Color-Blocked Looks: Pairing Spring Shades with Gemstones

EditorsApr 06, 2018

Color-Blocked Looks: Pairing Spring Shades with Gemstones

Now that it’s (supposedly) spring, Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator pairs the season’s palette, according to Pantone, with colored stones.

Brecken Branstrator brecken.branstrator@nationaljeweler.com

I’ve been in New York for almost eight years now, and I still don’t think I’m used to how long its winters last.

Growing up in North Carolina, the temperature rarely dipped down enough to need more than a pea coat. I have spent quite a few Thanksgiving and Christmas days in short-sleeved shirts and dresses and usually by this time of year, spring is well on its way.

While it was a little strange to begin working on this blog when snow blanketed the city just a few days ago and our winter wear is still in use, it is helping me be optimistic about the warm weather to come.

I spent the fall 2017 edition of this blog post gushing about how much I loved the season and while that’s true, I’m very happy to now be on the other side of winter. Spring shades are warm and happy, and I can’t wait to see the flowers popping up in the colors of the season.

According to Pantone, “colorful self-expression” is a key takeaway for spring 2018. For the season’s colors, Pantone selected “a kaleidoscopic bounty of uplifting shades and feel-good tones” and balanced them out with some neutral or classic shades.

I have paired each with one jewel in a color that I think coordinates with it.

The 12 trend-driven shades

<strong>Almost Mauve.</strong> This shade is so light that I kept going back and forth between a number of different colors that I thought would add a nice pop. And then I thought, why choose? Instead, I’ve given it a rainbow with this ring stack from Page Sargisson. All three feature sapphires set in 18-karat gold ($715 each for the two rings on the outside; $475 for the ring in the center). — **Almost Mauve.** This shade is so light that I kept going back and forth between a number of different colors that I thought would add a nice pop. And then I thought, why choose? Instead, I’ve given it a rainbow with this ring stack from Page Sargisson. All three feature sapphires set in 18-karat gold ($715 each for the two rings on the outside; $475 for the ring in the center).

<strong>Arcadia.</strong> This shade is invigorating and energizing in the way that many vibrant green or greenish hues can be, but I found it to be difficult to color block with anything other than a neutral, in particular a nice white hue. These “Fairy Companion” studs from Soulbound are inspired by fairies from the Legend of Zelda and feature 3 mm Japanese cultured pearls in 14-karat gold ($245 for single stud; $440 for pair). — **Arcadia.** This shade is invigorating and energizing in the way that many vibrant green or greenish hues can be, but I found it to be difficult to color block with anything other than a neutral, in particular a nice white hue. These “Fairy Companion” studs from Soulbound are inspired by fairies from the Legend of Zelda and feature 3 mm Japanese cultured pearls in 14-karat gold ($245 for single stud; $440 for pair).

<strong>Blooming Dahlia.</strong> There’s something satisfying and refreshing about a pink-gray combination. This color has a bit of a salmon hue to it, but I still think it goes so well with gray. So I matched it with Daniella Kronfle’s “Butterfly” necklace, featuring gray agate and diamonds in 18-karat rose gold ($3,600). — **Blooming Dahlia.** There’s something satisfying and refreshing about a pink-gray combination. This color has a bit of a salmon hue to it, but I still think it goes so well with gray. So I matched it with Daniella Kronfle’s “Butterfly” necklace, featuring gray agate and diamonds in 18-karat rose gold ($3,600).

<strong>Cherry Tomato.</strong> How happy does this color make you feel? I adore it and its vibrancy. But, because it is so much color, I opted for a neutral to offset it, in particular a nice, soft pink. This necklace from Ruta Reifen, comprised of ruby, rainbow moonstone, pink sapphires and morganite set in 14-karat gold, is perfect ($1,560). — **Cherry Tomato.** How happy does this color make you feel? I adore it and its vibrancy. But, because it is so much color, I opted for a neutral to offset it, in particular a nice, soft pink. This necklace from Ruta Reifen, comprised of ruby, rainbow moonstone, pink sapphires and morganite set in 14-karat gold, is perfect ($1,560).

<strong>Chili Oil.</strong> This color almost takes me into summer time—the heat of the afternoon, grilling, long days—but I’m going to let it stand on its own and keep it simple by pairing it with black. For that, I’ve complemented it with this necklace from Melis Goral’s “Dark” collection, featuring onyx and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold ($2,850). — **Chili Oil.** This color almost takes me into summer time—the heat of the afternoon, grilling, long days—but I’m going to let it stand on its own and keep it simple by pairing it with black. For that, I’ve complemented it with this necklace from Melis Goral’s “Dark” collection, featuring onyx and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold ($2,850).

<strong>Emperador.</strong> I’m going to be honest here and say that I had to search a bit on this one for inspiration. I don’t wear brown and I don’t own a lot of brown items, but to me it made the most sense to liven this neutral up with the crisp, pretty whites of a pearl. These are the “Ada” earrings from Selin Kent featuring pearls about 10 mm in size with 0.25 carats of diamonds in 14-karat gold ($1,750). — **Emperador.** I’m going to be honest here and say that I had to search a bit on this one for inspiration. I don’t wear brown and I don’t own a lot of brown items, but to me it made the most sense to liven this neutral up with the crisp, pretty whites of a pearl. These are the “Ada” earrings from Selin Kent featuring pearls about 10 mm in size with 0.25 carats of diamonds in 14-karat gold ($1,750).

<strong>Lime Punch.</strong> While I like this color, it’s a lot. I can’t imagine pairing it with any other colors than a neutral. To tone it down, I like it with a dark gray or black, like the spinel in this Syna necklace set in 18-karat yellow gold ($1,350). — **Lime Punch.** While I like this color, it’s a lot. I can’t imagine pairing it with any other colors than a neutral. To tone it down, I like it with a dark gray or black, like the spinel in this Syna necklace set in 18-karat yellow gold ($1,350).

<strong>Little Boy Blue.</strong> This color reminds me of a slightly darker version of Serenity, which was <a href="fashion/style/1652-11-pieces-in-pantone-s-colors-of-the-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">one of two colors of the year for 2016</a>. But rather than pair it with a soft, warm color, I decided to give it the same-family treatment and put it with a darker, deeper blue. It’s pictured here with Theresa Kaz Jewelry’s 18-karat gold “Sunburst” ring, which features a halo of diamonds and rays of tapered baguettes sapphires around a moonstone center that perfectly accents the colors ($3,200). — **Little Boy Blue.** This color reminds me of a slightly darker version of Serenity, which was one of two colors of the year for 2016. But rather than pair it with a soft, warm color, I decided to give it the same-family treatment and put it with a darker, deeper blue. It’s pictured here with Theresa Kaz Jewelry’s 18-karat gold “Sunburst” ring, which features a halo of diamonds and rays of tapered baguettes sapphires around a moonstone center that perfectly accents the colors ($3,200).

<strong>Meadowlark.</strong> This shade is so quintessentially spring, and I can’t wait to see the flowers it mimics blooming around the city. Using a good color-blocking rule, I love to pair warm shades with the cooler ones on the opposite side of the color wheel, so I’m putting Meadowlark with this ring from Jeffrey Bilgore featuring a 10.92-carat blue sapphire and diamonds set in platinum (price available upon request). — **Meadowlark.** This shade is so quintessentially spring, and I can’t wait to see the flowers it mimics blooming around the city. Using a good color-blocking rule, I love to pair warm shades with the cooler ones on the opposite side of the color wheel, so I’m putting Meadowlark with this ring from Jeffrey Bilgore featuring a 10.92-carat blue sapphire and diamonds set in platinum (price available upon request).

<strong>Pink Lavender.</strong> I gave this shade—which resembles a darker <a href="fashion/style/1652-11-pieces-in-pantone-s-colors-of-the-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rose Quartz</a>, no?—the same-family treatment as well and paired with a sister shade that’s slightly richer. It’s seen here with Moritz Glik earrings featuring 2.3 carats of pink sapphires, 1.65 carats of amethyst and 0.12 carats of diamonds set and enclosed between double-domed white sapphire crystals in 18-karat rose gold ($4,400). — **Pink Lavender.** I gave this shade—which resembles a darker Rose Quartz, no?—the same-family treatment as well and paired with a sister shade that’s slightly richer. It’s seen here with Moritz Glik earrings featuring 2.3 carats of pink sapphires, 1.65 carats of amethyst and 0.12 carats of diamonds set and enclosed between double-domed white sapphire crystals in 18-karat rose gold ($4,400).

<strong>Spring Crocus.</strong> I flock to a purple of this shade pretty often. Just as the name suggests, I’m taking inspiration from the flower itself, with a purple outside and a vibrant yellow to go with it. These are M. Spalten’s “Starburst” studs, featuring princess-cut yellow sapphires and diamonds set in 18-karat yellow gold ($1,240). — **Spring Crocus.** I flock to a purple of this shade pretty often. Just as the name suggests, I’m taking inspiration from the flower itself, with a purple outside and a vibrant yellow to go with it. These are M. Spalten’s “Starburst” studs, featuring princess-cut yellow sapphires and diamonds set in 18-karat yellow gold ($1,240).

<strong>Ultra Violet.</strong> Ah, Ultra Violet, the star of 2018. I saw a lot of positive responses when Pantone announced this as <a href="fashion/style/6107-pantone-deems-ultra-violet-the-color-of-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the color of the year</a>; I think pinks and purples have really been speaking to people lately (a lot of what I heard in Tucson affirmed this.) In that vein, I’m color blocking it with a vibrant pink—Campbellian Collection’s ring featuring a 10.54-carat pink tourmaline at center accented with 1.57 carats of pink spinel and 0.58 carats of diamonds in platinum and 18-karat white gold ($9,000). — **Ultra Violet.** Ah, Ultra Violet, the star of 2018. I saw a lot of positive responses when Pantone announced this as the color of the year; I think pinks and purples have really been speaking to people lately (a lot of what I heard in Tucson affirmed this.) In that vein, I’m color blocking it with a vibrant pink—Campbellian Collection’s ring featuring a 10.54-carat pink tourmaline at center accented with 1.57 carats of pink spinel and 0.58 carats of diamonds in platinum and 18-karat white gold ($9,000).

For the first time, Pantone released a “classic color palette,” since the classics are a mainstay for so many wardrobes. The four neutral shades are also meant to dominate the season, providing a wearable counterpart to the vibrant group of 12 shown above.

Some of these classics are just begging for pops of color.

The classic color palette

<strong>Coconut Milk.</strong> A blog about spring colors didn’t seem right without the vibrant look of Paraiba tourmaline in it, so I was more than happy to slip the gemstone in here to give this white a boost. This ring from Sutra features 8 total carats of Paraiba and 5 carats of diamonds in 18-karat white gold (price available upon request). — **Coconut Milk.** A blog about spring colors didn’t seem right without the vibrant look of Paraiba tourmaline in it, so I was more than happy to slip the gemstone in here to give this white a boost. This ring from Sutra features 8 total carats of Paraiba and 5 carats of diamonds in 18-karat white gold (price available upon request).

<strong>Harbor Mist.</strong> I thought this color would mix well with any piece that also had slight gray undertones to it. This heart ring from Hi June Parker Fine Jewelry’s Plaza collection, featuring tanzanite and sapphires set in 14-karat yellow gold, is perfect ($2,335). — **Harbor Mist.** I thought this color would mix well with any piece that also had slight gray undertones to it. This heart ring from Hi June Parker Fine Jewelry’s Plaza collection, featuring tanzanite and sapphires set in 14-karat yellow gold, is perfect ($2,335).

<strong>Sailor Blue.</strong> There was something about this deep blue/deep maroon pairing that I couldn’t get out of my head once I saw it; it’s rich and luscious. I’ve partnered this navy with an Omi Prive ring featuring a no-heat 4.01-carat ruby from Mozambique and diamonds in platinum and 18-karat yellow gold ($320,000). — **Sailor Blue.** There was something about this deep blue/deep maroon pairing that I couldn’t get out of my head once I saw it; it’s rich and luscious. I’ve partnered this navy with an Omi Prive ring featuring a no-heat 4.01-carat ruby from Mozambique and diamonds in platinum and 18-karat yellow gold ($320,000).

<strong>Warm Sand.</strong> There are plenty of organic, earthy brown stones that deserve some love, so I thought a lighter sand color would be perfect to pair them with. Here, Warm Sand is color blocked with these Dalseen Jewellery boulder opal and 18-karat rose gold earrings (£13,000, or about $18,200). — **Warm Sand.** There are plenty of organic, earthy brown stones that deserve some love, so I thought a lighter sand color would be perfect to pair them with. Here, Warm Sand is color blocked with these Dalseen Jewellery boulder opal and 18-karat rose gold earrings (£13,000, or about $18,200).

Banner will be right here …

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

The Latest

MajorsFeb 05, 2026

Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated Jewelry

The introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.

Lenore Fedow

Entrance to the Jwaneng diamond mine in Botswana

SourcingFeb 05, 2026

De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another Writedown

It would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.

Michelle Graff

IndependentsFeb 05, 2026

Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring

The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.

Michelle Graff

Brought to you by

The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

Marco Bicego Paradise Amethyst Long Necklace

CollectionsFeb 05, 2026

Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple Paradise

The “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.

Natalie Francisco

Weekly QuizFeb 05, 2026

This Week’s Quiz

Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.

Take the Quiz

Watches of Switzerland Regent Street London store

FinancialsFeb 05, 2026

Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3

The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.

Lenore Fedow

ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026

January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold

Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.

Sherry Smith

Brought to you by

How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

MajorsFeb 04, 2026

What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s Bankruptcy

From how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.

Lenore Fedow

Jacquie Aiche Raw Amethyst Cluster Starburst Diamond Ring

TrendsFeb 04, 2026

Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone Bliss

Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.

Amanda Gizzi

MajorsFeb 04, 2026

Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing Director

The Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.

Natalie Francisco

Bryan Cowan, Thomas Schwartz, Liliana Estrella

MajorsFeb 04, 2026

Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership Team

The manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.

Lenore Fedow

Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026

Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make Deal

President Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.

Michelle Graff

Jade Trau Spring Summer 2026 Collection Campaign

CollectionsFeb 03, 2026

Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces Rondelles

The designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.

Natalie Francisco

Casio Headquarters Jersey City, New Jersey

WatchesFeb 03, 2026

Casio America Calls Jersey City Home

The watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Natalie Francisco

SourcingFeb 03, 2026

Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone Marketplace

The company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.

Lauren McLemore

GradingFeb 02, 2026

IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories

IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.

Michelle Graff

CrimeFeb 02, 2026

Ylang 23’s Dallas Store Burglarized

The Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.

Lenore Fedow

Silver, Gold, and Bronze Medals for 2026 Winter Olympics

CollectionsFeb 02, 2026

2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes Unity

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.

Natalie Francisco

Dawn dish soap, Dove soap, M&M candy, Tylenol

SurveysJan 30, 2026

These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGov

From tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.

Lenore Fedow

CollectionsJan 30, 2026

Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ Ring

The “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.

Natalie Francisco

MajorsJan 30, 2026

Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is Here

The catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.

Natalie Francisco

CollectionsJan 29, 2026

Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s Day

The chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”

Lenore Fedow

Step-cut Colombian emerald ring London Jewels Bonhams

AuctionsJan 29, 2026

These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025

The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.

Lauren McLemore

SourcingJan 29, 2026

Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced Gemstones

Any gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.

Lauren McLemore

WatchesJan 29, 2026

Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in Atlanta

The Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”

Natalie Francisco

SourcingJan 28, 2026

Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in Tucson

The new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.

Lauren McLemore

Load More14435

These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes

De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal Diamonds

6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026

Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s Next

Color-Blocked Looks: Pairing Spring Shades with Gemstones

Editors' Picks

The Latest