Diamond Blue is a light greyish blue color that gets its name from its resemblance to the brilliant blue hue seen in some diamonds. While not an official color name, Diamond Blue is a real shade that has grown in popularity in recent years, especially in the worlds of interior design, fashion, and cosmetics.
The Origins of Diamond Blue
Diamond Blue first started appearing as a descriptor for blue-tinged grey colors in the early 2000s. During this time, grey was becoming a trendy neutral in home decor, and paint companies like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams introduced grey shades with names that evoked luxury, like Graphite, Pewter Grey, and Mink. Diamond Blue fit right in with this naming convention, lending an aspirational, jewelry-inspired feel to the cool blue-grey color.
While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when Diamond Blue was first used as a color name, many trace it back to the 2001 launch of Estée Lauder’s limited edition Powder Compact in Diamond Blue. This coveted makeup compact featured a pale blue-grey shade with subtle shimmer, meant to flatter a wide range of skin tones. The unique color name and upscale packaging helped it sell out quickly.
The cosmetics industry played a key role in establishing Diamond Blue in the early 2000s. Prestigious fashion houses like Chanel and Dior released Diamond Blue nail polishes, eyeshadows, and lip colors, while mass market brands like Revlon and L’Oreal followed suit with their own takes on the light silvery blue. Its popularity in makeup helped propel Diamond Blue into the fashion world as well.
Use of Diamond Blue in Fashion and Interior Design
In the 2010s and beyond, Diamond Blue has expanded beyond cosmetics into many other industries.
Fashion designers like Prada, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors have embraced Diamond Blue, using it for shoes, handbags, dresses, and men’s suits. Its slightly desaturated grey-blue look provides flexibility in coordinating outfits and serves as a sophisticated neutral that flatters most complexions.
In home decor, Diamond Blue paint has become a top choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms. Paint companies have introduced entire collections in shades of Diamond Blue, including Behr’s Silver Drop and Valspar’s Sterling Blue. Compared to brighter blues, Diamond Blue reads as more neutral on walls, working well with warm metals, wood tones, and both cool and warm color schemes.
From throw pillows and bedding to area rugs and upholstered furniture, accents in Diamond Blue are popular for their versatility. And in kitchens and baths, Diamond Blue is on-trend for cabinets, tiles, small appliances, and hardware.
Diamond Blue is also commonly used for branding and packaging. Its upscale associations make it fitting for luxury hotels, jewelry, perfume, and skincare. And tech companies like Dell have embraced Diamond Blue for products and logos, aiming to convey trust, stability, and wisdom.
Defining Characteristics of Diamond Blue
So what makes a color qualify as Diamond Blue exactly? Here are some key defining traits of this shade:
- A blue-grey base, rather than pure grey
- A very subtle blue cast, not fully chromatic blue
- Desaturated, softened, and muted compared to bold blues
- Lighter than classic navy blue, with less intensity
- Hint of cool silvery tones, evocative of platinum or white metals
- Slight pearlescent or shimmery finish in some applications
- Calming, soothing, and sophisticated mood
Diamond Blue sits in the space between blue and grey, softened and subdued. It inherits some polish from its blue undertones and crisp sophistication from its grey base. The overall effect is understated elegance.
Diamond Blue Color Codes
Diamond Blue is not an officially standardized color with one set definition. However, there are some commonly cited color codes that capture its likeness:
| Color System | Diamond Blue Code |
|---|---|
| HEX | #7099A1 |
| RGB | 112, 153, 161 |
| CMYK | 31, 6, 0, 37 |
| Pantone | 14-4107 TCX “Silver Peony” |
As these values demonstrate, Diamond Blue falls in the middle ground between cyan blue and dark grey. Changing any part of the formula makes it lean slightly more blue or grey.
Distinctiveness of Diamond Blue
Diamond Blue stands apart from other shades of blue and grey in a few key ways:
- It has subtle warmth from its grey base, unlike cooler blues.
- It’s lighter and brighter than most grey shades.
- It has a hint of refinement that other blue-greys lack.
- It’s more muted than primary or secondary blue colors.
- It has an inviting, polished look compared to dark or dull blues.
Diamond Blue also differs from other greys in its slight blue undertone. While some greys skew green, red, or purple, Diamond Blue owes its uniqueness to its blueish cast.
Mood and Meaning of Diamond Blue
What visual impressions and meanings does Diamond Blue convey? Some associations include:
- Calming – Its soft, desaturated look is soothing and serene.
- Cool – Its blue base provides a cooling effect, though warmer than icy blues.
- Openness – As a light, airy color it evokes wide open spaces.
- Flow – Blue undertones relate it to water, rivers, and streams.
- Peace – Blue has peaceful, tranquil connotations.
- Clarity – Crisp grey gives a sense of clarity and focus.
- Luxury – Diamond associations sparkle with elite sophistication.
- Wisdom – Its balance of blue and grey suggests depth and insight.
These positive qualities make Diamond Blue feel special yet livable, upscale yet down-to-earth. It brings together the best of blue and grey for a globally appealing shade.
Use Cases for Diamond Blue
Here are some recommended and popular uses for Diamond Blue across industries:
- Living rooms – Sofas, pillows, rugs, walls
- Bedrooms – Bedspreads, headboards, accent walls
- Bathrooms – Tile, cabinets, towels, shower curtains
- Kitchens – Appliances, kitchenware, dining sets
- Office spaces – Furniture, branding, marketing materials
- Healthcare – Scrubs, logos, interior design
- Retail – Product packaging, shopping bags, displays
- Education – School colors, murals, signage
Diamond Blue brings a touch of sophistication and tranquility to any space, industry, or product line.
Matching and Coordinating Diamond Blue
Diamond Blue is versatile enough to coordinate well with a wide range of colors. Here are some popular color pairings:
- Warm neutrals – tan, beige, brown, cream
- Earth tones – emerald, olive green, terra cotta
- Monochrome – charcoal, black, white, light and dark greys
- Metal colors – silver, platinum, gunmetal, bronze
- Jewel tones – ruby, sapphire, turquoise
- Pastels – blush, lavender, buttercream
Diamond Blue can lend a refined contrast or seamless coordination based on the colors paired with it. It has versatility for both cool and warm palettes.
Alternative Names for Diamond Blue
Since Diamond Blue is an unofficial color term, you may see it described on paint chips, clothing tags, or product names by some other names. Some alternative names that capture a similar look include:
- Frozen Blue
- Starry Blue
- Grey Blue
- Blue Romance
- Evening Blue
- Ice Flow
- Blue Smoke
- Castle Grey
- Blue Stone
- Blue Jay
These poetic names evoke the soft blue-grey beauty of Diamond Blue. But Diamond Blue remains the most popular catchall term for this elegant, aspirational shade.
Conclusion
Diamond Blue is much more than a fanciful color name. Over the past two decades, it has evolved into a nuanced, sophisticated shade in its own right. It brings together the most appealing qualities of blue and grey for a timeless yet contemporary color. With its upscale flair and restful mood, Diamond Blue adds subtle beauty and interest to any application. Though not officially codified, Diamond Blue has carved out a unique niche across industries as a calming, refined blue-tinged grey.
