Your signature scarlet lipstick. Cherry-red nails. The riveting crimson vase in a room full of neutrals. No color steals a scene quite the way red does—there’s no ignoring it. This undeniable effect compelled Brooklyn-based designer Taylor Migliazzo Simon to coin a name for hue’s captivating and transforming power: the “unexpected red” theory. Quite simply, it states that adding a dash of red elevates and adds interest to any space.
The same can be said of jewelry. Whether strand upon strand of vermilion-colored coral or a brooch with a pop of gleaming red enamel, this punchiest of primary colors is an exclamation point, the final bold brushstroke that will brighten the already fabulous you.
BOLD STROKES
Perhaps a red lip is a bit much for you. If this vibrant, dare-you-to-look-away color is better suited for your finger, we have options that will make your every hand gesture poetry in motion. Indeed, a ring with a red gem may be the only jewelry you need to wear on any given day. Try it and see.
RED—THE COLOR OF PASSION
“Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold.” ~ Zelda Fitzgerald
Aah, the passion of the heart. From the Valentine’s Day versions that we cut from bright red construction paper in kindergarten to the crimson emoji hearts that we use to show our love and approval in our text messages, a red heart has long represented love. The bold and out-of-the-ordinary Retro heart pendant/brooch pictured above takes a different stance. Its expanse of brightly polished gold is accented with moonstones and diamonds. And yet, the eye is drawn to the crescent of vibrant pinkish-red rubies at its top and a self-sufficient single stone farther down. Strategic and stunning.
WHAT IF WE…?
Last year, while styling a shoot for our Mid-Century blog post, we needed a necklace to finish the look of our resident diamond girl and exuberant sales associate, Kaye. A diamond necklace made everything too monochromatic. Blue and multi-gem options didn’t give the desired effect. Then, as if saying, “Hey, look at me!”, a double-strand necklace of bright orange-red coral beads caught our collective eyes, and we thought, “What if we try these?” The result was electric. The color of the coral even made the diamonds look better. Open your eyes to the possibilities of the unexpected red piece and create your own “electric” look.
WHIMSY IN RED
While diamond rivière necklaces are breathtaking and a cocktail ring glistening with a swimming pool-sized aquamarine can stop you in your tracks, everybody loves a whimsical piece of jewelry that elicits an “Aww, that’s so cute!” reaction. We’ve found that some of the cutest ones are made even more so by a pop of red, like those on the adorable puppy and fanciful turtle shown above.
These lovebirds light up the branch with their neon green feathers and lemon-yellow breasts. But what makes their diamond eyes sparkle even brighter are their vibrant red heads (or are they blushing?).
SUCH DRAMA!
Again, red is no shrinking violet (and we do love violet!). It adds a sense of drama, no matter the scale, as the two pieces pictured below can attest.
Carved from the mineral cinnabar, Fukurokuju—the Japanese god of happiness (note his jolly expression), wealth, and longevity—is decked out with diamonds and black onyx that accent his rich vermillion hue. He cuts a striking figure, makes an intriguing conversation piece, and is imported from France. So exotic!
We have to give a shout-out to lockets for their seemingly endless variation of styles. This version, masquerading as an elegant pendant, reveals its function when opened—surprise! Its striking diamond-set vase of flowers glitters against an onyx background and is, to no one’s surprise, made even more beautiful by the arresting contrast of its deep cranberry-red enamel frame. Sublime.
A FINAL WORD ON RED
Painters use red like spice ~ Michael Derek Elworthy Jarman
There’s no denying the magnetism of red. It’s the standout color in the crayon box that can evoke passion, power, or playfulness depending on its use. And with jewelry, you can wear as little or as much as you like. One thing is sure: when you add some “spice” to your look with this revved-up hue, the universe — or at least everyone around you—takes note. Go on, wear some red. As Christian Dior once declared, “There is certainly a red for everyone.”
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Retro Diamond and Ruby Toi Et Moi Ring - GIA
Here's something quite striking in a Toi et Moi (or Mot et Toi) ring. Dating back to the distinctive 1940s Retro period, the artfully sculpted ring, outlined wi…
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Art Deco Red Coral, Diamond and Black Enamel Bracelet
Strictly for the coral connoisseur and the Art Deco aficionado. Five matched, glossy rich vermilion red coral buttons, measuring 12.7-13mm millimeters, are dram…
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Retro Ruby and Diamond Double-Clip Brooch
Double your Retro vibe with this fabulous clip brooch. All of the iconic elements of the era--sweeping expanses of bright gold, juicy cherry-red rubies, and gli…
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