Viva Magenta – a colour that vibrates with vigour and vitality, and symbolises strength – has been named colour of the year for 2023, according to the Pantone Color Institute. 

Exhibiting a nuanced crimson red tone that presents a balance between warm and cool, Viva Magenta is described as a hybrid colour. The institute explained, “It is assertive, but not aggressive, a carmine red that does not boldly dominate but instead takes a ‘fist in a velvet glove’ approach.”

Exuding dynamism, optimism and bravery, Viva Magenta is expected to influence artistry and design in many creative fields, including the jewellery industry. 

Clement Sabbagh, president of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), said gemstones that fall within this category include ruby, rubellite, red spinel and garnet. Other gems that bear vibrant crimson hues are corals, rhodochrosites and red jasper, among others.

The colour of the year also signifies equilibrium as humans learn to balance their digital and physical lives while continuing to grow their appreciation for nature and support for movements such as climate change, sustainability and land protection.

It also represents post-pandemic lifestyle trends such as incorporating more living things into homes like plants, florals, living walls and restorative outdoor spaces, and newfound enjoyment in travel, sports and outdoor recreation.

“Viva Magenta offers us the assurance and motivation we need to weather long-term disruptive events. Three years deep into a pandemic, facing a war, an unstable economy, social unrest, supply chain breakdowns, and mounting climate change, we need to heal,” the institute said. “And still, we need to find the motivation to continue. Here, Viva Magenta cloaks us in both power and grace, and sends us out into the world with the verve we’ve yearned for.”