Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.
Pantone Crowns ‘Living Coral’ the Color of 2019
The color trend forecaster calls it a “life affirming” and optimistic shade providing warmth and nourishment.

Carlstadt, N.J.—Color trend forecaster Pantone has dubbed “Living Coral” its color of the year for 2019.
Calling the shade, Pantone 16-1546, optimistic and life affirming, Pantone said it represents real life connections and intimacy, which are lacking in the digital technology and social media age.
“With consumers craving human interaction and social connection, the humanizing and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial Pantone Living Coral hit a responsive chord,” Pantone Color Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman said.
Just as humans are energized by nature, an antidote to today’s overload of screen time, the energetic color is inspired by coral found in the ocean.
And, despite its natural leanings, Pantone also said the warm hue is prevalent in social and digital media, perfect for embodying “playful expression.”
“Color enhances and influences the way we experience life,” Pantone Vice President Laurie Pressman said. “As a shade that affirms life through a dual role of energizing and nourishing, Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral reinforces how colors can embody our collective experience and reflect what is taking place in our global culture at a moment in time.”
Pantone noted that Living Coral is appropriate fashion-wise for both women and men, whether as a monochrome look, in a pattern, or as an accent shade. It’s also the perfect solution for one looking for a bold statement piece in interior design.
Though coral jewelry isn’t especially prevalent in today’s market, because of its rarity, protected nature and the high prices that can come with the fine material, there are always a number of pieces to be found utilizing it. Just check out our most recent Piece of the Week for proof.
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