Red and Beyond: Exploring Complementary Colors in Jewellery

Color is one of the essential elements in any design theory. Whether you are designing a home or jewellery, choosing the right color combinations is pivotal in delivering maximum visual impact. Therefore, consider design when creating or choosing a piece of jewellery if you want to stand out. In this article, you will discover the importance of colors and what to consider when choosing what colors complement best.

Impact of Color on Jewellery

Color is a visual component in jewellery design. And color attracts attention. Therefore, it is one of the first few things to consider when designing jewellery, aside from the material. All jewellery designers study the basics of color concepts and their theories to be well-informed in choosing the best color combinations.

Therefore, designers base their choices on the visual language of color to pick the colors and what goes best with their primary color choice.

Aside from capturing the attention of its beholder, there is more to color in jewellery design than simply attracting attention. The color of jewellery is also critical when coordinating your jewellery options with your fashion or style. It limits what you can and cannot wear with that particular jewellery based on its color (among other design elements).

Choosing the right jewellery color.

Re-Learning the Color Theories

As mentioned, it is essential to return to the basic concepts surrounding color theory to understand better what color combinations work best in jewellery design. Color theory refers to studying colors and their interaction with other colors. It considers the physical, emotional, and mental influence that colors have on human perception. Because of this, color theory is closely linked to color psychology. It has the same impact when choosing color for branding; different colors create different audience perceptions, which requires careful consideration of which colors to use.

The same concept works with jewellery making and design. However, it also entails analyzing the concept of color harmony to ensure that if you are using more than one color in the design that they complement each other instead of clashing. Creating a sense of harmony through colors in jewellery making adds to its visual appeal. 

When in doubt, refer to the color wheel, which can be a fundamental tool for jewellery design. Artists and designers might have access to modern technological tools, but nothing beats the color wheel in helping develop visually appealing and harmonious designs. 

Best Color Combinations in jewellery

Using the concept of color theory and color harmony, there are a few notable color combinations that you can rely on when designing jewellery. These combinations are based on the complementary color schemes on the color wheel. Some colors are directly opposite to each other on the color wheel, but the contrast works to attract more attention. 

  1. Red and Green

Red and green is a classic complementary color combination used in jewellery making. It is especially popular in Western designs because these colors add a festive vibe to your outfit. 

While this is a classic combination, only a few people like to wear jewellery in these colors due to their high contrast. If you wear jewellery that features these colors, make sure to balance it out by wearing neutral tones. That way, you give the jewellery a chance to stand out without taking attention away from your fashion attire.

  1. Pinks and Greens

The beautiful contrast of the pink hues with the natural element of green is a stunning combination in jewellery. These colors reflect the bounty of nature, and they are a great way to celebrate the natural wonder. You can choose jewellery that features the soft yet vibrant hues of flowers and the earthy tones from the leaves. You can also take inspiration from the mesmerizing sky to create a winning color palette. 

Look around you and get inspiration from the surroundings to create the best color combinations in jewellery.

  1. Yellow and Blue

While these two colors are not directly opposite on the color wheel, they are part of the complementary color schemes. Thus, you can use this color combination to deliver a bold and high-contrast style statement with jewellery. This combination might not be commonly used in jewellery making, but if you can pull it off, it can help you create daring and unique styles that stand out.

Color combination in jewellery.

Tips When Choosing Color Combinations in jewellery

Color theory is an excellent reference point for when you need to experiment with various color combinations for jewellery design. If you still need to figure out if specific colors work together, here are tips that will help you pick them with confidence.

  • Ideally, add a warm and cool color to your jewellery design. It helps to balance out the colors so both colors don’t end up vying for attention.
  • Pick the base color first, and then choose a color that complements it best. The base color will serve as the focal point of the jewellery design. 
  • Stick to two colors whenever possible. A third color would make it seem overdone.
  • Understand and analyze the roles of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors to help choose the best colors for jewellery and deliver captivating hues.
  • Prioritize balance and proportion. Good design is all about balance and choosing colors that guide the eyes toward the piece, not turn them away.
  • Test and adjust. Visualize the color palette of the jewellery and assess how the colors interact with each other before sticking to a particular color combination.
  • Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. There are classic color combinations for a reason, but you can also experiment with new and daring color combinations. Unexpected pairings can result in stellar and unique pieces. 

Color is integral in fashion design, and the same goes for making jewellery. Since the wearer will consider the color of the jewellery when buying it, it is crucial to offer eye-catching color combinations that transform a simple jewellery piece into a wearable work of art.