By the Style of Meraki team
Have you ever tried on a gorgeous necklace that somehow looked flat on you, while a simpler piece made your whole face light up? That difference often comes down to colour. The shade of a gemstone, pearl or metal can either blend into your skin or bring out its warmth and glow.
The good news is that you do not need a stylist to get this right. This guide shows you how to find your undertone in two minutes, and which gemstone jewellery colours tend to flatter each one.
Skin Tone vs Undertone: What Is the Difference?
Skin tone is how light or deep your skin looks on the surface. Undertone is the subtle colour beneath it, which stays the same even when you tan or your skin changes through the year. Two people with the same skin tone can have completely different undertones, which is why a colour that flatters your friend may not flatter you.
Undertones are usually grouped into three types:
- Cool: a pink, red or bluish tint beneath the skin.
- Warm: a golden, peachy or yellowish tint beneath the skin.
- Neutral: a balance of both, so many colours work.
Two Easy Tests to Find Your Undertone
1. The Vein Test
Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural daylight. Bluish or purple veins usually suggest a cool undertone. Greenish veins usually suggest a warm undertone. If you cannot tell, or see both, you may be neutral.
2. The Jewellery Test
Hold a silver piece against your skin, then a gold-toned piece. If silver makes your skin look fresh and clear, you lean cool. If gold looks richer and more flattering, you lean warm. If both look good, you are probably neutral.
Gemstone Colours for Each Undertone
Once you know your undertone, use this table as a starting point. Gemstone colours vary from stone to stone, so always judge the shade itself rather than the name alone.
| Undertone | Colours that often flatter | Gemstone ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Cool | Blues, purples, soft pinks, icy and silvery tones | Lapis lazuli, amethyst, rose quartz, moonstone, blue topaz |
| Warm | Earthy greens, oranges, golden and warm reds | Citrine, tiger eye, carnelian, garnet, peridot |
| Neutral | Most shades, so choose by outfit and mood | Turquoise, malachite, labradorite, pearls, almost any stone |
For Cool Undertones
Blues, violets and cool pinks make cool-toned skin look fresh and bright. Deep blue lapis lazuli is a particularly striking choice. Explore our earrings collection for blue and pink gemstone pairs.
For Warm Undertones
Golden and earthy shades such as citrine, tiger eye, garnet and peridot echo the warmth of your skin and add a glow. A statement ring is a lovely way to try a bolder colour. See our rings.
For Neutral Undertones
You have the most freedom. Greens and blue-greens such as turquoise and malachite look beautiful, and you can choose freely by outfit or mood. Browse our necklace collection.
Pearls: The Colour That Suits Everyone
If you are unsure, pearls are a reliable choice. Their soft glow reflects light onto the face and pairs easily with any undertone. Cream and soft white pearls are the most universal, while pearls with a faint pink tint can be especially pretty on cool undertones. Our pearl necklaces are a good place to begin.
Choosing the Metal
The setting around the stone matters as much as the stone itself. As a simple guide, silver tends to flatter cool undertones, gold tones tend to flatter warm undertones, and neutral undertones can wear either. Silver is also a good all-rounder because it lets the gemstone colour take centre stage.
When to Break the Rules
These guidelines are a starting point, not a rulebook. Colour is personal, and the best piece is often the one that makes you feel confident. Here are a few times to follow your own taste:
- Outfit first. A necklace worn close to your face matters most for undertone. Earrings, bracelets and rings are more flexible.
- Try before you decide. Hold a piece near your face in daylight and see how your skin responds.
- Love at first sight counts. If a colour makes you happy, wear it with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which gemstone colour suits my skin?
Find your undertone with the vein and jewellery tests, then choose shades from the matching group. Try each piece near your face in natural daylight.
Does silver jewellery suit all skin tones?
Silver is versatile and flatters many people, especially cool undertones. Warm undertones may prefer gold tones, but a gemstone or pearl in a flattering colour can make silver work for everyone.
Which gemstones suit warm undertones?
Earthy and golden gemstones such as citrine, tiger eye, carnelian, garnet and peridot are often flattering on warm undertones.
Which jewellery colour is safest if I am unsure?
Pearls are the safest choice, since their soft glow suits every undertone.
Find the Colours That Feel Like You
Your skin tone is a guide, not a limit. Explore handcrafted silver, gemstone and pearl designs at Style of Meraki and discover the shades that bring out your natural glow.
