It is the age-old jewelry dilemma. You are scrolling through new arrivals, and you spot a piece you love. Your finger hovers over the “Add to Cart” button, but then you freeze at the dropdown menu: Select Material: Yellow Gold or Sterling Silver?
We have all been there. For years, many of us just guessed, or we stuck to whatever our mothers wore. Some of us have jewelry boxes full of mixed metals we’re afraid to wear together because we don’t know what actually “works.”
While we firmly believe you should wear whatever makes you feel fabulous, there is a little bit of science behind why certain metals make your skin glow, while others can leave you looking washed out. It all comes down to your skin’s undertone.
Unlock the secret to finding your perfect match with our simple guide.
Step 1: Understand Undertone vs. Overtone
Before we test, it’s crucial to understand what we are looking for.
Your skin’s overtone is the surface color—fair, medium, olive, or dark. This can change based on the season or sun exposure.
Your undertone is the subtle, muted color beneath the surface of your skin. It generally doesn’t change. Knowing your undertone is the key to choosing jewelry (and makeup!) that harmonizes with your natural coloring.
There are three main categories: Cool, Warm, and Neutral.
Step 2: Take the Tests
You don’t need a professional color analyst to figure this out. You just need natural light and a mirror. Try these two quick tests to determine your category.
The Vein Test
Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural daylight (not yellow bathroom lighting).
- Cool: Your veins appear mostly blue or purple.
- Warm: Your veins appear mostly greenish. (This is because the yellow tone of your skin acts as a filter over the blue veins, making them look green).
- Neutral: It’s hard to tell. You see a mix of both, or they appear colorless.
The White Paper Test
Hold a piece of stark white printer paper right next to your face in natural light. Look in the mirror.
- Cool: In contrast to the white paper, your skin looks pink, rosy, or reddish.
- Warm: In contrast to the white paper, your skin looks yellowish, golden, or peachy.
- Neutral: You don’t see a distinct cast of pink or yellow; your skin just looks like your skin color.
Step 3: The Verdict—Finding Your Metal Match
Now that you know your undertone, here is how to translate that into your jewelry box.
The Cool Tone Customer
If you have cool undertones (blue veins, pinkish skin), your goal is to complement those icy hues.
- Your Best Match: Silver, Platinum, and White Gold.
- Why: These crisp, white metals act like a reflector, brightening up the coolness in your skin and making it look fresh and vibrant. Yellow gold can sometimes clash with cool skin, emphasizing redness or making you look pale.
The Warm Tone Customer
If you have warm undertones (green veins, golden/peachy skin), you want to enhance that earthy radiance.
- Your Best Match: Yellow Gold and Rose Gold.
- Why: The rich, buttery tones of yellow gold harmonize beautifully with the warmth in your skin, creating a healthy, “golden hour” glow. Rose gold is also stunning, as its pinkish-copper hue plays up peachy undertones perfectly. Silver can sometimes look stark or gray against warm skin.+1
The Neutral Tone Customer
If you couldn’t quite decide on the tests, congratulations! You are the universal donor of the jewelry world.
- Your Best Match: Everything.
- Why: With a balance of both warm and cool undertones, you can pull off silver and gold with equal ease. Your choice depends entirely on your personal style preference or the vibe of your outfit.
The Modern Twist: Breaking the Rules
Now that you know the “rules,” feel free to break them.
While knowing your undertone is helpful, modern style is about individuality. If you are a cool-toned person who absolutely loves the look of chunky yellow gold hoops, wear them! Confidence is the ultimate accessory, and if you love a piece, it will look good on you.
Furthermore, 2026 is the era of the Mixed Metal Stack. Don’t be afraid to wear your platinum engagement ring right next to a yellow gold bracelet. Mixing metals adds texture, interest, and a modern edge to your look, proving that you don’t have to choose just one side.
