Q.  Now that I know which Gemtone colors are best for me, does that mean I can't wear other colors?

A. Finding your 'BEST' colors with the Gemtone card doesn't mean you can't wear colors from another Gemtone card.  To look your BEST, keep your makeup in your correct color family.  Wear blouses or tops that blend with your Gemtone card, or use a scarf that blends.  Skirts and slacks can gradually be replaced in the correct color.

Q. Can I use my Gemtone cards to decorate my house?

A.  Yes!  When you shop for home furnishings such as rugs, drapes or cushions take your Gemtone cards along.  You would use them the same way you would shop for your wardrobe.  Simply place all 4 Gemtone cards against the item you wish to purchase, and if the item 'blends' with the Gemtone card that you have chosen for your room decor, then that item will work beautifully in your home setting.

Q.  When I shop, the lighting in the store is so much different than outside or in my home and office.  Will that affect my purchase?

A.  Lighting has a very definite influence on color. But, that's the beauty of using all four Gemtone cards when you shop. Because the lighting will affect all of the cards in the same manner, your decision on which card 'blends' with the item will be consistent regardless of the lighting conditions. So relax, choose items that 'blend' with your correct Gemtone card and you will look great in any light. 

Q.  How can I shop for the rest of my family using the Gemtone cards?

A.  The instruction book that comes with your Gemtone cards has a section for determining your color profile.  Use the same technique for each member of your family to determine which Gemtone card is best for them. 
Hint:  I even write their names on the back of my Gemtone card set that I carry with me all the time.  Then, if I find a great sale it is easy to determine if the article will enhance my loved one!

Q.  Do your Gemtone cards relate to those companies that use 'seasons' to classify their colors?

A.  Our Gemtone cards represent the four major color groups that people fall into.  These groups are based on the science of light and color theory.  Everyone will fall into ONE category in which they will look their BEST.  Skin undertones are one of these determining factors.

DIAMOND - vivid, blue undertones (winter)
SAPPHIRE - muted, blue undertones (summer)
OPAL - clear, yellow based pastels (spring)
TOPAZ - deeper, muted yellow based (autumn)

Q.  Why don't you use fabric swatches like many companies?

A.  Fabric swatches simply don't work well for color analysis or shopping. Fabrics are dyed in lots, and once a lot is produced, it can never truly be repeated, even with the same dye formula. Light is reflected and absorbed on any surface, thus fabric weave is another variable that is introduced when trying to 'match' colors.

Our Gemtone cards are manufactured by a special process including pure pigments, and they will be the same colors for every card we produce.  They are also compact and laminated, so they are easy to carry or clean.  The laminated surface on each card will give you a true comparison against any item that you are making a color decision about.

Do you have a question for us that we can answer for you?  Send questions to answers@colortools.com.