October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
ThatPainter
color palettes

9 Jewel Tone Color Palettes Designers Swear By

Nine jewel-tone pairings for walls and decor, plus practical guidance on choosing color, paint coverage, and balancing deep hues.

By ThatPainter Team 5 min read

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

Jewel tones can bring depth and saturated color to a room, whether you use them on every wall or in a single painted feature. Here are nine combinations—rather than eight—because the MyDomaine article behind this topic numbers nine palettes in its body, despite its headline. The ideas below pair each color scheme with a practical way to approach it in paint and decor.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What are jewel tones?

Jewel tones are rich, saturated hues inspired by gemstones, including emerald, ruby, sapphire, amethyst, and citrine. The term is a decorating description, not a fixed standardized color list: a palette may include closely related shades such as teal, garnet, or periwinkle. Wayfair’s color guides likewise describe the family as saturated, often dark hues.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For a painting project, decide first whether the room should feel mostly neutral with a strong color accent, or embrace several saturated shades. Deep colors can make a small room feel like a jewel box, as designer Malka Helft has suggested, but dark walls may also benefit from light furniture, rugs, mirrors, or reflective finishes to keep the scheme from feeling heavy.

#1 Best Overall
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
  • KALOUR Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
  • 【Premium Colored Pencils】: Each pencil body has a unique number and color name for easy color identification.color pencil is made of high-quality basswood, which is very easy to sharpen.
  • 【Soft Core】: Colored pencils have soft Core,The silky smooth,velvety soft pencil leads lay down lots of vivid color,the colored core are highly pigmented, Perfect for coloring & drawing etc.Break-resistant cores produce incredible tone, perfect for blending and layering multiple colors
  • 【72 Color】:contains 72 different color,You can find any color you need in these to enrich your coloring book.Perfect set for adults kids beginners.Perfect for drawing, sketching, adult coloring book.
  • 【School Supplies】:Prepare the classroom for creative art projects and homework assignments.

9 jewel tone color palettes to try

1. Emerald green and yellow

Emerald gives this pairing depth, while yellow or mustard adds brightness. Helft of Think Chic Interiors favors emerald with natural wood and a pop of yellow, particularly in small “jewel box” spaces. For a restrained painted version, use emerald on the walls and bring in yellow through a smaller painted detail or movable accents; natural wood can soften the contrast.

2. Sapphire, turquoise, and gray

This cool, ocean-like combination blends saturated blue and turquoise with a calmer gray. Designer Amy Studebaker recommends using a jewel-tone accent against a relatively neutral, cool setting rather than painting the entire room. Try a blue-green painted feature or a few accessories, then let gray walls or furnishings provide breathing room.

3. Navy and amethyst

Navy grounds amethyst’s purple, creating a rich pairing that can feel opulent without becoming stark. Modsy’s Alessandra Wood describes purple as a good base for jewel tones such as sapphire or navy; for a more dramatic, regal variation, add golden yellow. On painted surfaces, navy can serve as the larger field of color while amethyst and gold appear in smaller areas or accents.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
SJ STAR-JOY Gold Edition 120 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Premier Color Pencils for Layering Shading Blending, Holiday Gifts for Artist Drawing, Oil Based Colored Pencils
  • ★【PREMIUM QUALITY】: The design and development of SJ STAR-JOY Gold Edition 120 colored pencils has listened to the professional opinions of thousands of colorists and artists. This colored pencil is designed for artistic success. It has professional quality and versatility, and can create a series of bold, vivid, subtle and exciting effects. It can help you find exclusive fun in your creation, so as to create works of art that you are proud of.
  • ★【3.8mmLEAD CORE and EASIER SHARPENING】: Strong and reliable 3.8mm lead core to guard against frustrating breakages during general use and sharpening so that you can color with confidence. They are made up of quality pigments and oil binder for smooth blending and layering. Basswood and Special Glue Craft, tightly held lead core and slats.
  • ★【Unique Design】: The Gold Edition set is numbered in consecutive order. Each pencil was placed according to its analogous trio on the color wheel. They have a consecutive number and a color name, alongside, is a code for the undertone color. This makes matching pencils for seamless blending as simple as reading the number on the pencil.
  • ★【PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFTS】: Your family and friends will love this colored pencils set, because this is your hope for them to be artists. Whether coloring their favorite secret garden coloring books or simply drawing on their sketch pad, these coloring pencils will always be a best gift for Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, Birthday and other special occasions. Colored pencils are placed in trays of the exquisite creative tin box. It will always be an amazing gift for everyone.
  • ★【Satisfaction Guarantee】: Buy Now - worry & hassle free! Creating beautiful art should be easy and fun. This Gold Edition colored pencils set is a resourceful range of 120 colors guaranteed to eliminate drawing or painting restrictions. We are so confident that you will love it. If you are not satisfied with the product, we guarantee to comply with the return or exchange policy.

4. Jade and citrine

Mossy jade green beside pale yellow-orange citrine makes a warm, autumnal scheme. Interior designer David Mason cautions that the combination is very rich and suggests larger rooms or high ceilings; if you want to test it before committing, start with citrine pillows or a rug rather than using both hues across every wall. A lighter neutral nearby can give the colors more contrast.

5. Peacock blue and emerald green

Peacock blue and emerald form a bold blue-green pairing with little need for extra saturated colors. Mark Manardo of Perlmutter & Freiwald says rich peacock blue can work in a smaller living room, giving it a “little jewel box” quality. For a large room, he suggests considering an accent wall or partial paint treatment instead of carrying the color across every wall.

6. Jade, magenta, and cerulean blue

This high-contrast trio combines green, vivid pink-purple, and clear blue. Certified interior designer Marco Bizzley names it as a favorite jewel-tone scheme and recommends using bold accents such as pillows, art, a lively rug, or an accent wall. If you choose paint for the feature, let one hue lead and distribute the other two through a few deliberate accents rather than giving every color equal space.

Rank #3
Kird Barken 80 Colored Pencils Set, Oil-Based Soft Core for Adult Coloring Books, Professional Color Pencils Art Gifts for Artists, Beginners and Adults
  • Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books. This 80-piece colored pencil set delivers rich, saturated pigments with a full spectrum of shades including bright tones, earth hues and soft pastels. It applies color smoothly on drawing and coloring paper to meet all your creative needs for coloring books, sketching and illustration.
  • Oil-Based Soft Core for Easy Blending and Shading. Each pencil adopts durable oil-based soft core material. It slides effortlessly across paper, supports seamless color blending, natural gradients and delicate shading to create vivid and layered artworks.
  • Clearly Marked Pencils with Practical Color Swatch Chart. Every pencil is printed with standard color name and number for quick recognition and accurate selection. The included blank swatch chart helps you build a personalized color palette and improve drawing efficiency.
  • Elegant Gift Set for All Art Enthusiasts. Packaged in a sturdy and stylish gift box, this colored pencil set is suitable for adults, teens, students, beginners and professional artists. It is an ideal present for birthdays, holidays and back-to-school seasons.
  • Reliable After-sales Service for Art Supplies. We focus on product quality and user experience. If you encounter any problems during use, our customer support team will provide timely and effective solutions to guarantee your creative experience.

7. Garnet and sapphire

Garnet red and sapphire blue make a moody, romantic combination. Lauren Harmon of JL Design describes using sapphire walls, garnet host chairs, and a topaz vase, with a multicolored rug bringing the colors together. The example offers a useful painting approach: commit to one wall color, then introduce the second jewel tone through furniture and use a patterned rug to connect the scheme.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

8. Mustard and navy

Mustard warms up navy, making this a strong choice when you want contrast without an all-over cool palette. Studebaker suggests beginning with a jewel-tone sofa as the focal point, then choosing paint and accessories around it; repeating navy in a rug or pillows can help connect the room. If the walls are already navy, mustard accents can supply the counterpoint without adding another saturated wall color.

9. Periwinkle, teal, and seafoam green

Periwinkle, teal, and seafoam green combine blue, green, and a soft bluish-purple. Designer Nina Grauer of Dekay & Tate discussed pairing teal and seafoam with Pantone’s 2022 Color of the Year, Very Peri; that is a historical reference to the 2022 selection, not a current color-of-the-year claim. Grauer also suggests using color unexpectedly, such as on the ceiling, for a result she describes as rich yet soft.

Rank #4
MASTERART Metallic Colored Pencils 12 Colors for Kids and Adults Coloring
  • SPECIAL COLLECTION; Shimmery colors to create vivid and METALLIC effects
  • BRILLIANT color and DAZZLING effects on DARK PAPER
  • NEW FORMULA LEAD which provides the excellent quality for drawing, EXTRA SOFT and SMOOTH
  • STRONG LEAD with extra-large 3.3 mm., finish the work or complete all areas faster
  • PRE-SHARPENED colored pencils which are ready to use, and comfortable to hold in hexagon-shaped
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to choose and paint a jewel-tone scheme

Choose the mood and temperature

Blue-green combinations such as sapphire with turquoise or peacock blue with emerald lean cool in character. Red-yellow and amber combinations, such as garnet with sapphire or jade with citrine, bring warmer notes. These are useful ways to compare palettes, not measured claims about how a color will affect everyone in a room.

Set the contrast before choosing the paint coverage

A single saturated color against neutrals is the more restrained route; several saturated colors together make a higher-contrast statement. Decide which color should dominate, then use the others as supporting notes. A pale neutral, natural wood, gold or silver finishes, and reflective surfaces can offset dark paint; Wayfair’s guide also suggests light-colored furniture or rugs when walls are dark.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Match the commitment to the room

Paint is not the only way to test a palette. Start with a small accent, upholstery, bedding, or a focal chair if you are unsure how much color you want. If you are ready to paint, consider an accent wall or partial treatment before committing a large room to multiple deep hues. Conversely, Helft and Manardo both describe smaller spaces as places where rich color can be used boldly.

Best Value
Faber-Castell Goldfaber Colored Pencils, Landscape Tones
  • 12 LANDSCAPE COLORED PENCILS: Capture nature's beauty with this 12-count set of Faber-Castell Goldfaber Landscape Colored Pencils. With earthy greens, warm browns, cool blues, and soft neutrals, these artist-quality pencils provide smooth laydown and vibrant pigmentation. Ideal for sketching, layering, and blending—perfect for landscapes, outdoor scenes, and colored pencils for adult coloring books
  • EARTHY, BLENDABLE SHADES: Designed to reflect the tones of rolling hills, leafy forests, rocky terrain, and open skies, these coloring pencils glide effortlessly for shading, layering, and depth. Each pencil offers vibrant pigment and smooth laydown, making it easy to build gradients and capture natural details. Ideal for outdoor sketching, these adult coloring pencils bring realism to every scene
  • STRONG, BREAK-RESISTANT CORES: Each pencil features a sturdy 3.3mm lead secured with Secure-All SV bonding for clean sharpening and long-lasting use. The wax bloom-resistant formula ensures a smooth, streak-free finish that endures. From fine details to broad shaded areas, these drawing pencils for sketching provide reliable, consistent performance
  • MADE FOR ARTISTS OF EVERY LEVEL: Versatile and compact, this 12 color pencil set is ideal for students, hobbyists, and professionals. Perfect for field journals, landscape sketches, or adding depth to illustrations, these Faber-Castell art pencils adapt to any style. Great for outdoor drawing, classroom use, studio projects, or artist gifts, they are an essential part of your coloring supplies
  • WHY FABER-CASTELL: Since 1761, Faber-Castell has proudly crafted premium professional art supplies. Made from FSC-certified reforested wood, these landscape color pencils and their packaging are crafted from 100% recycled materials. Finished with a water-based varnish, they combine sustainability with the trusted quality artists expect

Use the whole room to balance the wall color

Choose furnishings and finishes in relation to the painted surfaces, not in isolation. Light rugs or furniture can lift a dark scheme; natural wood can temper emerald; and metallic or reflective details can add contrast. Mirrors and reflective finishes are also practical options if the room feels dark after adding saturated color.

What these palettes can—and cannot—tell you

The nine combinations are attributed decorating inspiration from a MyDomaine article published December 20, 2021, not a measured ranking or proof that a palette is currently trending. Retailer color guides offer additional illustrative pairings, including emerald with sapphire, burgundy with amber and ivory, or sapphire with topaz and rose quartz. Treat those as more options to adapt to your room rather than as a definitive list of designer-approved schemes.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Paint Desk

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.