Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year Unveiled: A New Gemstone Trend Setter!

David Morris
Padparadscha sapphire, diamond, and pearl set
Necklace can be detached as a brooch

Fashion-forward trendsetters surely haven’t missed the big news in the fashion world recently: Pantone, with years of expertise in the color realm, has just announced the 2024 Color of the Year — “Peach Fuzz.” Upon its release, its inherent fashionable attributes and topical nature have brought new directions to popular trends across multiple design industries.

It seems that in the coming year, “warmth” and “healing” will become powerful keywords representing people’s attitudes towards life.

Alaïa
Brand's 2024 Spring Collection
Alaïa
Brand’s 2024 Spring Collection
Atelier de Production et de Création (A.P.C.)
Brand's 2024 Spring Collection
Atelier de Production et de Création (A.P.C.)
Brand’s 2024 Spring Collection
Willie Norris wearing Outlier
Brand's 2024 Spring Collection
Willie Norris wearing Outlier
Brand’s 2024 Spring Collection

The “peachy” color softens everyone’s heart. Indeed, in the official description, “Peach Fuzz” represents people’s desire to care for themselves and others, embodying a highly inclusive spirit that enriches the inner world.

Unlike this year’s vibrant “Viva Magenta,” the new color possesses a soft, warm sense of power, bringing positive energy and satisfying people’s increasingly diverse emotional needs.

Regarding this new color release, Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, stated: “Today’s fast-paced, noisy life often emphasizes productivity and external achievements, but the authentic expression of the inner self is equally important.

Everyone needs moments to breathe, spark creativity, and feel close and cared for. People are gradually shifting their focus to physical and mental health and comfort, cherishing precious things like spending warm moments with family and friends, or reserving some alone time for themselves.”

Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute
Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute

It is this emotional need pointing towards inner values that guided Pantone’s color experts to explore “Peach Fuzz” as a representation of physical and mental health and well-being. Situated between pink and orange, this sensitive and sincere hue evokes passionate emotions, expressing a desire for closeness with loved ones, a resonance with listening to oneself, and the tranquility and joy of enjoying solitude.

Like a warm and enthusiastic embrace, its soft touch brings hope and anticipation for the future.

"Peach Fuzz" Color Palette Series
“Peach Fuzz” Color Palette Series

As a member of the warm color family, “Peach Fuzz” is highly inclusive. Some might ask, can we find this color in the jewelry world? Undoubtedly, nature is a genius at mastering colors, and there are countless gemstones that match the 2024 color trend, each with its unique charm. Let’s explore their multifaceted brilliance!

Choice 1

The Elegant – Padparadscha

Unlike the deep “Royal Blue” that explores a single blue color from all angles, Padparadscha focuses more on the proportion and harmony of colors.

Only when pink and orange are skillfully blended does it present the vibrant color that fascinates many. With a production rate of only 1% of rubies, Padparadscha’s rarity is evident, and to match the “Peach Fuzz” aesthetic, the proportion requirements for the two colors are even stricter.

Padparadscha with pink-orange hues
From the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF)
Padparadscha with pink-orange hues
From the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF)

Padparadscha forms its unique pink-orange color only when trace amounts of chromium oxide and nickel oxide are added during growth, and the color proportion of pink or orange must be within the 30% to 70% range. For example, when orange and pink are 60% and 40% respectively, it’s called “sunset color,” and vice versa for “sunrise color.”

A Padparadscha with a 50-50 split of pink and orange is considered ideal, more visually striking and rarer, naturally increasing its value significantly.

Padparadscha color chart
Invented and drawn by F.Notari, 1996
Padparadscha color chart
Invented and drawn by F.Notari, 1996

Not only does it align with future color trends, but Padparadscha has long been famous in the gemstone world for its bright and passionate character:

Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring features an unheated Padparadscha, its auction prices have been soaring in recent years, and it frequently appears in high jewelry collections… Undoubtedly, it has become a favorite among seasoned collectors and luxury brands. If pink-orange hues become more popular in 2024, Padparadscha’s popularity might surge even further.

5.52-carat Natural Sri Lankan Padparadscha and Diamond Ring
Sotheby's Hong Kong auction, October 2017
Estimate: 3,800,000 - 5,000,000 HKD
Sold for: 6,100,000 HKD
5.52-carat Natural Sri Lankan Padparadscha and Diamond Ring
Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction, October 2017
Estimate: 3,800,000 – 5,000,000 HKD
Sold for: 6,100,000 HKD

Choice 2

The Vibrant – Pink and Orange Tourmaline

Tourmaline is called “the rainbow that fell to earth,” and finding colors that match “Peach Fuzz” in this gemstone family is not difficult. The range of choices in brightness, saturation, and hue is quite vast, and it has the special property of pleochroism, making it common to see two colors wonderfully interwoven in a single tourmaline.

Peach-colored tourmaline weighing 8.67 carats
From Pamir Gems company
Peach-colored tourmaline weighing 8.67 carats
From Pamir Gems company

Orange-pink tourmalines present another kind of vibrant charm, with the two colors blending to create a strong visual impact, more eye-catching if the color is intense. Tiffany & Co., known for interpreting classic series with different gemstones, once incorporated this hue of tourmaline into their “Bird on a Rock” brooch, injecting new vitality into the master design, making it bright and eye-catching.

Tiffany & Co.
"Bird on a Rock" brooch, set with a pink-orange tourmaline
Sotheby's Hong Kong auction, July 2022
Estimate: 90,000 - 180,000 HKD
Sold for: 756,000 HKD
Tiffany & Co.
“Bird on a Rock” brooch, set with a pink-orange tourmaline
Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction, July 2022
Estimate: 90,000 – 180,000 HKD
Sold for: 756,000 HKD

Champagne-colored tourmalines with orange-yellow hues and high brightness also align well with the 2024 color trend, giving a soft feeling like a peach. Many jewelry designers use it to interpret natural themes, showcasing a gentle and elegant high-end charm.

Lisa Nik Jewelry
18K gold tourmaline ring
Set with an 8.1-carat champagne-colored tourmaline
Lisa Nik Jewelry
18K gold tourmaline ring
Set with an 8.1-carat champagne-colored tourmaline

Choice 3

The Delicate – Morganite

Within the same family as emerald and aquamarine, morganite also offers soft and romantic “Peach Fuzz” hues. The manganese element inside gives morganite a range of colors from orange-pink, peach-pink, and salmon to light pink. Its high clarity and tendency to form large crystals make its colors even fresher. Regardless of the wearer’s age, it can showcase unique feminine charm.

Morganite, from Doris Hangartner Jewelry
Morganite, from Doris Hangartner Jewelry

Some believe that morganite’s color can soothe irritable and tense moods, aligning well with the 2024 color trend’s pursuit of inner peace – it’s an emotional color. No wonder even the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, who has seen many rare treasures, can’t resist its clear quality, often wearing minimalist jewelry featuring light-colored morganite at various events.

The Duchess of Cambridge has worn Kiki McDonough morganite and diamond earrings on multiple public appearances
The Duchess of Cambridge has worn Kiki McDonough morganite and diamond earrings on multiple public appearances

The subtle color variations of morganite mean it has infinite pairing possibilities, which is why it often appears in high jewelry. Whether as a dazzling center stone or in multi-stone combinations, it can echo themes and display different charms. This year, Mikimoto used morganite to create a naturally colorful coral reef landscape, alternating with other gemstones of similar colors to form rich layers.

Mikimoto
Praise to the Sea high jewelry series necklace
Morganite, topaz, garnet, colored sapphires, diamonds
Mikimoto
Praise to the Sea high jewelry series necklace
Morganite, topaz, garnet, colored sapphires, diamonds

Choice 4

The Gentle – Pink Coral

Among organic gemstones, pink and orange hues are also shining stars. For instance, the “Angel Skin” and “Baby Face” corals in Momo coral. Since its discovery in 1965, “Angel Skin” coral quickly became popular in Europe, at one point even surpassing traditional red coral in status.

Buccellati high jewelry series ring
Set with a 13.47-carat light pink coral
Buccellati high jewelry series ring
Set with a 13.47-carat light pink coral

This lively orange-pink quality has fascinated many designers, with coral appearing in various forms across many jewelry brands. In Van Cleef & Arpels’ new works this year, you can see coral close to the “Peach Fuzz” hue. What’s special is that this brooch retains the original growth form, giving it a more natural feel.

Van Cleef & Arpels
Le Grand Tour high jewelry series
Feuillage enchanté brooch
18K yellow gold, pink sapphires, "Angel Skin" coral
Van Cleef & Arpels
Le Grand Tour high jewelry series
Feuillage enchanté brooch
18K yellow gold, pink sapphires, “Angel Skin” coral

Choice 5

The Textured – Conch Pearl

The “Salmon Pink” in conch pearls is also a striking choice that aligns well with the 2024 color trend. Its unique flame pattern is what sets it apart from other gemstones. In 2024, it might shine even brighter, stunning everyone.

Guild Gemological Laboratory
Color grading of "Salmon Pink" conch pearls
Guild Gemological Laboratory
Color grading of “Salmon Pink” conch pearls
Sarah Ho designed multi-color conch pearl, pearl, and diamond necklace
Sarah Ho designed multi-color conch pearl, pearl, and diamond necklace

Now that we’ve found gemstones matching the theme color, if you want to make a bolder statement, why not try popular color schemes to nail that trendy feel? Whether you’re a designer or a collector, knowing these pairing tips can make your “Peach Fuzz” jewelry stand out even more!

Contrasting Colors to Showcase Personality

Combining strongly contrasting, highly saturated colors with warm “Peach Fuzz” may seem abrupt, but it actually creates an unexpectedly striking visual effect. In contrast to each other, each hue becomes more rich and deep, displaying a variety of flavors. Pantone’s newly released “Flavor-Full” and “Hybrid Hues” color schemes exemplify this approach.

Pantone Hybrid Hues color scheme
Pantone Hybrid Hues color scheme
Pantone Flavor-Full color scheme
Pantone Flavor-Full color scheme

Don’t worry about finding corresponding colors; the gemstone world surpasses your imagination! You can boldly combine them to create lively, enthusiastic, or elegantly dynamic multi-color scenes. This is also a major highlight that makes many jewelry pieces stand out.

Louis Vuitton
Bavery II high jewelry series
Le Multipin theme bracelet and ring
Louis Vuitton
Bavery II high jewelry series
Le Multipin theme bracelet and ring

If the cool color is heavy and deep enough, just one can completely change the character of “Peach Fuzz”. For example, pairing with black and adding geometric shapes seems to instantly transport you to the Art Deco period, allowing the wearer to display an avant-garde and fashionable personality.

Temple & Grace Jewelry
18K gold, black enamel, diamond Octagon earrings
Temple & Grace Jewelry
18K gold, black enamel, diamond Octagon earrings

Matching Same Color Family for Instant Softness

In contrast, the “Peach Plethora” analogous color scheme creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. A single series of peach colors from light to dark, becoming increasingly vibrant, combines to form a “gentle” color scheme. This unique charm has inspired many designers to innovate without constraints.

Pantone Peach Plethora color scheme
Pantone Peach Plethora color scheme
Oscar Heyman
Pink and orange Padparadscha sapphire and diamond necklace
Oscar Heyman
Pink and orange Padparadscha sapphire and diamond necklace
Gübelin
Flaming Grace Padparadscha, sapphire, and diamond ring
Gübelin
Flaming Grace Padparadscha, sapphire, and diamond ring

In Tiffany’s recent new works, we can see the use of gradient peach colors. Padparadscha sapphires and tourmalines of varying depths in pink and orange are set to form the texture of a school of fish, as if leading us to swim in a vibrant and lively ocean.

Pairing with pink, yellow, and champagne-colored gemstones can also create a naturally gradient effect. Chaumet once used this color scheme to create a wonderful fantasy world, with vibrant colors arranged in a radial distribution alternating with diamonds, extending in a posture that gives infinite imagination.

Chaumet
Lueurs d'Orage high jewelry series brooch
Imperial topaz, Padparadscha sapphire, yellow sapphire, diamonds
Chaumet
Lueurs d’Orage high jewelry series brooch
Imperial topaz, Padparadscha sapphire, yellow sapphire, diamonds

Neutral Colors Make Colors Stand Out More

Neutral tones can enhance the “beauty” of happy, warm pink-orange colors. In jewelry, subdued colors like white, beige, and silver have always been classic, timeless traditional hues. They can elegantly and effectively highlight the brilliance of trendy colors.

De Beers
Portraits of Nature high jewelry series
Greater Flamingo ring
De Beers
Portraits of Nature high jewelry series
Greater Flamingo ring

Pure and transparent diamonds are versatile color “partners”. They neither risk overshadowing the main color tone nor fail to add sparkle to the entire piece of jewelry, allowing the charm of “Peach Fuzz” to fully bloom.

Pasquale Bruni Jewelry
Atelier Vento morganite and diamond earrings
Pasquale Bruni Jewelry
Atelier Vento morganite and diamond earrings

The gentle luster unique to pearls has also inspired many color masters. London jeweler David Morris paired beige and white pearls with pink-orange gemstones, creating stark contrasts in color, texture, and size, resulting in a three-dimensional piece rich in layers.

David Morris
Padparadscha sapphire, diamond, and pearl set
Necklace can be detached as a brooch
David Morris
Padparadscha sapphire, diamond, and pearl set
Necklace can be detached as a brooch

After seeing these “Peach Fuzz” examples from the gemstone world, can you find this healing, energetic warm color in your own jewelry box? If you don’t have trendy colored jewelry yet, act quickly! Catch the “early train” of fashion and become a jewelry fashion icon for the new year!

Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year Unveiled: A New Gemstone Trend Setter!