2018 Color of the Year

Pantone's Color of the Year is Ultra Violet - a blue based purple. Pantone describes Ultra Violet as an enigmatic purple shade that evokes the inventive spirit and imaginative thinking that challenges the status quo.

​According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, from exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is to come.

The Pantone Color Institute, most commonly referred to as simply Pantone, is the global color authority and provider of professional color standards for the design industries. These standards allow the exact same color to be used across a variety of products as diverse as home furnishings, paint, cosmetics, clothing, and linens.

Here are just a few of the many purple gemstones that will be featured in jewelry this year.

​Amethyst (left) is the ideal Ultra Violet gemstone in both color and meaning. It symbolizes piety, humility, sincerity and spiritual wisdom. It is believed that amethyst has the power to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken intelligence. Amethyst is also thought to prevent drunkenness.

Kunzite is light violet in color. It is believed to increase intuitive powers and to protect against harmful spirits.

Lepidolite (right) is a form of mica and comes in soft shades of lilac. It is thought to foster peaceful and calming energies.

​Sugilite ranges from pale lavender to deep violet. It is said to encourage peace of mind and reduce stress.

​In addition to gemstones, crystal, glass and cubic zirconia beads will abound in this complex deep purple.

Regardless of your budget, you'll be able to find just the right piece of jewelry in the 2018 Color of the Year - Ultra Violet.