It’s not so much that Pantone’s selection of Viva Magenta as its Color of the Year has inspired the jewelry world to put out similarly colored designs. Rather, the hue’s recent time in the spotlight has inspired many of us to revisit gemstones we’ve long loved and admired—a reddish-pink renaissance of sorts.
If you really think about it, much of the industry has long had a fascination with precisely this color (and neighboring shades). Ruby, spinel, tourmaline, garnet—are all perfectly popular options among consumers and creators alike.
In the everyday rush, Viva Magenta has just given us the opportunity to really slow down and appreciate them, especially because there really are so many beautiful colored gemstones to choose from.
That’s exactly what the Mumbai, India–based VAK Jewels had in mind when it curated a selection of pieces to celebrate the color authority’s announcement.
“At VAK, we inherently believe in slow luxury, and that’s why we have embraced it as our design ethos—we tend to steer clear of trends,” says VAK founder and designer Vishal Kothari. “Rubies and spinels are among my favorite gems and often find their way into my work, so it turned out to be a pleasant surprise that Pantone’s color forecast for this year has a color tone similar to the pinkish-red spinels and rubies that I love to use in my pieces, especially in the Eternal Garden, Arches of Heaven, and Architectural Splendor lines. Even the Unchained hoop collection features rubies set in pink gold that coincidentally draw on the hues of Viva Magenta. I am adding new pieces in spinels and rubies this spring but only because I love the rich color of the spinel beads, spinel stones, and vivid rubies.”
Clearly a love for this juicy color came long before Pantone’s declaration, but will it grow in abundance as a result?
“I am working towards the Ataya exhibition that’s scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi this February,” says Kothari. “It would be interesting to see if the Pantone forecast has fueled a resurgence for gemstones in the Pantone color palette in the region.”
Top: Arch of Heaven ring in 18k white gold with ruby, portrait-cut diamonds, and brilliant-cut diamonds, price on request
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