Word is out: Viva Magenta is Pantone's color for 2023. Pantone features a color each year that reflects the our current culture, and the brand stated that Viva Magenta is a “hybrid” shade that’s symbolic of our existence in the physical and digital world.
I see this color as energizing yet grounding which inspires a state of personal power. Red is often associated with the root chakra, which is responsible for a foundation for life (i.e. our basic needs such as food, shelter, and safety) and it helps one feel grounded and able to withstand challenges.
Here are my gemstone pics that reflect Viva Magenta:
1. Ruby: whether lab grown or natural, rubies can range from a deep red or red-pink, as pictured as the three smaller oval stones. The birthstone for July, rubies are also a symbol of love and devotion, making them popular for Valentine's Day gifts.
2. Rhodolite Garnet: Garnets naturally come in a range of colors, from the common brick-red to green. Rhodolite garnets have a shade of magenta, making them have a purple-pink hue. Pictured here they are the larger faceted stone and the two small round stones. Garnet is the birthstone for January.
3. Rhodonite: Rhodonite, not to be confused with Rhodochrosite, ranges from a light pink to a deep hot pink (AAA grade) as shown in the square stone. This stone is mined in Europe (Sweden, England, Russia), South America (Argentina, Brazil, Peru) and in North America (Canada, California, Colorado, and it's the state gemstone for Massachusetts).
4. Eudialyte: This rare stone, mined in Russia, is a ranges from purple to red red, and often has a black matrix of aegirine crystals. Here it is shown as the large oval stone. This specimen is a little more purple than magenta, yet other varieties are more red and transparent, which are highly collectible.
5. Red Sunstone: Like many other gemstones, sunstone comes in different colors, from sparkly orange to green-blue to red-pink as shown here in the medium oval stone. Some of the finest sunstone (as the one pictured) is mined in Lake County, Oregon.
There are other stones not pictured that are similar to Viva Magenta, such as spinel and rubellite tourmaline. To join me on my creative process of metalsmithing jewelry with these stones, be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram.