Gold versus silver jewelry is an age-old debate. While it’s true that silver favors skin tones with cool undertones and gold works well on warmer complexions, you can usually get away with wearing both. But if you want to match your nail polish to your jewelry, you need to go back to the basics. “Always stay with the undertone of the color, be it your rings and necklaces or your nail polish,” says celebrity nail stylist Elle Gerstein. Matching your manicure to your signature pieces isn’t just chic, but it can also elevate your look when done right. Ahead, we spoke to three nail experts to get their tips for matching silver, gold, rose gold jewelry and multi-colored jewelry, plus polish recommendations.
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How to choose the right shade
Finding the right signature nail polish shade is sort of like nailing down your perfect foundation, being that you need to know about undertones. Silver jewelry, for example, is a cool-toned metal and works best with shades that feature similar characteristics. Soft blues, gray and white all have an icy feel that can bring out the metallic look of silver jewelry. However, they’re not the only hues that work. According to Amy Ling Lin, founder of Sundays Nail Salon, bold colors or those with pearl accents can be just as fitting.
Gold and rose gold have the opposite effect of silver and work best on warmer skin tones, such as olive, tan and deep complexions. These types of jewelry help bring out the golden undertones of the skin, and your nail polish should do the same. Warm tones and neutral colors are great options for gold, while rosy shades with hints of pink pair well with rose gold pieces.
Nail polish recommendations
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This glossy blue falls in between a pale sky blue and periwinkle, making it ideal for silver jewelry. As founder of founder of Nails Inc. Thea Green explains, the watery undertones of the color harmonize well with the cool undertones of silver, adding just enough color to make your nails pop.
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A pearly finish paired with pastel blue intensifies the icy look of your manicure. This shade has just a hint of iridescence that gives it a reflective appearance similar to your silver rings and necklace.
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Classic red polishes add a bold pop to any look. This cherry-toned option with hints of blue provides a nice contrast while bringing out the cool undertones of silver.
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The experts agree that spicy red-orange shades are some of the best for gold jewelry. This polish by Dazzle Dry has a creamy consistency that boosts the warm tones of your skin and the gold pieces you never leave home without.
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If you want to go dark with gold jewelry, Green says a deep green, such as this olive hue, will be best. “The combination with rich gold pieces has a striking effect and gives you a luxurious look,” she says. For the best finish, be sure to add two layers of a glossy topcoat to enhance shine.
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“A barely there nude polish is classy and has a subtle, timeless elegance just like gold rings or hoop earrings,” says Green. Though this shade is on the lighter side, it has a rosy undertone that keeps it from appearing washed out. Coincidently, that also makes it ideal for pairing with rose gold pieces.
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Gerstein says that bronzy shades such as this can uplift the metallic tones of rose gold. She explains that the subtle contrast accents the metal to bring out its warmth while the hints of shimmer complement the rosy hue.
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Multi-color jewelry can be tricky, but Green says the undertones rule still applies. This opal shade is a perfect example. It complements the metals without clashing or competing too much and has a shimmery finish that gives it a multi-prismatic effect.
