Introducing 'Living Coral' Pantone's Colour of the Year 2019

Here, Benchpeg puts together a guide to the colour, its meaning and possible colour combinations to equip you with what you need to know as a jeweller. 

The inspiration

‘Living coral’ prescribes a return to nature in a world more and more engulfed and shaped by technology. Pantone say:

“Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral emits the desired, familiar and energizing aspects of colour found in nature. In its glorious, yet unfortunately more elusive, display beneath the sea, this vivifying and effervescent colour mesmerizes the eye and mind. Lying at the centre of our naturally vivid and chromatic ecosystem, Pantone Living Coral is evocative of how coral reefs provide shelter to a diverse kaleidoscope of colour.”

The semi-political stance: the diversion from technology, the focus on the decline of our ocean-life, provides as much inspiration as the colour itself. 

Possible Combinations

Living Coral tends to play nicely with other tones found in our natural environment, earthy browns and greens, sunshine yellows and sky blues. Though, it isn’t just limited to muted counterparts, it can also sit amongst bright pinks and purples.

See below for four possible colour pallettes using 'living coral'.

Possible Uses

The tone can be translated into jewellery through use of natural stones, enamel and beading, amongst other techniques. Though, is also a useful marketing tool to give off an on-trend vibe. It is worth considering incorporating it into external communications, social media, websites or brand packaging. 

In Product Design

Living Coral is naturally suited for product across all ages and genders. Materials with texture and convivial colors such as Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral appeal to our desire for products exhibiting humanizing and heartening characteristics. 

In Packaging Design

Living Coral is naturally ideal for packaging applications. Warm and welcoming, this life affirming shade invites us to reach out and touch.

In Social Media

An organic shade, Living Coral is striking in digital mediums, evoking the same inspirational feeling ignited by our natural surroundings. Living Coral’s vibrancy and buoyancy captivates our attention in social media and digital design.

In Fashion and Accessories

Living Coral inspires experimentation and playful expression in both men’s and women’s street and runway styles. The warm shade suggests comfort and positivity in simple color stories, but becomes more explorative and effervescent in patterns, textures and even monochrome looks. An appealing accent shade, Pantone Living Coral provides a striking contrast across the color spectrum.