Gem Notes

GEM NOTES

AN INSPIRATION CALLED AROMAJEWELS

by Robert Weldon

Some people enjoy, perhaps even thrive, on seeing and touching gemstones. Now Brazilian designer Kendra adds a third sensory dimension with gem stones you can sniff!

Rose quartz, amethyst and aquamarine AromaJewels® ; photo by Robert Weldon.

This olfactory extravaganza — called AromaJewels® —is achieved by drilling a small tunnel into the center of a gem and filling it with a fragrance. Kendra has about seven years’ experience working separately with botanical perfumery and gemstones. She combined her interests with AromaJewels®, fashioning various quartzes and beryls, lapis lazuli, tourmaline and chalcedonies into flowers, hearts or pendules. She describes the oils used in the gems as “euphorics and anti-stress substances that provide great pleasure for the wearer.”

The scents are essential, or pure, flower oils, including champaca, jasmine, orange blossom, rose and hyacinth. The finished products retail for $400-$1,900. Kendra says that once a fragrance is inserted in the gem, it lasts about one week before needing to be replenished. A 2-ml refill should last about 10 months.