(Photo: Raylene Knutson)
Glitz and gold feel so… pre-recessionary, no? The new gems are rougher, rawer, and all the more alluring for it, reflecting light in subtler, unexpected ways. They are moodstones for a darker time. Even fine artists are in on this less-refined trend; see our interview with Carly Waito, painter of Specimens, for more mineral magic.
1. Balenciaga L’Essence, the sophomore fragrance from this storied house, is said–by some ingenious copywriter–to be “like those dark, sensual necklaces made of haematite, a semi-precious stone from the mists of time, slightly poisonous and highly magnetic.” $110 for 50 mL (shown) and $150 for 75 mL, at Holt Renfrew, Murale, and The Bay on Queen.
2. This Marina Fini finger-bender could satisfy even an Anne Shirley-level amethyst obsession. $79.99 at Elle Hardware, 695 Queen St. W, 416-360-0333.
3. A smokier hunk of amethyst ($115) from the gems ‘n’ minerals section of Herbie’s Herbs Co., 556 Queen St. W, 416-504-5755.
4. From way down under, jewellery line Mania Mania brings earthen beauty to light. This cuff, wrought in organic shapes from bronze, stars a roughly faceted aquamarine. $450 at Rac Boutique, 124 Cumberland, 647-352-4433.
5. All that glitters might be pyrite, known by its almost-homonym, the pirate, as “fool’s gold.” $55 at Herbie’s Herbs Co.
6. Every season, Chanel produces a nailpolish that no fashion blogger can live without. This fall’s not the exception. Simply called “Quartz,” it shimmers like a mirage. $26 at The Bay on Queen, 176 Yonge Street, 416-861-9111
7. Mixing metals and pyrite, this beautiful necklace from Biko Jewellery ($125) is a study in alchemy. If you love it, you’ll love its maker.
