Neutral, natural and brown colored gemstone jewelry has recently gained popularity for its more relaxed hues and looks. Additionally, neutral and natural-colored jewelry offers a sophisticated and versatile alternative to traditional and brightly colored stones. If you’re looking for a more serene and adaptable style, this gemstone jewelry is for you! Let's explore the world of these understated yet elegant gems and how to incorporate them into your jewelry fashion.

Brown Diamonds in Gold

What is neutral and natural color jewelry?

Neutral and natural color jewelry features gemstones in relaxed, earthy tones such as brown, taupe, yellow, beige and gray. These stones include:

•    Champagne Diamond: a beautiful brown variant of diamond, sometimes called cognac or dessert (a specific brown candy) diamond for its delicious appearance.
•    Tiger's Eye: A metamorphic rock with a silky luster and a cat’s eye appearance (chatoyancy). Tiger’s eye offers warm brown and orange hues that strongly resemble nature’s beauty.
•    Onyx: A striking black type of chalcedony, perfect for a bold neutral look with its intense black sheen and sharp appeal.
•    Citrine: A golden-yellow quartz variety that adds warmth to neutral designs.

•    Brown Topaz or Smoky Quartz: Ranging from light brown to nearly black, often cut in an emerald shape. It’s not topaz (despite one of its names), but smoky quartz stands out as a gorgeous stone reminiscent of nature’s forests.
•    Gray Spinel: A cool-toned gem known for its clarity and luster. Gray spinel is truly unique for its hue similar to silver.
•    Morganite: A soft, pastel-colored stone that bridges the gap between colorless and vibrant gems. Morganite earned its name from the renowned banker, JP Morgan, and continues its rich legacy.

What are the benefits of neutral color gemstones?

1.    Versatility: Neutral gemstones complement a wide range of outfits and styles, making them incredibly adaptable.

2.    Timeless appeal: These subdued colors are less likely to go out of fashion, ensuring your jewelry remains stylish for years to come.

3.    Unique aesthetic: Neutral gems offer a refreshing alternative to traditional bright stones, allowing for more subtle and sophisticated designs.

4.    Complementary to skin tones: Earth-toned gems often flatter various skin tones, enhancing natural beauty.

5.    Affordable luxury: Many neutral gemstones are more affordable than their vividly colored counterparts, allowing for larger, more impressive pieces at a lower cost.

How can I style neutral color jewelry?

1.    Layering: Combine different neutral-toned pieces for a chic, textured look. Mix various shades and textures for added depth. You can layer necklaces, strand necklaces, pendants, bracelets, tennis bracelets and rings with similar or diverse neutral gemstones.

2.    Mixing metals: Neutral gems pair well with various metal colors. For example, citrine looks stunning when worn with yellow and white gold, and champagne diamond complements silver and white gold; however, the best metals to mix with neutral and natural-colored gems are what you love together!

3.    Statement pieces: Use larger neutral gems as focal points in rings or pendants for a sophisticated, eye-catching look. Cocktail rings, statement necklaces and statement earrings are all great choices for spotlighting neutral and natural-colored gems.

4.    Everyday wear: The understated nature of neutral gemstone jewelry makes it perfect for daily wear, from the office to casual outings. They’re a safe and stylish bet for any occasion!

5.    Vintage inspiration: Many neutral gems, like tiger's eye, can evoke a vintage 1970s vibe, perfect for retro-inspired looks.

What are great color pairings for neutral gemstones?

1.    Monochromatic/Single color: Pair similar shades of brown or grey for a cohesive, elegant look.

2.    Earthy tones: Combine neutral gems with other earth-toned clothing or accessories for a natural, harmonious aesthetic.

3.    Contrasting colors: Use neutral gems to balance and complement brighter colors in your outfit.

4.    Metallics: Neutral stones pair beautifully with metallic accents, adding a touch of glamour to your look.

5.    Classic black and white: Neutral gems can add depth and interest to a classic black and white ensemble.

Conclusion

To wrap up short and sweet, neutral-colored gemstone jewelry offers a sophisticated and versatile option for those looking to expand their jewelry collection beyond traditional bright stones. With their timeless appeal and ability to complement various styles, these understated gems are sure to become staples in any jewelry box. Whether you're drawn to the warm tones of tiger's eye, the rich brown of champagne diamond or the cool elegance of gray spinel, there's a neutral gemstone to suit every taste and occasion.

Jacob Maurer

Jacob is definitely a fan of "less is more" when it comes to design or appearance. If he wore gemstone jewelry, he'd easily go with neutral and natural colors.

Read more about Jacob on his author page.

Jacob Maurer
Author