Sometimes you can’t choose just one. When PANTONE announced their color of the year for 2016, for the first time, we got a two-for-one special: Rose Quartz and Serenity. The colors are certainly different, a lovely warm pink hue and a cooler, soft purple-blue, but they are meant to join together to express connection, balance, wellness, and a sense of order and peace. The pastels reflect trends that have been evident, particularly in fashion but also in consumer and home goods.

Your customers who respond to trends may well come in search of jewels in these color families. Both shades can be found in beautiful pieces, from actual rose quartz and pink diamonds to blue topaz and aquamarine. You can reinforce her interest by noting why the hues may resonate. PANTONE describes Rose Quartz as “a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure” and Serenity as “weightless and airy… bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.”

Whether she chooses a piece with one or both colors, be sure to share your expertise on care and cleaning of the piece. Many of these colored gemstones, including diamonds, quartz, aquamarine and topaz, can be safely cleaned in a fine jewelry cleaning formula. However, if they are combined with softer stones, such as pearls, or are part of a doublet (perhaps with mother of pearl), then they should be cleaned in a gentle, non-ammoniated cleaning formula. Doublets should not be soaked in the cleaner, but dipped and blotted dry or wiped with a soft cloth dampened with the cleaner.