Skin tone is often an important factor when choosing a ring as it can sometimes indicate what type of metal or stone will look best on a particular person. Here is a simple guide to help you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Warm skin tones: yellow or olive undertones suit yellow and rose gold.
- Cool skin tones: pink or grey undertones suit platinum.
- Stones: yellow sapphires, citrines and rubies for warm tones, and blue sapphires and diamonds for cool tones.
- A guideline only: you should be free to choose whatever metal colour and stone type you love.
- Help: get in touch and we can guide you to a ring that suits you.
What Type of Ring Will Suit My Skin Tone?
Generally speaking, those with warm skin tones (i.e. yellow or olive undertones) should opt for yellow and rose gold settings and gemstones such as yellow sapphires, citrines and rubies.
Those with cool skin tones (i.e. pink or grey undertones) will find platinum settings and gemstones such as blue sapphires and diamonds look best on them.
| Skin tone | Undertone | Metals to try | Stones to try |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm | Yellow or olive | Yellow gold, rose gold | Yellow sapphires, citrines, rubies |
| Cool | Pink or grey | Platinum | Blue sapphires, diamonds |
However, the above is a guideline only and ultimately you should be free to choose whatever metal colour and stone type you love.
Metals to Consider
The metal sets the tone of your ring, so it is worth knowing how each one looks on the hand.
- Yellow gold: a warm, classic yellow that suits warm skin tones.
- Rose gold: a rosy hue from its copper content, and it complements many different skin tones. See our rose gold engagement rings.
- White gold: an alloy of gold and other white metals, sold as 9k, 14k and 18k.
- Platinum: a naturally bright white metal that suits cool skin tones.
Not sure how white gold and platinum differ? Read our guide to white gold and platinum.
How Each Metal Looks Over Time
Colour is not the only thing to weigh. A little knowledge of how each metal ages helps you pick one you will enjoy for years.
| Metal | Over time |
|---|---|
| Rose gold | Its copper content can make it darker and redder with wear |
| Yellow gold | Keeps its warm colour |
| White gold | The rhodium plating may need refreshing |
| Platinum | Naturally bright white that does not fade |
Gemstones to Consider
Stone colour matters as much as metal. Warm tones tend to pair with warm coloured stones, and cool tones with cool ones.
| Stone | Colour | Pairs well with |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow sapphire | Warm yellow | Yellow and rose gold |
| Citrine | Golden yellow | Yellow and rose gold |
| Ruby | Deep red | Yellow and rose gold |
| Blue sapphire | Blue | Platinum and white metals |
| Diamond | Colourless | Platinum and white metals |
If you love blue stones, sapphire is a lovely place to start.
Beyond Blue: Other Colours to Explore
Skin tone is not the only way to choose a stone. Some of our favourite gemstones sit outside the warm and cool rules, and they can look beautiful on anyone.
- Green sapphire: the green stands out against rose gold. See our green sapphire rings.
- Teal sapphire: a blue green stone for those who love something different.
- Aquamarine: a pale blue stone from the Beryl family.
- Alexandrite: a colour changing stone that looks bluish green in daylight and purplish red in incandescent light.
Matching Your Wedding Band
If you choose a metal for your engagement ring, think about the band that will sit beside it. A matching metal keeps the colours in step as they age together.
- Same metal: rose gold beside rose gold keeps the look matched.
- Mixed metals: a yellow or white band beside rose gold is a modern choice.
- Same designer: our designs are made to sit well together.
Not Sure of Your Undertone?
If you cannot tell whether your undertone is warm or cool, there is no need to worry. Because this is only a guideline, you can also try rings and see which one feels like you.
- Try different metals: hold or wear a yellow, rose and white metal ring and see which one you are drawn to.
- Look at the contrast: rose gold looks gorgeous paired with contrasting gem colours such as green sapphire, or even black diamond.
- Think about what you wear: the colours you already reach for often point to the metal you will love.
- Ask us: call or email and we will talk through the options with you.
Choose the Ring You Love
A ring is worn for life, so love matters more than any rule. Skin tone is a helpful starting point, but your own taste should always lead.
- Your style: choose the design that feels like you.
- Your lifestyle: pick a metal and stone that suit how you live.
- Your budget: we can show you options at different price points.
- Your story: every ring is handcrafted by us in Perth, and we can create a custom design.
What You Get When You Buy From Us
Every ring we make is handcrafted by us in Perth, and we use recycled gold. Here is what comes with your order.
- Free express shipping: on all orders.
- Lifetime warranty: on every ring.
- Free ring resizing: so you can order with confidence.
- 5 trees planted: with every order.
- Custom designs: we can talk you through a custom option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ring will suit my skin tone?
Generally speaking, warm skin tones (yellow or olive undertones) suit yellow and rose gold, with stones such as yellow sapphires, citrines and rubies. Cool skin tones (pink or grey undertones) suit platinum, with stones such as blue sapphires and diamonds.
What metal suits warm skin tones?
Those with warm skin tones should opt for yellow and rose gold settings. Yellow gold has a warm, classic yellow colour, while rose gold has a rosy hue from its copper content. Both look lovely alongside yellow sapphires, citrines and rubies. If you are not sure, call or email us.
What metal suits cool skin tones?
Those with cool skin tones will find platinum settings look best on them. Platinum is a naturally bright white metal. Blue sapphires and diamonds are the gemstones that tend to suit cool tones, so they are a good place to start.
Does rose gold suit all skin tones?
Rose gold complements many different skin tones, which is one reason it is so popular. It also looks gorgeous paired with contrasting gem colours such as green sapphire, or even black diamond. All of our designs are available in rose gold.
Do I have to follow the skin tone guide?
No. The skin tone guide is a guideline only. Ultimately you should be free to choose whatever metal colour and stone type you love. If you would like help deciding, get in touch and we can guide you to a ring that suits you.
Get in Touch Today
Get in touch today and we can help guide you to buy a ring that will suit you and most importantly, that you will absolutely love.
Browse our engagement rings or ask about a custom ring. Every order comes with free express shipping. Call us on +61 8 6323 8494 or email info@vinnyandcharles.com.
