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

CrimeApr 22, 2026

New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American Jewelry

The pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.

Lenore Fedow

Roberta Flack: Style, Art, & Music Auction Bulgari Collar

AuctionsApr 22, 2026

Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for Auction

Julien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.

Natalie Francisco

Rachel King and The Tudor Heart book cover

CollectionsApr 22, 2026

British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’

Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

Lenore Fedow

Brought to you by

Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Henry Kessler, Vance Kessler, Alex Kessler, and Daniel Kessler of Sy Kessler Sales Inc.

Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026

Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas

The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.

Michelle Graff

Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026

This Week’s Quiz

Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.

Take the Quiz

Chanel Coco Game Haute Horlogerie Chessboard

WatchesApr 21, 2026

Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch Collection

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.

Natalie Francisco

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 winners collage

IndependentsApr 21, 2026

Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ Class

The annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.

Lenore Fedow

Brought to you by

Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

CrimeApr 21, 2026

Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYC

Seized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.

Michelle Graff

CrimeApr 20, 2026

Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop Owner

Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.

Michelle Graff

Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems Book Cover

TrendsApr 20, 2026

Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book

“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.

Natalie Francisco

Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026

Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the Road

The AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.

Lauren McLemore

MajorsApr 20, 2026

Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business Officer

The jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.

Lenore Fedow

Oscar Heyman Multi-Colored Tourmaline and Diamond Flower Necklace

TrendsApr 17, 2026

New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026

Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.

Natalie Francisco

MajorsApr 17, 2026

QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

The retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.

Lenore Fedow

CollectionsApr 17, 2026

Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your Shoulder

The “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.

Natalie Francisco

CrimeApr 17, 2026

FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of Gold

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.

Michelle Graff

WatchesApr 16, 2026

Cartier Brings Back the Roadster

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.

Lauren McLemore

Edge Retail Academy Ellen Gardner, Jennifer Motes, Mona Lisa Shaffer, Cindi Haddad Drew

IndependentsApr 16, 2026

Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership Team

As demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.

Lenore Fedow

MajorsApr 16, 2026

Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out Now

The “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.

Natalie Francisco

Screenshots of Episode 4 of the “My Next Question” podcast

PodcastsApr 15, 2026

Episode 4: The Natural Diamond Dilemma

Sally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.

MajorsApr 15, 2026

Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72

McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.

Michelle Graff

WatchesApr 15, 2026

These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026

Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Natalie Francisco

FinancialsApr 15, 2026

Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle Continues

The luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.

Lenore Fedow

SourcingApr 15, 2026

Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 Board

Kalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.

Lauren McLemore

TechnologyApr 15, 2026

This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award

“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.

Lauren McLemore

De Beers Desert Diamonds Bridal Campaign Imagery

SourcingApr 14, 2026

De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into Bridal

The campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.

Natalie Francisco

Load More14658

FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of Gold

De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into Bridal

These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026

Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher

Episode 4: The Natural Diamond Dilemma

Color-Blocked Looks: Pairing Spring Shades with Gemstones

Editors' Picks

The Latest