While we strongly believe that you should wear whatever you want whenever and wherever you want, take your skin tone into account when dressing. Because of this, the concept of dressing based on color theory is so popular here in 2023. If you’re not familiar with the concept, color theory (also known as color analysis) refers to certain colors that better compliment your natural color palette. Relative to others. While TikTok users tend to focus most on clothing when it comes to incorporating color analysis into their daily lives, we’re here to give you a little secret: this concept can also be applied to jewelry.
The Best Metal for Your Skin Tone
“Gold usually looks best in warmer, darker tones, while silver looks best in cooler tones; Rose gold is popular because it goes well with both colors. Alison Chemla, Creative Director and Designer, Alison Lou, said. “Personally, I think you should wear what you like anyway. I’m a gold girl through and through, but I’ve certainly had stages related to silver.”
Of the two, though, silver tends to be the most versatile. Sally Rong, founder of Rellery, said: “Silver has a universal appeal and is an easy choice for many. “Its versatility lies in its ability to complement all skin tones and is particularly favored by young people due to its modern appeal.” In addition, silver (sterling silver, not platinum) tends to be cheaper than gold.
That’s not to say that gold can’t be paired with a wide range of skin tones. All you need to do is buy the right carat for your skin tone.
“Carat value determines the intensity of the yellow — the higher the carat, the darker and richer the yellow,” Rong said. While darker gold tones are often suitable for darker skin tones, Rong says 14K gold is a great option for those who want to add gold to their accessory wardrobe. “Overall, 14K gold has a softer yellow hue that tends to suit most people, striking a balance between richness and versatility,” she says.
What to Consider When Choosing a Metal for Jewelry?
Personal Touch
While buying a piece of jewelry may seem like an easy decision, all the designers we’ve interviewed tell us that every choice should be carefully considered – especially if you’re spending a fortune on a large item.
“First and foremost, think about your personal style and which metal is best suited for it,” says Kendra Scott of the eponymous jewelry brand. “Are you drawn to the classic and timeless gold, or do you lean towards a more modern silver look? Also, consider the occasion for which you choose your jewelry, as well as your budget. Are you looking for everyday pieces or pieces for special occasions?”
Chemla says there’s another important thing to consider when answering all of these questions. “When helping clients make decisions, I always ask, ‘Have you been wearing this gold for a while, or are you trying something new?’ She revealed. “When trying something new, such as silver or white gold, when you traditionally wear gold, I recommend buying costume jewelry as a way to dabble. If you like it after a while, invest in something real. Every metal trend makes a comeback, so focus on what you love and you’ll get the most wear and tear.”
(FYI: According to Scott, costume jewelry “includes 14-karat gold on brass and rhodium on brass.”) This category includes many affordable options that enable customers to experiment with trends and try out new styles.”）
Skin Sensitivity
Another thing to consider when choosing jewelry is skin sensitivity. “For people with sensitive skin, it’s crucial to choose jewelry that is hypoallergenic, including jewelry made from precious metals like solid gold or sterling silver,” Rong says. “If the jewelry is neither pure gold nor pure silver, it is important to identify any coatings or plating it may have. Be sure to steer clear of nickel, which is often used in clothing or cheaper jewelry to enhance the metal’s shine and appeal. “While nickel may make jewelry look shinier at first, it tends to tarnish over time and gives the skin a pale green color – neither of which is ideal.
Material
In addition to nickel, pay attention to the overall composition of the jewelry, Rong says. “Knowing the ingredients in your jewelry is essential not only for managing skin sensitivities, but also for overall health and safety,” she says. “Some manufacturers may use low-cost, low-quality metals in their products, including cadmium, a substance linked to cancer. These metals can pose significant health risks, especially when worn on a daily basis.”
Budget
Of course, cost also comes into play. If your budget allows, choose pure gold or sterling silver, as they are the most durable, not to mention the most hypoallergenic, Wing says. (We love the playful look of Alison Lou’s solid gold jewelry, like the Boss ring, which costs $975.) While the cost of sterling silver is usually quite approachable, pure gold is the most expensive metal on the market. Thankfully, though, there are ways to wear jewelry of this color without spending a fortune. The trick is to find gold-plated or sterling silver accessories (such as the Rellery True Rainbow Checker ring, $145, or the Kendra Scott Fern 18k gold sterling silver pink quartz curb chain necklace, $300), preferably with sterling silver as a base. These products will offer a golden look at a fraction of the price, while also not triggering allergic reactions or taking on a green color. “However, keep in mind that the gold layer may eventually fade,” Rong admits. “[But] for sterling silver jewelry, you can always replate it.”
For a more affordable option, consider gold filling. “Gold-plated items tend to last a little longer than gold-plated items, but they’re made of brass, which can still trigger allergies in some people,” Rong said.
Can I Mix Metals?
While some metallic colors are better suited to certain skin tones than others, there’s no hard and fast rule that you can’t wear one or the other, or you can’t mix them to create two or three shades.
“Mixed metals have been a hot trend for some time,” Rong said. “The love of gold isn’t going away, but silver is super easy to match – it’s cool shades to go with almost anything you wear. This year, from catwalks to stars, Silver is in the spotlight, and Gen Z is paying attention to that. People have become bold and bold due to the dopamine dress trend. “Mixed metals are a big part of that.