It’s been a jewel-tone hit on the red carpet for some time, and now emerald green has officially taken hold of the fashion world given that PANTONE has dubbed it the Color of the Year for 2013.

The color authority, which surveys couture designers regarding their fave collection hues each season, revealed its annual choice this week, calling it “a lively, radiant, lush green.” Fashion designers Tracy Reese and Nanette Lepore are just two designers noted in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2013 who are incorporating emerald into their spring collections.

PANTONE 17-5641 officially replaces Tangerine Tango, the Color of the Year for 2012, described as a “spirited, reddish orange” that “provided the energy boost we needed to recharge and move forward,” according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Most often associated with precious gemstones, the perception of the color emerald is sophisticated and luxurious, and represents growth, healing, and new life in cultures worldwide. It’s also the color of renewal and prosperity, and enhances a sense of well-being and promotes balance and harmony.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature—the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” Eiseman told the press. “Symbolically, emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal, and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world.”

Even cosmetics brand Sephora and department store chain J.C. Penney are capitalizing on the Color of the Year by launching unique emerald-green collections. Jewelry store owners can do the same by showcasing cases of emerald jewels large and small, available across a wide range of prices, as well as offering complementary jewel tones for the influx of emerald green clothing that will be in stores by spring.

JCK