and sit comfortably rather than sharply.
Gemstones That Suit Warm Undertones
Think sunshine, autumn leaves and rich earthy tones. Try:
-
Citrine
-
Garnet
-
Ruby
-
Amber
-
Peridot
-
Tiger’s eye
-
Cream or champagne pearls
These colours carry warmth and enhance the golden tones in your complexion.
Warm undertones look incredible in layered gold chains, textured bangles and stacked rings. The repetition of warm tones builds richness without looking heavy.
Jewellery for Neutral Undertones
Neutral undertones sit between warm and cool, which gives you a lot of freedom. Most metals and gemstones work, so your focus becomes the overall palette of your outfit.
Metals That Suit Neutral Undertones:
-
Yellow gold
-
Silver
-
White gold
-
Rose gold
-
Mixed metals
Neutral skin tones can mix metals with ease, which makes stacking contemporary and effortless.
Gemstones for Neutral Undertones
Most stones will suit you, but muted brights and soft pastels work particularly well, especially:
-
Opal
-
Moonstone
-
Labradorite
-
Soft peach quartz
-
Light amethyst
-
Smoky quartz
Stones that shift in the light tend to look naturally at home on neutral undertones.
Mixed-metal jewellery is one of the easiest ways to elevate simple outfits. Combine a silver chain with a gold pendant or stack rings in alternating tones. Nothing looks out of place on a neutral undertone, so you can experiment without worrying about imbalance.
Jewellery by Skin Tone Depth
Your undertone is the starting point, but your skin tone depth can also influence how jewellery appears. This relates to how fair, medium or deep your skin looks.
Jewellery for Fair Skin or Light Skin Tones
Fair tones often shine in cooler metals and soft stones. White gold, silver and platinum sit delicately rather than overpowering the complexion.
Best gemstones:
-
Aquamarine
-
Morganite
-
Light amethyst
-
Pearls
Warm metals can work, but yellow gold may feel a little strong unless paired with softer stones.
Jewellery for Olive Skin or Medium Skin Tones
Medium and olive tones are some of the most versatile. Olive skin in particular has green undertones, so blue-based stones can help balance them. Yellow and rose gold are best suited here, or alternatively, try mixing metals.
Best gemstones:
-
Emerald
-
Topaz
-
Turquoise
-
Deep amethyst
-
Sapphire
Jewellery for Dark Skin Tones or Deep Skin Tones
Deep skin tones pair beautifully with bold, saturated jewellery. Rich colours stand out with clarity, and high-shine metals create a luminous contrast that feels effortless and elevated. Yellow gold is especially striking, rose gold adds a soft warmth, and bronze-toned pieces bring out a radiant depth that looks naturally luxurious.
Best gemstones:
-
Ruby
-
Amethyst
-
Citrine
-
Sapphire
-
Garnet
Pastel stones can work, but saturated jewel tones create the most striking contrast.
Matching Jewellery to Your Outfits
Once you know the colours that suit your undertones, the next step is pairing jewellery with your outfits.
Cool-toned outfits such as navy, grey, black and ice blue look seamless with silver or white gold.
Warm-toned outfits including camel, terracotta, brown and rust work beautifully with gold.
Monochrome outfits benefit from a statement gemstone or layered chain.
If you regularly wear black, your undertone determines the best metal to break it up.
Do these jewellery rules matter?
Colour theory is a helpful guide, but jewellery is deeply personal. Sentimental pieces always suit you because of the meaning behind them. Trends can also shift your preference. Chunky silver moments or molten gold styles often override undertone rules simply because of their impact.
If something makes you feel confident, it is the right piece.
FAQs
How do I know if silver or gold suits me?
Check your undertone. Cool undertones tend to favour silver, warm undertones suit gold, and neutral tones can wear both.
What jewellery looks the most expensive on my skin tone?
For cool undertones, clean silver and platinum give a luxury finish. For warm undertones, yellow gold looks rich. On deep skin tones, high-shine gold or saturated gemstones look best.
Which gemstone colours work for everyday wear?
Neutrals like diamonds, pearls, smoky quartz and soft amethysts pair with most outfits and avoid clashing with undertones.
Does rose gold suit everyone?
Yes, but the shade matters. Pinkish rose gold suits cool undertones, while coppery rose gold flatters warm.
Can cool undertones wear gold?
Absolutely. Try brushed or pale golds, or choose pieces that mix gold with cooler stones to keep the balance right.