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WHEN I was a little girl, my parents would take us to the Canadian amethyst mines in British Columbia and for a small fee we would fill up a metal pail with as many precious stones as we could find.
There were purples, pinks and white crystals glistening in the sun in various shapes and sizes for us to take home and treasure.
I was so pleased to attend the recent launch of the ‘Change’ collection from Al Zain Jewellery’s ‘Chameli’ line at the Orangery Tea Room, because it took me back to those happy days.
The collection consisted of gorgeous pieces of amethyst, agate and turquoise all set in 18-carat gold and white diamonds that were paired with symbolic charms and inspirational words. The centre stones were featured around radiant 24-carat gold edges, electroplated over copper, to protect them.
Chameli founder, Bahraini designer Yasmine Al Sairafi, was delighted with the response to her debut offering. She said: “Each item purchased from the ‘Change’ collection is unique, just like each individual who wears a piece. These stones are selected specifically for their ‘positive energy’ properties.”
Noora Al Zain, creative director at Al Zain, also assisted in the creative process, and added: “The mathematical triangle symbol on the charm signifies ‘change’ and that is what we need on earth, people wanting to make a positive change and impact on earth.”
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THE One has launched its spring ‘Rustic Living’ collection featuring a cosy, lived-in look, which blends rich, rust-red Marsala (Pantone’s colour of the year) with mixed metals, nailing two of 2015’s hottest interior trends.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the bold, leafy print wallpaper, which, along with the dining chairs, are the moreish Marsala accents in the showroom.
The rest of the colour story is made up of beiges, off-whites, earthy browns and pops of green. Materials are natural: think warm wood, tactile linen and crisp cotton, with old gold, copper and bronze touches creating interest.
This style is a family affair which is mature, yet relaxed enough. To get that comfortable, homey feeling, go for a combination of contemporary furniture and vintage style pieces.
The sofa, upholstered coffee table, wingback chair and old gold mirror are good examples of the former, while the elegant bronze lantern-style pendant lamp, colonial turned wood armchair and painted metal table lamps add some olde-worlde charm.
Throw in a few playful touches, like a chess set, hand-painted drum and bulldog bookends, and personalise the space with some family photographs.
Finish off with a couple of gold-lined tea-light holders in beaten copper and you’re all set for the rustic way of life.
