The results are in, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, an invigorating yellow, are Pantone Colors of the Year. According to the Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, these dynamic duos are "Practical and rock-solid, but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit." 

What Is Pantone Color of the Year?

The Pantone Color Institute is a research and consulting agency that provides color trend analysis and advises companies on how color impacts brand identity and product development. Established in 2000, the organization has become a leading global authority on color expertise. Research starts in early spring and takes approximately nine months to complete.  As stated by the institute, the Color of the Year provides "…a color snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of mood and an attitude." 

Pantone chooses colors that will impact the national market, dictating color choices from fashion to art, travel to entertainment, social media to product packaging. The jewelry community is no different, looking to Color of the Year to provide direction for their upcoming collections. When purchasing fine jewelry, buyers fill their cases following what designers are featuring.  

Past Pantone Jewelry Trends

Last Year's Pantone Color of the Year, Classic Blue, had jewelers swooning over blue sapphire, aquamarine, and opal. Peridot and green tourmaline shined in 2017 Color of the Year, Greenery. And 2012's Tangerine Tango inspired jewelry designers to showcase fire opals, Mandarin garnet, and coral.

Only the second time in 20 years has the Pantone Institute chosen two colors to represent the Year's color. In 2016, Rose Quartz and tranquil blue Serenity were selected. Leatrice Eisman, the Executive Director, felt blending the two colors showed a sense of balance of order and peace. Today, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating yellow are viewed as representing optimism and strength to provide harmony in a time of uncertainty. 

Ultimate grey is showing up in Tahitian pearls, diamonds, and enamel. White gold, platinum, and silver are adding a metallic twist to the dominating yellow gold movement. Mixing and matching metals while highlighting vibrant yellow gemstones creates a sense of symmetry and equilibrium. What a perfect way to navigate through 2021! 

TOP PANTONE JEWELRY PICKS OF 2021

Rock Your Grey and Golden Pearls

Alternate Moonstone and Citrine

Don't Forget Diamonds!

Other Gemstones and Unusual Material