Editors

Pairing Jewelry With Pantone’s Spring Shades

EditorsApr 17, 2017

Pairing Jewelry With Pantone’s Spring Shades

Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator takes the 10 hues of the season, according to Pantone, and pairs them with complementary gems.

20170417_Pantone-spring-palette.jpg
The 10 colors that Pantone predicted would be hot this spring season

Dare I say it? It finally feels like the warm weather is here to stay. (Sorry ahead of time if I just jinxed us.)

I love springtime and how refreshing and rejuvenating it can feel as everyone, especially in New York, finally starts to come out of hibernation and wants to soak up every bit of sun they can get.

I’ve always especially loved the colors of spring. They make me think of the pastel dresses I used to pick for Easter mass and the hidden eggs on hunts or, better yet, in your Easter basket filled with candy.

The colors Pantone predicted would be prevalent this season are vivid versions of the traditional Easter pastels, providing yellows, pinks and blues that can pack a punch, as well as some more sedated hues.

To celebrate these colors, I wanted to do another blog post where I paired them with gemstones that might complement them well, making for a perfect clothing-accessories color-blocked look. 

Primrose yellow. This shade is exactly what comes to mind when I think of the warm hues that embody the liveliness of springtime.

A bright, buttery yellow like this would go perfectly with other very vibrant hues, like the energizing pink shades found in spinel, sapphires and tourmaline.

Pale Dogwood. This color is an extension of the “blush” trend that has taken over in fashion and accessories, which is being attributed to millennials, and could even be part of of the “Rose Quartz” influence.

I love the name for its ability to make me think of being home in North Carolina while the trees are in bloom, and I love the color’s soft, subtle hue. I’m pairing it with the whites of moonstone and some quartzes for a clean look.


Hazelnut. This is such a crisp, clean neutral that I think it would go best with other neutrals rather than a pop of color.

I imagine with any clothes this color, which makes me think of business wear, they would best be paired with the same crisp light hues of pearls.


Island Paradise. I love this color. I look at it and instantly think of a warm tropical vacation. (My favorite nail polish is this color, and I will wear it multiple times this summer.)

The idea of color-blocking shades of the same color thrills me, so I would pair Island
Paradise with a crisp royal blue or navy blue, which could lead to awesome gems like sapphires, tanzanite and lapis.


Greenery. It’s the Color of the Year for 2017! (And National Jeweler also suspects that it is peridot’s way of getting back at spinel for edging in on August.)

It’s a basic color wheel rule here, but I love seeing green paired with the shades on the opposite side like purple, which includes amethyst, some tanzanite and sapphires, among others.


Flame. I’m a big fan (when it’s done right) of a bright orange-bright pink pairing. If you think wearing clothing with both of those colors might be too much, then having jewelry in one might be a great way to do it.

For bright pink stones, I’m thinking about my all-time favorite, spinel; those beautiful shades of sapphire; and tourmaline.


Pink Yarrow. Doesn’t this color just instantly make you happy when you see it? I looks like summer, warm weather and vacation daydreaming in one swatch.

With this one, rather than pairing it one with another bright color, I like the idea of putting this striking shade of pink with the no-nonsense look of black to make a statement.



Niagara. This color has got a gray, steely undertone to it that I think could be pulled out really nicely with a similar gray hue, so I decided to pair this swatch with the sheen and beauty of Tahitian pearls.

Other gems that could go well are the very rare, and very cool, gray moonstone, as well as the rather unique look of a gray spinel.


Kale. The specific color of this swatch looks like a camo or olive green, and I think it just makes sense to pair it with a nice soft brown/tan. 

There are some great stones that can offer a nice brown that’s not too dark or washed out, like zircon or opals, but a brown color palette also provides the opportunity to get into fun minerals like fossils and agate.


Lapis Blue. The National Jeweler team loved that a gemmy color was so front and center on Pantone’s spring color report.

I think this deep blue goes well with other strong gem tones, so I’m pairing it with the vivid greens found in emeralds, tsavorite and the like.



Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Artist Reena Ahluwalia “Pristine” painting
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJA

The artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.

Gunderson’s Jewelers in Omaha, Nebraska
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Nebraska

The new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.

Sydney Evan x Wicked “Spell Book” coin charm
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’

Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.

Jewelers Mutual Group Cybersecurity
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for Jewelers

From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq Delisting

The retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.

Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional Selling

Whether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.

Annie E. Doresca, Grant Mobley, Alexis Padis, Terry Chandler
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ Gala

The gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”

Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

Instore show 2025
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago Area

The trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

Constance Polamalu
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

The jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.

Gem Awards New York City
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award

The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

Peggy Grosz
MajorsOct 30, 2024
Peggy Grosz Leaves Assael After Company Is Sold

Grosz had served as Assael’s senior vice president and creative director since 2017.

CD Peacock Love and Celebration Rings
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection

“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.

Hands pushing a shopping cart
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in October

A more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.

Mejuri store
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design Students

The funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

Jewelers’ Security Alliance President Jennifer Mulvihill
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Cybersecurity Expert Selected as President of Jewelers’ Security Alliance

Jennifer Mulvihill, the first woman to lead JSA in the organization’s 141-year history, takes over for the retiring John Kennedy.

20241030_NYCJW.jpg
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry Week

This year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.

Edgar Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi
AuctionsOct 29, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Sells for More Than $2M

The GMT-Master “Pepsi” that belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is one of two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.

Pandora ambassadors Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, and Pamela Anderson
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and Love

The ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.

Stock image of a diamond engagement ring
SourcingOct 29, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 25% as Demand Remains Sluggish

The company combined two sights in Q3 due to the slowdown in demand, and said it is moving up the dates for sights 9 and 10 in Q4.

Jewelers for Children Rock the Costume Showdown graphic
MajorsOct 28, 2024
Jewelers for Children’s Halloween Costume Contest Rocks

Participants can buy five votes for $5 to decide which jeweler will dress up as an ‘80s rockstar for Halloween.

Katy Briscoe carved indicolite Persian cat ring
TrendsOct 28, 2024
Amanda’s Spooky Style File

These 15 pieces of jewelry hand-picked ahead of Halloween appeal to the costume- and candy-loving child in all of us.

Executives at the Bulgari Ritz Carlton ribbon cutting ceremony
MajorsOct 25, 2024
This New Bulgari Boutique Is on a Yacht

Starboard Luxury is bringing the Italian brand aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest yacht.

Mourning Jewelry Pendant
CollectionsOct 25, 2024
Piece of the Week: A Haunting Piece of Mourning Jewelry

The pendant, circa the late 1700s, likely was commissioned to remember a loved one who died young.

Artistry 2025 Catalog
MajorsOct 25, 2024
Artistry Releases Its 2025 Catalog

It features the brand’s products in the precious color, semi-precious color, pearl, diamond, gold, and sterling silver categories.

Jewelry from Boucheron
FinancialsOct 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands ‘More Resilient’ Than Other Luxury Goods in Q3

Sales fell 15 percent for the luxury conglomerate in the third quarter, led by a 26 percent drop in sales for flagship brand Gucci.

JA Show entrance
Events & AwardsOct 24, 2024
JA New York Fall Show Announces Education Lineup

The education offerings include a diamond cutting demonstration, a session with JVC President Sara Yood, and a seminar on AI.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy