Color theory is both an art and a science that delves into how we perceive colors, how they interact with each other, and what messages they convey. As a jewellery designer, understanding color theory can help you tell your client's story, support their style, and develop your brand.

In color theory, colors are categorized into three groups: primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. The first color wheel was designed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666 and is still used by artists and designers today to develop color harmonies and palettes.

Terms you need to know:

Tints, Tones, and Shades

Tints, tones, and shades are variations of hues, or colors, on the color wheel. A tint is a hue to which white has been added, while a shade is a hue to which black has been added. A tone is a color to which black and white (or grey) have been added, resulting in a darker hue that appears more subtle and less intense.

Complementary Colors

Complementary colors are opposites on the color wheel, such as red and green. Because of the sharp contrast between these two colors, they can make imagery pop and create a striking visual effect.

Analogous Colors

Analogous colors are colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel, such as red, orange, and yellow. When creating an analogous color scheme, one color will dominate, one will support, and another will accent.

Triadic Colors

Triadic colors are evenly spaced around the color wheel and tend to be very bright and dynamic. Using a triadic color scheme in your marketing creates visual contrast and harmony simultaneously, making each item stand out while making the overall image pop.

When is comes to designing a collection or a one-off custom piece understanding colours helps me to make confident decisions around gemstone colour choices and metal combinations.

By understanding color theory, you can design jewellery that delivers maximum impact and emphasises the emotions that colors evoke in consumers.