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Pantone’s 2013 color of the year has ‘kind of been forgotten over the past 10 years’

BY MARLENE MONTANEZ

Lively.

Radiant.

Lush

. . . A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.

So says Pantone of the selection of the 2013 color of the year: emerald. The color is bold and vivacious, which is why jewelry designers have also become captivated by this glorious green gemstone with more fervor.

While Tangerine Tango, Pantone’s 2012 color of the year, was ever-present in fashion and home decor, Emerald has transcended fast-fashion and is making a comeback in the luxury jewelry market.

“We’re certainly seeing a lot more emerald and deep green-colored stones out there in the jewelry world,” says Scott Gauthier, one of the world’s top gemstone collectors and owner and designer of Jewelry by Gauthier. He adds, “Emerald has kind of been forgotten over the past 10 years. It is a super dynamic color, very fresh and very natural. I think people are looking for that ‘wow’ factor out of a gemstone and emerald certainly delivers.”

Without a doubt, emerald is not a stone for the faint of heart; the gemstone makes a boldly elegant statement. “People who are fashion-forward are interested in wearing the trend, but also those people who consider it a classic stone and color. It has tremendous history and importance in the jewelry world,” Gauthier says.

The popularity of emeralds can be traced back thousands of years and has often been a favorite among royals and celebrities. Emerald was the favored gemstone of Cleopatra—and who could forget Elizabeth Taylor’s fondness for it?

When comparing carat for carat, a fine emerald gemstone is oftentimes more valuable than a diamond. And its versatility is undoubtedly part of its popularity.

“Emerald is spectacular on fair skin, dark skin, blondes, brunettes and really stunning on redheads. Emerald is that stone that complements any skin tone and hair color,” Gauthier says.

Traditionally, emerald has been set in yellow-gold but newer designs are showcasing emerald in white-gold settings, which Gauthier says enhance its drama.

The color trend has also brought other deep green-hued gemstones into the spotlight. “There are a lot of stones with similar deep green coloring that are having their moment right now. Tsavorite from Kenya and Paraiba, Copper Bearing and Mozambique Tourmalines are all examples,” Gauthier says.

-March 2013