There's often that moment of slight hesitation when you browse my collections.
When faced with a new creation, a question often comes back to me in private messages: "Should I get it in gold or silver?". A piece of jewelry is not just an accessory; it's a point of light that you place on your skin. If well-chosen, it has that almost magical power to illuminate the face, soften tired features, and warm the gaze. But how can you be sure to make the right choice? Today, I'm opening up my notes on colorimetry, that fascinating science that helps me design pieces that reveal your natural radiance.
Understanding Colorimetry: The Art of Revealing Your Light
The biggest mistake one can make in jewelry is to rely solely on their surface skin color (fair, medium, dark) or their current tan. The real key lies in what is called the skin's undertone.
Unlike your complexion, which changes with the seasons, your undertone is immutable. It's the subtle shadow hidden just beneath your epidermis. In colorimetry (I also recommend taking a look at this color wheel to understand color harmonies), we distinguish two main families: warm undertones and cool undertones.
The infallible test to know your profile
To find out which family you belong to, I suggest a very simple test.
Stand in natural daylight and observe the veins on the inside of your wrist:
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If your veins are green or olive: you have a warm undertone.
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If your veins appear blue or purplish: you have a cool undertone.
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If you can't decide and they seem to be a mix of both: you have a neutral undertone.
The Soleyah Tip
The fabric test: Take a pure white garment and a cream-colored one. Place them alternately under your chin in front of a mirror. If pure white brightens your face, you are "cool." If cream makes you look better, you are decidedly "warm."
Skin with Warm Undertones: The Sunny Radiance of Gold
If your complexion has golden, peach, or yellow nuances, gold metal is your best ally. It resonates with your skin's pigments to create a warm harmony.
This is precisely why I designed my iconic Sola Necklace. I wanted a pendant that literally captures the sunlight. The stainless steel I use for my gold chains offers a deep shine that doesn't tarnish. For me, it's the excellent choice for "warm" skin tones who want to radiate from morning to night, even in contact with water.
Skin with Cool Undertones: The Timeless Elegance of Silver
If your skin has pink, bluish, or porcelain nuances, cool metals like silver are for you. Gold might appear too "heavy" or dull your natural radiance. Silver, on the other hand, acts like a pure mirror, providing a contrast of absolute elegance.
In this specific case, I always favor chains that catch the light sharply. My Marine Chain Collection in its silver version, for example, is a piece I love to recommend. Its pure metallic structure enhances the clarity of cool skin tones, whether worn alone for a minimalist look or layered.
What if I have a neutral undertone?
Consider this an advantage! Your skin has a perfect balance. I suggest you navigate between my gold and silver creations according to your outfit or your mood. You are the one for whom the choice is widest.
Breaking the Rules: The Subtle Art of "Mix & Match"
I share these technical codes with you, but as a creator, I firmly believe that emotion must come first. If you have a cool undertone but absolutely love a gold piece, don't deny yourself.
My advice? Wear the metal you like, but play with placement. If gold doesn't flatter your complexion near your face, wear it as a bracelet or ring.
This is also one of the reasons why I plan to create mixed jewelry in my Charm Bar. This would allow you to create bridges between metals. Mixing a silver necklace base with some gold charms that have sentimental value to you is creating a piece of jewelry with character. The accumulation of different metals is a trend that I find beautiful when it tells a personal story.
Ultimately, colorimetry is a compass, but your instinct remains your best guide. The perfect piece of jewelry is the one that makes you want to conquer your day.
I invite you to discover my latest creations on the shop and take the test. Whether you are more "solar" or "lunar," each piece has been designed to last and accompany you.