How to Accessorize Using the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year - Viva Magenta
A look back at Pantone's 2023 Viva Magenta and the rubellite, ruby, and garnet pieces that still wear beautifully today. For the current year, see our Cloud Dancer 2026 jewelry guide.
What Viva Magenta Was and Why It Still Matters
Pantone named Viva Magenta (PANTONE 18-1750) its 2023 Color of the Year in December 2022. The shade was positioned as a crimson red rooted in the cochineal dye family, bold but warm, with enough pink lean to flatter most skin tones. Three Color of the Year cycles have passed since (Peach Fuzz in 2024, Mocha Mousse in 2025, Cloud Dancer in 2026), yet Viva Magenta still reads contemporary because the gem world has carried red-pink saturation forward as a steady classic, not a fad.
The Gemological Institute of America notes that red and pink gem varieties owe their color to trace chromium and manganese in the crystal structure, and the strongest examples of rubellite, ruby, and rhodolite garnet are graded primarily on color saturation and tone rather than mass-market clarity grades. According to GIA grading criteria, top-color red stones command a measurable premium over commercial-grade material, which is why a well-cut Viva Magenta-era piece often outperforms a trend-driven purchase on resale.
Viva Magenta Gem Archetypes in the Ulka Rocks Collection
This is a modest archetype table built from live inventory in the ruby collection, garnet collection, and tourmaline collection at Ulka Rocks. Pieces rotate as one-of-a-kind work sells and new finds come back from Tucson and JCK Las Vegas, so use this as a price-tier guide rather than a fixed catalog.
| Archetype | Typical metal | Best for | Price range | What to look for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodolite Garnet Pendant or Bracelet | Sterling silver or 14k yellow gold | Everyday warm-red wear, layering with existing pieces | $450 to $1,000 | Raspberry-pink saturation, clean facets, secure bezel or prong setting |
| Ruby Pendant or Ring | 14k yellow gold, often with diamond accents | Statement daily wear, dinner and event jewelry | $1,200 to $2,500 | Even color across the stone, no obvious zoning, certificate for unheated material |
| Rubellite Tourmaline or Heirloom Ruby Necklace | 14k or 18k yellow gold | Investment, gifting, milestone occasions | $4,000 to $8,000 | Single saturated centerpiece, hand-finished setting, documented origin where available |
Browse the live ruby collection and garnet collection for current Viva Magenta-adjacent inventory.
How to Style Viva Magenta Pieces Today
The reason Viva Magenta still works in 2026 is that crimson red sits at the intersection of two enduring jewelry stories: classic ruby and the wider pink-red gem family. A few practical pairings.
Layer with warm metals
Yellow gold and rose gold both flatter the magenta-red tone. Sterling silver works too if the stone leans pinker (rhodolite garnet, lighter rubellite). Mixing metals is fine when the saturation of the stone carries the look.
Pair with neutrals from later Color of the Year picks
A rubellite pendant against a Cloud Dancer-inspired pearl strand is a clean way to bring a 2023 piece into a 2026 wardrobe. Mocha Mousse-toned smoky quartz or chocolate diamonds also pair well without competing.
Keep occasion in mind
Rhodolite garnet wears every day. Pigeon-blood ruby and high-saturation rubellite read as evening or statement. Match the archetype tier in the table above to how often you actually wear bold color.
Looking for a Viva Magenta-adjacent piece? Browse the ruby, garnet, and tourmaline collections, or send me a note through the personal shopping page and I will pull options that match your color story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Pantone's 2023 Color of the Year?
Pantone named Viva Magenta (PANTONE 18-1750) its 2023 Color of the Year. It was described as a brave and fearless crimson red rooted in the cochineal dye family, balanced between warm red and pink.
Which gemstones match Viva Magenta?
The strongest gem matches are rubellite tourmaline, ruby (especially Burmese and pigeon-blood ruby), and rhodolite or pyrope garnet. Pink sapphire and red spinel are secondary matches that lean slightly cooler or lighter.
Is rubellite the same as pink tourmaline?
Rubellite is the trade name for tourmaline that holds saturated red to red-pink color in both daylight and incandescent light. Lighter or more obviously pink tourmalines are sold as pink tourmaline rather than rubellite. The International Gem Society notes that the rubellite trade name implies a specific saturation threshold.
How does rhodolite garnet compare to ruby for a Viva Magenta look?
Rhodolite garnet sits closer to raspberry pink and reads slightly cooler than ruby. It is also more affordable and harder to scratch in daily wear because of its position on the Mohs hardness scale. Ruby reads warmer and richer, with more weight as an heirloom piece.
Are 2023 Viva Magenta jewelry pieces still in style?
Yes. Crimson red and raspberry pink gems sit inside a classic color family that predates and outlasts any single Color of the Year. A 2023 piece in rubellite, ruby, or rhodolite garnet still reads contemporary in 2026 and pairs well with the cooler neutrals of recent Pantone picks.
What should I check before buying a ruby or rubellite piece?
Check color saturation first, then setting security, then origin documentation if the price tier supports it. For ruby over $2,000, ask for a lab report from a recognized lab. The American Gem Society and Gemological Institute of America both publish consumer guidance on red gem grading.
How do I care for a rubellite or ruby piece?
Warm water and a soft brush are safe for both. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning on rubellite because tourmaline can carry internal stress that ultrasonic vibration can worsen. Ruby is more forgiving but still benefits from gentle cleaning rather than steam.
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