2026 Pantone Color of the Year: Cloud Dancer

A new year means it’s time for the 2026 Pantone color of the year. For 2026, Pantone has selected Cloud Dancer, a white. To all those who are critical of white as a choice, think again. White is an incredibly versatile color that can work in a variety of situations.

According to Pantone, Cloud Dancer is “a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection.” I interpret this to mean that it’s a calming presence amid our noisy world, that it’s fresh and light. 

Cloud Dancer in jewelry designs

White is so versatile. It plays a primary role in my winter jewelry designs. It pairs well with vibrant primary hues as a compliment. It works well in my aquatic-inspired summer collections as a pair to the blues that emulate the water. 

In addition to all the colors, white works well with all the different metals. Gold, silver, copper, rose gold; all can be accented by white.

Here’s another fun fact about cloud dancer; the inspired palettes are all pastels, which is a fun chance to the bold colors I typically design with. That is inspiring, especially for the spring season. It’s also a different way to use white, one that I wouldn’t immediately consider. 

Cloud Dancer in 2025

White may be a color that is often overlooked, but I’m excited to embrace this shade in 2026. Here’s to all the jewelry designs to come that use this color. 

Interested in reading more about my Pantone inspiration? Each year I enjoy highlighting the new Pantone color of the year. If you’d like to read more about prior year trends read more in my past posts highlighting the colors of the year from 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019.