Introducing "Classic Blue" - Pantone's Color of the Year 2020

Classic Blue: 2020 Color of the Year

Last week, the color aficionados at the Pantone® Color Institute announced Classic Blue — a timeless, enduring hue — as the 2020 Color of the Year. This tranquil shade is suggestive of our desire for a dependable and stable foundation as we cross into an exciting new decade.

As a naturally restful color, Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility, soothing the body, mind, and spirit. Its reflective blue tone fosters resilience and boosts concentration and clarity in the viewer. Going into 2020, could there be a better shade?  Image © Pantone Color Institute

As technology continues to dominate our world, it’s easy to see why we seek a reprieve from it all. We gravitate toward colors that offer comfort, protection, and honesty — all qualities Classic Blue provides.

Classic in Application

Classic Blue is a self-assured blue hue — simple yet elegant. The shade complements color mixes throughout the spectrum yet, at the same time, makes a strong statement on its own. Classic Blue takes on distinct appearances when applied to different materials, finishes, and textures, from shimmering metallics, lustrous sheens, and high-tech materials to handcrafted mixes and more fragile fabrics.

Blue Knows No Bounds

Because of its tradition and elegance, Classic Blue pairs well with many shades throughout the color spectrum. Pair with warm, peachy gemstones for a calming effect. Incorporate sparkle and shimmer for added sophistication. Add a hint of neon or even Living Coral, the 2019 Color of the Year, into your color palette for added enchantment.

Complementary Classic Blue Gems

Blue Sapphire

Blue Sapphire gemstones set the standard by which other blue stones are measured. As one of the “big three” precious stones, Sapphire’s breathtaking blues have captured our imagination and inspired designs. Within blue, there are many variations from lighter to darker shades, and some with a hint of grey.

Ancient lore tells us that blue sapphire brought spiritual enlightenment, inner peace, wisdom, insight, and the discernment to choose what’s right. It is September’s birthstone and celebrates the 45th wedding anniversary. 

 
Iolite

Mysterious and beautiful, this violet-blue stone is strongly pleochroic. When the dark blue side faces up, Iolite resembles Sapphire, offering customers a less costly substitute for September’s birthstone and other jewelry. Iolite enhances intuition and mental clarity while stimulating creativity and curiosity. 

Tanzanite

Discovered in Tanzania in 1967, some shade variations of Tanzanite closely resemble Cornflower-Blue Sapphire. The stone is said to raise consciousness, awaken our hearts, elevate moods, and guide its wearer toward their true calling in life. 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.