What Metal Type Suits My Skin Tone? A Complete Guide For Men

When choosing jewellery for a man, especially something as meaningful as a wedding band or a custom piece, it’s essential to select a metal that complements his skin tone and reflects his unique personality or style.

When we are designing pieces for men at our workshop, they will often try on rings of many different colours, techniques, and patterns to find something they like. This is so important when choosing a ring that will be on their hand all the time! Many have never worn a ring before, so it can be an exciting journey for them to immerse themselves in. 

Take a step behind-the-scenes with us. Here's a guide to help you or your partner choose the perfect jewellery by understanding how different metals suit various skin tones.

Understanding Skin Tones: Warm, Cool, and Neutral

Before diving into specific metal recommendations, it's helpful to identify his skin tone. This isn’t just about the surface colour of his skin, but also the undertone, which can be warm, cool, or neutral. Each tone and undertone pairs beautifully with different metals.

• Warm Undertones: These have a yellow, golden, or olive hue. If your partner has warm undertones, the veins on his wrist will appear green.
• Cool Undertones: Cool skin tones have bluish or pinkish undertones, with veins that appear blue or purple.
• Neutral Undertones: Neutral undertones are a mix of both warm and cool. If the veins on his wrist are neither distinctly blue nor green, he may fall into this category.

Identifying His Skin Tone for the Right Metal

Here are a few quick ways to determine his skin tone, helping you choose the best metal for jewellery for him. Check the veins on his wrist in natural light. Greenish veins suggest a warm undertone, while bluish veins indicate cool undertones. Does he tan easily? If so, he likely has warm undertones. If his skin tends to burn or turn pink, he may have cool undertones. Warm undertones are often paired with brown, amber, or hazel eyes and darker hair. Cooler undertones are commonly associated with blue, grey, or green eyes.

Best Metals for Warm Skin Tones

If your partner has warm undertones, you'll want to select a tone of gold to enhance his natural glow. The difference in the purity of gold will change the level of saturation and tone, allowing you to pick one that is perfect for your partner’s undertone and style.

• Rich Gold Tones: For a truly luxurious look, choose gold with a deeper, richer hue. Its vibrant yellow colour beautifully complements warmer skin tones.
• Soft Gold Tones: Gold with a softer yellow tone offers a timeless and understated elegance, perfect for those who prefer a gentler shine.
• Rose gold: A modern, romantic twist, rose gold is the perfect choice for a partner with a warmer skin tone. It offers a soft, pinkish hue that’s sure to complement throughout the years.

Best Metals for Cool Skin Tones

For those with cooler skin tones, metals with a silvery or platinum finish are ideal. 

• White Gold and Platinum: The luxurious gleam of these metals create a perfect contrast with cool undertones, making them ideal for sleek and modern pieces.
• Palladium: For a more understated option, palladium has a similar look to platinum but with a lighter feel. It’s a great alternative for those seeking a durable and elegant cooler metal.

Best Metals for Neutral Skin Tones

If you or your partner has neutral undertones, consider yourself lucky—almost any metal jewellery will look fantastic! The versatility of his complexion means that you can experiment together with different metals depending on his style and mood.

• Mix and Match Metals: Neutral skin tones give you the freedom to experiment with a variety of jewellery designs. Combine yellow gold with platinum or rose gold for a unique and dynamic look.
• Rose Gold and Platinum: Both these metals offer a perfect balance for neutral tones. Rose gold adds a soft warmth, while platinum provides a cooler contrast, ensuring your partner’s jewellery looks great no matter the occasion.

How Metal Finishes Can Affect Your Look

The finish of any jewellery can further accentuate its beauty and how it interacts with his skin tone and overall look. A matte finish offers a subtle, understated look, perfect for everyday wear. A polished finish adds shine and drama, ideal for special occasions. A hammered or brushed texture adds dimension and intrigue, making each piece a work of art that tells a story. 

The most important factor in choosing jewellery for the man in your life is how it makes him feel. Whether he prefers the warmth of gold or the dramatic contrast of mixed metals, the choice should reflect both his style and your shared story.

At Jason Ree Jewellery, our ring designs celebrate craftsmanship and individuality, offering you the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind piece that suits your partner’s skin tone and style. Now that you know what metal works best for him, explore our collection to find the perfect ring or custom jewellery piece that will become a timeless symbol of your love.