TrendsOct 22, 2025
Don’t Forget These Diamond Jewelry Trends When Stocking for the HolidaysTrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … White
A choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
Pantone’s color of the year for 2026 is “Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer.”
Carlstadt, N.J.—Pantone has announced its color of the year for 2026 and it’s a hue few would have guessed.
“Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer” is a hazy shade of white that the color institute describes as “a billowy, balanced white imbued with feelings of serenity.”
It is the first time that Pantone has chosen white as its color of the year, with 2006’s “Pantone 12-1106 Sand Dollar” coming the closest.
The color for 2026—or lack thereof—marks a fresh start to let go of outmoded thinking and look to new approaches, Pantone said.
It said Cloud Dancer is a symbol of “calming influence in a frenetic society” that asks people to rediscover the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection.
In fine jewelry, Pantone’s color of the year translates to pieces in platinum and white gold; gemstones including pearl, opal, moonstone, mother-of-pearl, white sapphire, and, of course, diamond; and materials like white enamel.
SEE: Jewelry in Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year
“Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer” is a hazy shade of white that the color institute describes as “a billowy, balanced white imbued with feelings of serenity.”
It is the first time that Pantone has chosen white as its color of the year, with 2006’s “Pantone 12-1106 Sand Dollar” coming the closest.
The color for 2026—or lack thereof—marks a fresh start to let go of outmoded thinking and look to new approaches, Pantone said.
It said Cloud Dancer is a symbol of “calming influence in a frenetic society” that asks people to rediscover the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection.
In fine jewelry, Pantone’s color of the year translates to pieces in platinum and white gold; gemstones including pearl, opal, moonstone, mother-of-pearl, white sapphire, and, of course, diamond; and materials like white enamel.
SEE: Jewelry in Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year
Harwell Godfrey’s “We Are Seeds” sunflower brooch in platinum with 0.27 carats of diamonds (price upon request)
State Property’s “Alara Snowdrop” earrings with mother-of-pearl, diamonds, and emeralds in 18-karat yellow gold ($3,200)
Mindi Mond New York’s ring featuring a baroque South Sea pearl surrounded by diamonds in 18-karat white gold ($15,800)
Retrouvaí’s “Domino” necklace with mother-of-pearl inlay and diamonds in 14-karat yellow gold ($10,690)
Itä’s “Txirimiri” cuff ring with enamel in 14-karat yellow gold ($2,650)
CCWW Designs’ “Ammonite” ring featuring carved rose quartz accented with diamonds in 14-karat yellow gold ($6,370)
Karma El Khalil “Strata” earrings with moonstone, citrine, and diamonds in 18-karat yellow gold ($20,500)
An Art Deco bracelet from For Future Reference Vintage with 22 carats of diamonds in platinum (price upon request)
Jacquie Aiche's necklace with graduated moonstone beads and a 14-karat yellow gold pendant holding an opal with pavé diamonds (price upon request)
Ashley Zhang's 14-karat yellow gold ring with a cabochon moonstone ($1,150)
Pantone said it chose Cloud Dancer because it aspires to see a future free of excess and to evoke desires for contentment and feelings of peace, unity, and cohesiveness.
“We are living in a transitional time where people are seeking truth, possibility, and a new way of living,” said Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute.
“Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is an airy white hue that exemplifies our search for balance between our digital future and our primal need for human connection, a liminal space that is a launchpad for creative expression, as individuals and communities are experimenting beyond traditional boundaries, opening the door to increased imagination and innovation.”
Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute added, “The cacophony that surrounds us has become overwhelming, making it harder to hear the voices of our inner selves. A conscious statement of simplification, Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external influences.”
Alongside the 2026 color of the year, Pantone is launching a new creative initiative to celebrate and support the artist community and color enthusiasts.
The color institute will release limited-edition designs from artists across all areas of design who interpreted Cloud Dancer.
The first iteration of the initiative is a collaboration with Emiliano Ponzi, an illustrator, visual artist, and author, who created a limited-edition tote bag with the hue.
The tote bag is available on Pantone’s website.
Pantone’s official color of the year partners for 2026 are: Motorola, Play-Doh, Post-It, Command, fragrance brand Pura, Spotify, hospitality company Mandarin Oriental, and furniture company Joybird.
More on Trends
The Latest
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
