“Inventive and imaginative, Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.” – Pantone Color Institute
Ultra Violet: 2018 Color of the Year
This is it! Pantone® Color Institute has announced Ultra Violet as the 2018 Color of the Year. From the vibrant shades of years past (see above) to this eye-popping purple, Pantone’s signature shade symbolizes cultural evolution as we advance year to year.
Ultra Violet gives us the confidence to pursue our personal passions in this age of barrier-breaking experimentation. It evokes lively expression and allows us to explore and experiment, as we redefine what makes us happy. Ultra Violet is intriguing, provocative, and communicates visionary thinking. The 2018 Color of the Year gifts meaningful direction and ushers us toward the future.
Violet vs. purple
First of all, let’s address the issue at hand. Technically speaking, violet is not purple; conversely, purple is not violet. These two shades are actually different forms of color. On the one hand, violet is a spectral color with a measurable wavelength; whereas purple is the result of mixing red and blue. In simplest terms, violet is a pure, blue-based frequency of light. Purple, however, does not occur naturally and is always the result of mixing various proportions of red and blue.
But let’s face it, we’re getting overly technical here. In fact, people use the two words interchangeably.
Purple’s prideful past
In days of yore, long before there was any distinction between purple and violet, creating the color required great skill and was a difficult, costly process. The stunning result was only available to those who could afford it: kings, nobles, priest and magistrates around the Mediterranean. This began a beautiful relationship between purple and royalty. Over time, purple became associated with daring change personified through campaigns like women’s suffrage, feminism, counterculture and free expression.
Purple pops up everywhere
Think about the term Purple Power. It’s emboldening. Some even view the color as having spiritual properties as it soothes, calms, and decompresses. It makes sense, then, that violet has the highest frequency of the visible wavelengths and is nearest to x-rays and gamma rays on the electromagnetic spectrum.
Ultra Violet, the new 2018 color of the year, is a leader color. It pairs well with many shades, from last year’s Greenery to toasty scarlet reds and even the iciest blues. It’s an intriguing color for eveningwear, while still contemporary enough to add a casual pop to any daytime ensemble. The color is sparingly found in nature, too—from eggplants and grapes to lavender, verbena, and iris.
So what about gemstones?
Amethyst
When we think about amethyst, its extraordinary color comes to mind. A perfect nod to the 2018 color of the year, amethyst beams a rich, sumptuous, radiant purple.
From its earliest discovery, amethyst’s intense shade has cast a spell on its wearers, one that bewitches even today. Ancient Greek mythology tells of amethyst’s powers to hinder intoxication. Interestingly enough, amethyst translates to amethystus, which means not intoxicated. For more about amethyst and other fascinating folklore, check out 6 Jewelry Superstitions and How to Use Them to Your Advantage.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite exhibits mesmerizing color swings—from red to green to yes, even purple, depending on the light source. This property makes it the most famous and popular of all color-changing stones.
Because of its ability to change dramatically in shifting light, alexandrite is associated with balance in life, self-esteem, and the ability to experience joy. These powers align with Ultra Violet’s attributes perfectly. Here’s more on this mysterious shapeshifting stone.
Tanzanite
For a gemstone with less than 50 years under its belt, Tanzanite has already acquired substantial gifts. The stone is said to raise consciousness, awakens our hearts, elevate moods and guide its wearer toward their true calling in life — wow! The gem sways in color and is most commonly brilliant blue with a purple tinge, though it ranges from indigo to violet to lilac to periwinkle. Find more about famous tanzanite here.
What are your thoughts on the new and intriguing 2018 color of the year? Let us know in the comments below! And if you’d like to share your stunning jewelry featuring amethyst, alexandrite, or tanzanite, tag us on Facebook • Instagram • Pinterest using #HowIStuller!