Why Blue And Green Gems Are The Most Flattering Jewels For Any Skin Tone
From on-trend turquoise to elegant aquamarines and bold emeralds, these are the jewels that will complement any complexion
Take a look at the jewels chosen for red-carpet arrivals or any blockbuster press tour, and you will see that A-listers almost always err toward jewels in green and blue tones; there is rarely a ruby in sight. While orange, red and even pink jewels tend to compete with the complexion (and most gowns, for that matter), blue and green hues flatter rather than fight for the limelight.
In fact, blue and green gems adapt to the nuances of different skin tones thanks to their place in color-wheel theory. Sitting across from pink and peach allows them to complement light complexions while also providing a striking contrast to the warm, brown base of darker skin. Admire a deep-blue sapphire or rich-green emerald upon Anne Hathaway’s alabaster décolletage, then compare similar stones on Zendaya, and it’s easy to see how effortlessly their shades can morph.
Color psychology makes these gems subconsciously appealing, too. Peer into the verdant splendor of an emerald or the lake-like depths of an aquamarine, and it’s impossible not to conjure imagery from the natural world – oceans, forests, skies and seas inherently bring a sense of calm. These nature-derived hues have enchanted us for thousands of years and remain just as mesmerizing today.
Each gemstone does, however, bring its own character to the table. Sapphires offer perhaps the most universal blue, long associated with royalty, nobility, wisdom, and loyalty. Hear “sapphire” and we immediately think of true-blue stones such as Catherine, Princess of Wales’s Garrard sapphire engagement ring, but blue sapphires come in myriad shades – from pale cornflower to inky indigo. They are also ultra-durable, making them practical for your everyday jewelry wardrobe: turn to Anita Ko, Spinelli Kilcollin and Marla Aaron for chic, daily-wear designs.
GARRARD1735 platinum, sapphire and diamond earrings
ANITA KO18-karat gold sapphire necklace
YVONNE LÉONPoire 9-karat gold sapphire ring
Turquoise, meanwhile, offers a different energy. A natural hardstone, it is opaque but ranges anywhere from robin’s-egg blue to a striking teal tone. Its association with sparkling waters automatically conjures exotic shores – making it the perfect addition to a summer jewelry capsule – though a statement piece can also be worn with a chunky sweater come fall. Look to L’Atelier Nawbar, Sydney Evan and Yvonne Léon for contemporary turquoise designs that can be worn all year round.
Aquamarine provides a softer take on a sea-inspired blue and its scintillating facets make it the perfect jewel to accompany diamonds after dark. Ileana Makri’s ‘Atlantis’ cocktail ring showcases a stellar 12-carat emerald-cut iteration, while Irene Neuwirth’s 18-karat gold multi-stone bracelet pairs aquamarines with chrysoprase and prehnite, illustrating how easily blue and green tones can be set and styled together.
ILEANA MAKRI18-karat gold, turquoise and tsavorite earrings
IRENE NEUWIRTHGemmy Gem 18-karat gold, tourmaline and aquamarine ring
L'ATELIER NAWBARBoa Stackable set of two 18-karat gold, diamond and turquoise rings
SYDNEY EVANEternity 14-karat gold, diamond and turquoise bracelet
One of the most highly prized gemstone colors is the classic, velvety green of emeralds. Coveted for their color saturation, emeralds are associated with vitality, rebirth and fresh starts, making them an especially elegant choice for milestone jewels – David Morris’s ‘Frozen Kiss’ would make an extra-special investment piece to celebrate a major moment. Emeralds are also ideal for those who admire vintage-inspired designs – Marlo Laz’s ‘Alexandra’ necklace and By Pariah’s ‘Aurora’ ring combine yellow gold with blackened white gold and rhodium for an eclectic, antique feel.
DAVID MORRISFrozen Kiss 18-karat white gold, diamond and emerald ring
MARLO LAZ14-karat yellow and white gold, emerald and diamond necklace
BY PARIAHAurora 14-karat recycled gold, diamond and emerald ring
IRENE NEUWIRTHHeroic 18-karat gold emerald necklace
Those looking for a wider range of green hues should turn to Marisa Klass, who has mastered tourmalines. The Canadian designer’s tiger’s-eye bead necklace is strung with a suite of these slightly lesser-known stones, ranging from fresh grass green to deeper, sumptuous shades. Another unusual semi-precious choice is opal – a mystical gemstone that gleams with rainbow-like flecks, perfectly paired with a bold emerald and dazzling diamonds in Suzanne Kalan’s multi-stone necklace. While large opals should be reserved for occasional wear, as they are delicate, soft gems, small studs – such as Mateo’s opal and diamond earrings – will easily add zing to an everyday look for all skin tones.
MARISA KLASS18-karat yellow gold, tourmaline and tiger's eye necklace
SUZANNE KALAN18-karat gold multi-stone necklace
MATEO14-karat gold, opal and diamond earrings
IRENE NEUWIRTHGemmy Gem 18-karat gold tourmaline hoop earrings
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