CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
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.
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
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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
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).
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).
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).
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).
More on Editors
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 11, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
