Colour Me Happy

Indeed, ancient cultures have used colour as a form of therapy for millennia. The Egyptians are said to have painted their temple floors green, in celebration of fertile grassland, and used sunlight filtered through crystals as a form of healing. In Greece, kaleidoscopic minerals and precious stones were also used to treat ailments or ward off evil, whilst the eminent Persian physician and scholar, Avicenna (980 - 1037 CE) used colour to both diagnose and treat his patients.

More recently, our collective desire to feel joy and optimism during the pandemic saw a huge demand for more colour in our lives. At a time when being together wasn’t possible, we painted rainbows on our windows to give thanks to essential workers and to reassure each other that better days lay ahead. In lieu of travelling, we took photos of the flowers blooming in our own gardens and redecorated our homes in cheerful shades that made us feel happy. And the (virtual) catwalks were flooded with playful outfits guaranteed to raise a smile, making ‘dopamine dressing’, which involves using bright shades and bold styles to intentionally lift your mood, a global phenomenon. Our jewellery boxes also received a shot of colour therapy, with brighter, bolder pieces telegraphing cheer to our nearest and dearest over Zoom.

Now, the need to spark joy feels stronger than ever. Plus, the re-emergence of 90s-style accessories means the rainbow jewellery trend is still going strong. Mappin & Webb’s Rainbow collection is ideal for bringing a splash of colour to any outfit. Balancing oval-cut sapphires in graduated sorbet shades with brilliant-cut diamonds and 18ct yellow gold, the necklace and bracelet look as fresh and modern with a white T-shirt and jeans as they do with a floral dress. Meanwhile, the juicy-hued hoop earrings will add a pop of flattering colour to your complexion in an instant. And those on the lookout for a modern alternative to a solitaire engagement ring this summer, take note - the six-sapphire ring looks supremely chic stacked alongside a wedding band.

The designer Suzanne Kalan is also renowned for her prismatic sapphire jewels, as spotted on celebrities including Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Jessica Alba. Her 18ct rose gold Rainbow Sapphire ‘Frenzy’ Bangle sees baguette-cut sapphires set in a signature scattered way, dotted with occasional brilliants to give a sense of energy and movement, a feature shared by her Candy Crush-like ‘Zigzag’ earrings and Eternity Ring. Wear them as part of a curated layered look, or alone to make more of an eye-catching statement. And if you need another reason to smile, simply remember that these beautiful ‘forever buys’ will continue to deliver their feel-good vibes for many years to come.

Discover your mood enhancing jewellery here at Mappin & Webb online or visit one of our boutiques where our experts will be delighted to assist you.

Author credit: Kim Parker is a London-based journalist and editor specialising in the luxury market, especially fine jewellery and watches. She contributes to leading titles such as Harper’s Bazaar, The Times, The Telegraph, The Week and Condé Nast Traveller.