What Are Jewel Tones? Color Guide & Decor Ideas
Lean into luxe hues.
Whether you're looking to amp up the drama or simply add unexpected color, jewel tones might be the chicest solution. Jewel tones are dark, saturated hues that allow you to curate a space that feels luxe and inviting. Keep reading below to learn more about jewel tones and how to style them.
Key Takeaways
- Jewel tones are saturated colors darkened with black undertones for a dramatic, sophisticated effect in interior design.
- Common examples of jewel tones include emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple.
What Are Jewel Tones?
Jewel tone colors take their names from precious gemstones like emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst, and citrine. These highly-saturated hues are darkened with black undertones that give them their distinctive depth. Jewel tones are popular in many interior design styles – from glam to modern – for bringing moodiness, a sense of luxury, and color to a space without feeling overpowering.
Jewel Tones vs. Other Color Families
| Color family | Saturation | Interior vibe | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jewel tones | Deep and richly saturated; low white, strong pigment | Luxurious, dramatic, and grounded | Emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst |
| Pastels | Soft and muted; high white or gray mixed in | Calming, airy, and gentle | Blush, mint, lavender, butter yellow |
| Bright colors | High and vivid; clear, punchy hue with little mute | Energetic, playful, and attention-grabbing | Coral, electric blue, sunny yellow, hot pink |
| Earth tones | Warm and naturally muted; moderate saturation with brown or ochre undertones | Cozy, organic, and timeless | Terracotta, olive, sand, warm taupe, clay |
Neighborly Tip!
Curious about other color families and how to decorate with them? Explore pastels, earth tones, and more in the following guides:
Examples of Jewel Tone Colors
Emerald
Emerald is a saturated forest green with cool blue undertones. It creates a rich, grounding effect that adds depth and a sense of classic sophistication to a space or design.
Sapphire
Sapphire is a deep royal blue with slight indigo notes. It delivers a clean, high-contrast look that produces a calming, steady, and commanding visual presence.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a vivid, medium-dark purple that sits evenly between blue and red. It creates a bold, moody effect that adds contrast and a subtle touch of mystery.
Garnet & Ruby
Garnet and ruby are two red jewel tones. Garnet is a rich burgundy while ruby is more closely related to an intense crimson. Both provide high-energy warmth and an instant focal point.
Topaz & Citrine
Topaz and citrine range from golden-amber to bright honey yellow. Used as metallic accents, they create a high-contrast glow that brightens up darker surrounding shades.
How to Decorate With Jewel Tones
Jewel tones can bring style and depth to your space. From bold upholstery to chic accents, we've gathered a list of ways you can incorporate these shades into your home. Find jewel-tone decorating ideas below.
1. Create a Balance of Light & Dark
Jewel tones often skew dark, so finding the right ratio of light and dark can help you design a well-balanced room. Choosing large, light-colored pieces like a sofa or area rug can soften dark walls, while jewel-toned accent chairs or throw pillows can create a clear through-line that matches the wall color.
Jewel-toned upholstery is an easy way to give your living room a chic upgrade. A bold shade sets the tone for the space, especially when the upholstery is in a light-reflecting material like velvet. The deep magenta hue of the sofa above creates a playful juxtaposition with the more pastel palette of the rest of the room.
Bedding is the perfect place to experiment with jewel tones. From a well-placed bolster pillow to a velvet throw, it's easy to style jewel-toned bedding as a pop of color on top of a neutral foundation or as part of a larger color scheme (like in the photo above).
Just like with the gemstones that inspire the jewel-tone color palette, silver and gold bring out the best of these shades. This classic combination breaks up swaths of dark color and really leans into the glam undertones of jewel tones.
It's undeniable that jewel tones are statement-making hues, so why not take that statement to the next level? Mix a vibrant jewel tone with a black-and-white palette for a high-contrast look. These navy walls bring a chic edge to the black dining table and crisp white decor.
While rooms drenched with jewel tones are stunning, you can always start by adding these shades in smaller ways. A bright throw pillow on a dark sofa adds depth and comfort, while an arrangement of colorful artwork elevates neutral walls.
If jewel tones feel too dark for your space, using wall mirrors or mirrored furniture can reflect natural light and make moody spaces appear brighter. Plus, mirrored finishes can make your room feel more spacious.
Threading one distinct color throughout a room is another chic way to implement jewel tones. From the wall color to the upholstery to the bedding, using the same shade throughout the space makes your bold design choice feel intentional.
As mentioned above, jewel tones and glam seem to go hand in hand. These rich hues work well with luxe fabrics, mirrored finishes, and over-the-top details. Embrace glam style with tufted velvet upholstery, crystal chandeliers, and curtains that match the wall color.
Neighborly Tip!
For more uses of jewel tones and examples of how they pair together, check out our article
Jewel Tone Color Palettes for Depth & Drama and start curating your gem-inspired space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are jewel tones?
Jewel tones are rich, saturated colors inspired by gemstones such as emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and amethysts. They look deeper and moodier than bright primary colors.
What colors are considered jewel tones?
Classic jewel tone colors include emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple. Citrine and topaz shades are often used as warmer accent jewel tones.
Is navy blue a jewel tone?
Navy blue sits next to the jewel-tone family. True jewel blues are closer to sapphire – more saturated and gem-like – while navy is darker and more neutral. Navy pairs beautifully with jewel tones like emerald, ruby, and amethyst.
How do you decorate with jewel tones?
Start with one hero jewel tone on a sofa, bedding, or accent wall, then balance it with lighter neutrals or metallics. Velvet fabrics and mirrors help jewel colors feel glamorous without overwhelming the room.
What is a jewel tone color palette?
A jewel tone color palette pairs one or two gemstone hues with supporting neutrals and metals – like emerald with cream and brass, or sapphire with blush and chrome, for example.
