No sooner had decreed “the return of boho” in their autumn/winter 2024 trend reports that talk between fine jewellery tastemakers turned to the revival of boho jewellery and therein, semi-precious stones. “Boho fashion is all about expressing individuality and a connection to nature, which fits perfectly with the , vibrant appeal of hardstones,” explains Tania Nawbar, co-creative director of Beirut-based brand Atelier Nawbar, who works extensively with this genre of gems. Loosely defined as semi-precious stones that are durable and can be carved or moulded, hardstones tend to be opaque or translucent, and they often display unique, natural patterns.
“Precious coloured stones – such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds – are incredibly beautiful, but also extremely valuable, and while they can be worn in the summer, they don’t always capture the carefree feeling of the ,” says fine jeweller Fernando Jorge. The Brazilian designer’s new Celestial collection relies heavily on hardstones to deliver his signature organic and sensual style, while riffing on a zodiac theme. “Hardstones are beautiful and abundant in , therefore not as formal and exclusive,” he explains.
Speak to any designer working with hardstones and they immediately reference this effortless, casual air. “They are unpretentious by nature,” says Matthew Harris, founder of Mateo, whose pieces often feature onyx and malachite set in yellow gold—a chic nod to his Jamaican heritage. Meanwhile .
