Color Me Obsessed is the name of a documentary about the alternative rock band The Replacements. It could also describe how you’ll feel after seeing the rich colors in so many pieces at Gail Jewelers in The Gardens on El Paseo. “Color in jewelry is a great way to make an outfit more exciting,” says Ruth Levy, who runs the Palm Desert showroom. “It lifts your spirits and changes the way you feel. You can put on a colored necklace with your old diamond jewelry, and it changes the look of everything. All you need is one or two pieces to spruce up your whole wardrobe.”
While different colors embody seasons or particular trends, certain stones — turquoise or corals, for example — always represent the desert climate and lifestyle. “For fall, jewel tones are more in fashion, and pastels are popular in spring,” Levy says. “But this year, spring colors are more of a mixture between brighter colors, pastels, and really gorgeous shades of orange, pale pink, and a vibrant green and blue.”
Deciding what to wear with all these options is easier than you might think. “You don’t want to wear a purple outfit with purple jewelry,” Levy says. “There’s nothing interesting about it. There’s no dimension.”
Gail Jewelers designs all of its jewelry, ensuring each piece represents the individual who wears it.
Bright Pink Earrings and Wrap Ring:
“These pieces are gorgeous because they contrast the bright pink with a soft rose gold,” Ruth Levy says. “Rose gold is in style right now, and it’s a great alternative to yellow gold, which can be harsh on some people’s skin.” The stones are rubellite — a type of tourmaline — and set against white diamonds. Tourmaline comes in all colors, but rubellite is one the most expensive. “We variegated the color so that it’s interesting for the eye to go from the really bright to the really white. It’s very different from what we’ve seen before.” Earrings, $7,000; wrap ring, $6,000
Bright Green and Blue Necklace and Wrap Ring:
“This set would be great to wear with white or black or any bright color,” Levy says. “The top of the necklace looks like petals, which is perfect for spring, and the contrast of the colors against the white diamonds is really striking.” Both pieces are composed of sapphires, diamonds, and tsavorite — a rare, grass-green shade of garnet. “Most people think garnet only comes in red, but it’s actually the broadest range of stones. There are two types of green and two types of orange.” The way the blue wraps around the ring keeps your eye moving. “Rings can be very one-dimensional. But with a wrap ring, it’s complementary to short or long fingers and fits any body type.” Necklace, $25,000; ring, $12,850
Turquoise Necklace and Earrings:
The classic combination of turquoise and gold go nicely with spring and summer resortwear. “It’s always in fashion when it’s warm outside,” Levy says. “The bright blue of turquoise is perfect for the beach or the desert, and it’s particularly in fashion this spring. It’s iconic for the desert and something you could wear here year-round.” Long necklaces like this are great with billowy clothes, she adds. “When you’re wearing a billowy dress or blouse, you should always wear something long to draw your eye down.” You can also double up the piece and make it a short necklace, so you have two looks for the price of one. Necklace, $2,900; earrings (turquoise, 18K gold, and diamonds), $6,000
Sherbet Necklace and Bracelet:
Most people don’t have this color in their jewelry collection or wardrobe, but it looks good with many different skin tones. “These pieces are not just for daytime,” Levy says. “You want your jewelry to be versatile. You can wear these shopping during the day or to a black-tie affair.” The stones are orange zircon, and the necklace features an orange sapphire. “Zircon is a natural stone that comes in many different colors. It has a refractory index similar to diamonds, so it sparkles a lot.” Necklace, $3,400; bracelet, $770
Pale Pink Pendant and Earrings:
“Always pick something that goes with your skin tone and coloring,” Levy says. “This color is so complementary that it looks good on almost everybody and could go with anything in your closet.” The stone is morganite, a type of pink emerald (named after J.P. Morgan, who amassed an amazing gemstone collection), and is paired with 18K rose gold and diamonds. “The color is really fresh, and it’s a gorgeous option for spring and summer in the desert.” Pendant, $9,300; earrings, $12,500
