unearthing agate

semi-precious stone, dazzling accessory

Agate, a semi-precious gemstone, is a variety of quartz commonly associated with volcanic and metamorphic rocks. The colorful stone was given its name by Greek philosopher Theophrastus, who discovered the gem between the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE. The many varieties (noted by differences in colors and patterning) reflect the region and conditions under which the agate was formed. In antiquity, the Greeks used the stone to make jewelry and beads, while ancient Egyptians used the gem in decoration. Agate was believed to possess incredible powers and virtues as a medicinal cure from scorpion stings and snake bites. Today agate is most commonly used in ornaments and decoration.

Channel your inner gypsy this fall by accessorizing with this dazzling stone... take a break from pearls and combine earthy & classic with this elegant necklace from Tory Burch... or opt for bohemian chic with an agate-studded cuff...

Don't believe me? Check out the agate belts that turned up on the Gucci runway...

5-rock agate necklace, $325

tory burch

agate cuff, $195

toryburch

gucci rtw fall 2008

style.com

a house of gems

If you're not into jewelry or you just can't imagine pairing a chunky slice of agate with your tailored Theory suit, try adding a touch of natural wonder to your home decor with brilliantly colored accessories of brazilian agate... Just looking at these gorgeous gem coasters makes me long for a stiff drink with Holly Golightly and Simon Doonan in a sun-drenched TriBeCa loft while the coasters make a bold, daily statement.

Rab Labs was created in 2002 by London-born Anna Rabinowicz, an accomplished product designer and current teacher at Parsons School of Art and Design in New York. Based in New York, Rab Labs currently offers a selection of coasters, plates, napkin rings, bowls, photo frames, ornaments, and bottlestoppers. According to Rabinowicz, "My intention is to bring natural, warm elements into spaces constructed of hard materials -- steel, glass, concrete, and plastic." Look for RabLabs fresh, natural designs at Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York, and (of course) Vivre.

set of 4 brazillian agate coasters, $60

vivre

beyond bangles

accessories & beyond braided cuff

accessories & beyond

I've already admitted my obsession with accessories, bangles in particular... so it's no surprise that I'm wild about these fun bracelets from Accessories & Beyond. They have a fabulous modern-vintage feel about them... lots of pretty colored leather, shiny metallic, and retro-fabulous charms.

And while I don't like to think of myself as high-maintenance, I'm kinda a prima donna when it comes to beachwear (I might be the only person in the world who'd wear a Pucci mini to a pool party)... the new elastic bangles are perfect for the summer girl on the go -- they're water-resistant so you can look effortlessly stylish while sipping mojitos in the cabana and splashing around in the pool.

Accessories & Beyond opened in 1997, bringing Italian bracelets to the United States and quickly became the ultimate destination for what's hot and new in fashion jewelry. The tradition of excellence from foreign locales continues, as Accessories & Beyond offers works by talented designers from Brazil, Italy, and France.

accessories & beyond elastic ink, $62 

shopbop

love bangles

calypso by christiane celle

bracelets by maison jaques, $95.00

I have a bangle obsession. It started small with a few thin bracelets but like any addiction, it quickly grew out of control. I recently saw a photo of myself from college where more of my arms were covered with Indian bangles than not... yikes! I think I'll file that with the picture of those turquoise jeans. I really do love all types of bangles and cuffs--metal, resin, ivory, glitter--I just try not to over accessorize. 

I'm crazy about these resin bracelets I found at Calypso by Christiane Celle in New York. Some are decorated with whimsy snakes and patterns while others read the sweet words "All you need is love." The perfect summer accessory, they're bold and colorful and oh so much fun... but I recommend wearing just one.

NOTE: Sometimes flair is not wired. I searched and searched but could not find any information about the genius behind these little gems, an illusive manufacturer or artist called Maison Jaques... I decided to feature them anyway with the hope that some day they will discover this little jewel called the internet.