You pull the ornament box out of the closet, and there it is again: the same bright red balls, a few mismatched silver ones, and that one glittery thing from 2009. You want your tree to feel richer and more grown-up, but every color you add seems to fight with the last one.
That’s exactly where jewel tones come in. Emerald, sapphire, ruby, and amethyst share a deep, saturated quality, so they blend instead of clashing. The 14 ideas below show you how to build that look with a single color, a mix of gems, or just a few smart accents, whatever your tree and your budget can handle.
1. Emerald Green as the Anchor Color
Start with emerald and let it carry the whole tree. Different shades of green, from deep forest to bright gem, look surprisingly layered against the natural tones of the branches, especially when the ornaments have a mix of glossy and matte finishes.
Group your emerald pieces in clusters of three or four rather than spreading them evenly, so the color feels intentional instead of scattered. A coordinated set of ornaments plus a wired green ribbon is all you need to get the look. Keep a few gold accents nearby to catch the light and stop the green from swallowing the tree.
2. Sapphire Blue with Warm Gold
Sapphire blue feels cool and regal, and gold keeps it from turning icy. Together they create a palette that looks like a midnight sky full of stars, which is a lovely mood for a tree sitting in a dim living room.
Choose a deep, slightly inky blue instead of a bright royal shade, since the darker tone looks more expensive under warm lights. Mix in gold beads, star-shaped ornaments, and a few shimmering glass drops. Place the largest blue ornaments near the center of the tree, where shadows fall, so they glow instead of disappearing into the branches.
3. Ruby Red and Deep Plum
Red doesn’t have to be traditional. Swap the bright candy red for a ruby with a hint of berry, then pair it with a dusky plum, and the tree suddenly looks like a glass of mulled wine, warm, moody, and a little dramatic.
Velvet ornaments work especially well here because the fabric absorbs light and deepens the color. Tuck a few matte plum balls between the glossy rubies so the surface feels textured. If your room has cream or beige furniture, this combination adds welcome warmth without making the space feel heavy or dark.
4. Amethyst Purple Ribbon Cascade
Purple is the boldest jewel tone, and ribbon is the easiest way to use it. A wide amethyst ribbon draped in loose waves down the tree adds a dramatic, flowing line that makes the whole thing look professionally styled.
Start at the top with the end tucked into the branches, then let the ribbon swoop out and back in every foot or so. Secure each dip with a floral pin so it holds its curve. Wired ribbon works best because it keeps its shape, and pairing it with silver or champagne ornaments keeps the purple looking glamorous and not toylike.
5. Mixed Jewel Tone Ornament Clusters
If you can’t pick just one gem, use them all. Emerald, sapphire, ruby, and amethyst together create a stained-glass effect that feels celebratory without looking childish, as long as you stay disciplined about the balance.
The trick is repetition. Choose four colors, then repeat each one at least five or six times, spacing them around the tree in a loose triangle pattern so your eye keeps moving. Warm white lights help unify the mix. Larger trees can handle more variety, while smaller ones look better with just two or three jewel colors working together.
6. Mercury Glass in Gem Colors
Mercury glass has a softly aged, speckled look that gives jewel tones a vintage feel. A deep green or blue mercury ornament doesn’t look new and shiny, it looks like it’s been in the family for generations.
Mix a few mercury pieces with smooth glass ones so the tree has some depth and variety in how it reflects the light. Hang them at different depths, with some tucked close to the trunk and others near the branch tips. The aged finish catches fairy lights beautifully, creating small, scattered glints that feel almost candlelit.
7. Velvet Bows in Oversized Sizes
Big bows are everywhere this season, and they suit jewel tones perfectly. A chunky velvet bow in emerald or sapphire, bigger than you think you need, becomes a focal point instead of a small detail.
Make your own by cutting wide ribbon into long lengths, folding it into a double loop, and securing the center with wire. Put the largest bows near the middle and the top, and a few smaller ones lower down. Two-tone bows, like a green ribbon layered over a gold one, add extra dimension without much effort or expense.
8. Peacock Teal and Brass
Teal sits right between blue and green, and it feels fresh next to all the traditional reds and golds. Paired with warm brass, it gives the tree a retro, slightly eclectic look that stands out in a good way.
Brass bells, stars, and small geometric ornaments make great companions for teal glass balls. Add a few feathers tucked into the branches for a playful nod to the peacock theme, if that suits your taste. This palette works especially well in homes with mid-century or boho furniture, where the warm metals echo the room’s existing finishes.
9. Mustard Gold and Burnt Orange Accents
Not all jewel tones are cool. Mustard gold and burnt orange are rich, earthy gems that add warmth, and they pair beautifully with deep green or plum for a tree that feels cozy and a bit moody.
Use them sparingly, as accents rather than the main color. A handful of mustard velvet ribbons and a few burnt orange glass ornaments are enough to warm up an emerald tree. Dried orange slices tucked among the branches add natural texture and a soft citrus scent, which makes the whole room feel like autumn’s last glow.
10. Warm White Lights for the Glow
The lights can make or break a jewel tone tree. Cool white lights wash out deep colors and make them look flat, while warm white lights bring out the richness and give everything that gentle, golden shimmer.
Use more lights than you think you need, about 100 per foot of tree is a good starting point. Weave them deep into the branches, not just along the surface, so the ornaments glow from within. Choose strings with a green or black wire to blend into the tree, and add a dimmer or timer so the mood stays soft all evening.
11. A Statement Jewel Tone Tree Topper
A tree topper is where you can really lean into the theme. Instead of the usual star, try a large bow in sapphire velvet, a cluster of gem-colored feathers, or a glittering crown-shaped topper in emerald glass.
For extra drama, add a little beading or a few sequined ribbon tails that trail down the upper branches. Make sure the topper is proportional to the tree, roughly one-tenth of its height is a good rule. Securing it with a bit of floral wire keeps it standing straight, even when you’re moving around the room or when little hands get curious.
12. Beaded Garland in Gem Colors
Beaded garlands add shimmer and texture, and in jewel tones they look like strings of real gemstones. Wrap them loosely around the tree in wide swags, and the light bounces off each bead in little sparkles.
Choose garlands with beads in different sizes for a more organic, layered look. Drape them from the top in long, sweeping curves, then add a second layer lower down. Pair emerald and gold beads for a classic feel, or amethyst and silver for something more modern. Be gentle when taking them down, since tangled beads are a headache.
13. A Tabletop Jewel Tone Tree
You don’t need a full-size tree to enjoy this look. A small tabletop tree dressed in jewel tones makes a perfect centerpiece for an entryway, a bookshelf, or even a bedside table, and it costs far less than decorating a big one.
Use miniature ornaments in three or four gem colors, a thin velvet ribbon, and a tiny string of battery lights. Set it on a tray or a cake stand to give it presence. If your tree is artificial, a dark green or even black one makes the jewel colors pop even more, like gems on a velvet cushion.
14. Matching Tree Skirt and Gifts
Once the tree is done, the base deserves some attention too. A velvet tree skirt in deep emerald, sapphire, or plum anchors the whole look and keeps the jewel tones flowing right down to the floor.
Wrap your gifts in coordinating paper, solid colors with gold or silver ribbon look best, and stack them in varying heights beneath the branches. Skip the busy prints, which can fight with the tree. A few oversized boxes at the back and smaller ones in front create a layered look that makes the whole display feel complete and carefully composed.
Final Thoughts
When the lights go down on Christmas Eve and the tree is the only thing glowing in the room, you’ll know whether you got it right. It won’t be about matching every ornament perfectly. It’ll be the feeling you get when you sit on the couch with a warm drink and just look at it.
So trust your eye, even if it leads you somewhere a little different from the pictures. Let one color be your favorite and add the rest slowly. A tree that feels like you, a bit imperfect and full of color, is always the one people remember long after the season ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What colors are considered jewel tones for Christmas?
Jewel tones include emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, amethyst purple, and deep teal, often paired with mustard gold or burnt orange. They’re rich, saturated shades that look like cut gemstones.
Q: What color lights work best on a jewel tone Christmas tree?
Warm white lights are the best choice because they bring out the depth of the colors. Cool white lights tend to make jewel tones look flat and washed out.
Q: How many jewel colors should I use on one tree?
Two or three colors give a polished, cohesive look, while four works well on a larger tree if you repeat each color evenly. Adding gold or silver accents helps tie everything together.