Spring 2008 Jewelry Colors
Gemstone Suggestions to Compliment and Create a Monochromatic Look
Learn how to combine garment and gemstone colors using a color wheel.
This is the third and final article about co-ordinating jewelry to Spring 2008 fashions. The first article discussed precious and base metal bracelet alternatives; the second, neck jewelry.
Three popular Spring 2008 colors have been chosen. The color wheel will be used to explain how to choose gemstone jewelry that will really pop when worn with those colors.
Think of a color wheel as your fashion friend. The proper use of one will guarantee that colors combined in an outfit will not appear garish or mismatched.
Suggestions will be given in this article for both monochromatic and complementary color combining.
- Monochromatic – the use of any variation of the same color. For example, periwinkle and navy.
- Complementary – the use of a color with the color that is shown exactly opposite to it on the color wheel. For example, blue and orange.
Runway shows and fashion magazines are showing three cool type colors. The color names shown below are taken from the Crayola crayon 64 pack:
Wisteria - a light gray/plum tone – think of lilacs. Referencing the color wheel the complimentary color for this tone is a tannish color. Possible complimentary gemstones include citrine, moonstone in a whitish/orange tone, tiger's eye and smoky quartz.
To create a monochromatic look wear wisteria with iolite. Iolite's hue is ideal while being a pretty inexpensive semi-precious gemstone. Bluish or blue/grey chalcedony is also a smart pick.
Granny Smith Apple - this is a darkish green muted shade. Complimentary gemstones would be those that are deep red such as ruby and garnet. Fire opal would also look great.
Jade, green tones of fluorite and emerald would create a stunning monochromatic look with this dark green shade.
Plum – a dark red/violet shade also known as aubergine. Complimentary gemstones would be those that are yellow/green. Jade and peridot are two complementary gemstone suggestions.
The best monochromatic gemstone for this shade is amethyst.
What about gray?
Neutral colors such as white and black are fashion constants, and gray is a combination of these two neutral colors. As they are neutral colors just about any colored gemstone will look great worn with these colors.
However, consider Alexander McQueen. This designer is showing gray for Spring 2008 (W magazine, December 2007 edition, page 112). One of his outfits is a gray, sleeveless shift made from a luxurious silk material with a subtle sheen. He paired the shift with a bright red obi-type belt. The color combination was stunning and totally eye catching.
Recreate this designer look by wearing inexpensive faceted ruby beads with any tone, hue or shade of gray.
