Mocha Mousse - A True Treat
A new year has begun; cheers to 2025!
This year, Pantone has announced the color of the year to be a “a warming, brown hue imbued with richness” – Mocha Mousse (PANTONE 17-1230).
This subtle yet comforting hue instantly draws you in.
Tied to the Earth, to strength and stability, colors of brown may seem boring at first glance, but they are so much more.
Ochre, a family of pigments, is the oldest known artistic material, dating back anywhere between 30,000 years ago, to possibly even 75,000 years ago.
Ochre is a mix of ferric iron, clay and sand, sometimes with other components like manganese and hematite.
While red and yellow ochre was used in some of the most famous examples of ancient art, there are also varieties of brown.
Sienna and umber to name a few, alongside the simply titled ‘brown ochre’.
Art, mostly cave paintings, using ochre has been found in Africa, Egypt, Australia, New Zealand and North America.
Some types of ochre are still used today in certain paints and dyes.
Brown has always had a special connection to everything around us, as many things in nature are comprised of shades of brown.
Plus, some of the best things in life like coffee and chocolate are brown, so what’s not to love?
Other lovely brown decorations are of course gemstones, and the first gemstones to come to mind upon gazing at Mocha Mousse are brown diamonds and smoky quartz.
Brown diamonds come in a wide variety of hues, tones and saturation levels, revealing a delicious palette of choices.
~ Brown diamond ring, Panowicz Jewelers
Chocolate diamonds, champagne diamonds, cognac diamonds and more, not only mirror 2025’s color of the year, but also look stunning in jewelry. Often with flashes or undertones of reds, pinks and yellows, these diamonds are sure to be a luxury addition to any jewelry wardrobe.
~ Brown diamond beads by Sethi Couture
As Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute, said of Mocha Mousse: “Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence. Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.”
Nothing captures this sentiment more than diamonds!
~ Brown diamond jewelry by Dilamani
The other smooth, soothing gemstone to showcase the browns of Mocha Mousse would be smoky quartz.
A member of the quartz family like amethyst and citrine, this brown hued sibling can range in color from deep, dark brown to a lighter, pale version.
These stones often come in larger sizes and can be cut in unique shapes or faceting patterns.
~ Smoky Quartz gemstones
It has been said that smoky quartz can help with balancing, both physically and emotionally, as well as expel negative energy.
The earthy tone of this quartz certainly invokes feelings of comfort, stability and warmth.
~ Smoky Quartz drop earrings
Other gems that would pair nicely with Pantone’s color of the year for 2025 would be other members of the same family, namely rutilated quartz and tiger’s eye, as well as brown zircon.
Rutilated quartz can have ‘needles’ of rutile in striking patterns, mixing browns, golds, reds and more together in truly unique natural art. Each stone is different, with an offset of colorless background to the colored needles within creating a wonderful contrast.
~ Examples of a rutilated qurtz; pendant by Prehistoric Works
Tiger’s eye is also a member of the wider quartz family, and has the soothing yet strong appearance that only a brown gemstone can showcase. Tiger’s eye has a fibrous structure with included needles that combine to form a ‘silky’ appearance.
~ Tiger's Eye beads
Zircon is another materiel that has been known to the world for a long time, with the oldest being dated at 4.4 billion years old. This gemstone can display a board range of colors, including browns laced with yellow, pink and/or red.
The sparkle of zircon’s natural fire adds to the warmth of this underappreciated gemstone.
Brown is an often overlooked color, but it’s influence has been with the world forever, and continues to offer a subtle yet luscious option for all things art and fashion.
Pair a gem of this color with rose, yellow or white metals and you will be one step closer to crafting the perfect piece for the year ahead.
Mocha Mousse offers a warm, strong and rich color with boundless possibilities. Whether the main hue or an accent to others, brown continues to shine.
Just like all the best things do.
~ Blog by Isabelle Corvin, Staff Gemologist and Merchandising Manager