I’m pretty sure I had some malachite jewelry in the early 1990s—I vaguely remember some swingy earrings and a tiny, tarnished silver ring I bought from a hippie street vendor. Lately, I find myself quite in the mood for malachite pieces once again—only this time, I’m focused on those that highlight the stone’s inherently graphic, glamorous quality.
And I’m not just talking jewels, although malachite jewelry seems to be everywhere. Fact is, I’d like to install malachite columns in my living room (inspiration: Russia’s Winter Palace), get throw pillows made in this iconic Tony Duquette fabric, and trade in my plain Jane flatware for Kim Seybert’s malachite set. (I also kind of want a malachite mani.)
You, too, are probably seeing more malachite at market (and there’s bound to be plenty on offer at JCK Tucson). If you’re a designer, perhaps you share my sudden fascination with the stone’s inimitable swirls and striations and smooth, glossy surface. And let’s not start on that magical green hue…
The reason for all this malachite madness? Believe it or not, we may still be experiencing the reverberating effects of Emerald (Pantone’s choice for Color of the Year in 2013—remember that?). Perhaps we’re craving something “rock solid” in uncertain times. Or maybe we just need “a little green like the color when the spring is born,” as Joni Mitchell once crooned, to keep us going.
Here’s a snapshot of the malachite beauties that are currently on my mind…
I know a lucky lady who received these as a present for her 40th birthday, which also happens to be St. Patrick’s Day.
Magic Alhambra earrings in gold and malachite, $9,350; Van Cleef & Arpels
From the designer’s Carnaby Street collection, this pendant has a sleek, mod slant inspired by “swinging” 1960s-era London.
Carnaby Street pendant in 18k gold and malachite, $2,500; Roberto Coin
So good with something long, white, and flowy (think: Liz Taylor in Cleopatra).
Renaissance bracelet in 18k gold with malachite tips and chrome diopside accents, $11,500; David Yurman
How could I not include this incredibly glamorous iteration of the Detroit-based style icon in the making?
The Shirley Fromer bracelet watch in stainless steel with PVD gold plating and a malachite stone dial, from the Gomelsky collection, $950; Shinola
There’s a dashing dude out there who wants these for a Valentine’s Day gift. How about you?
Rayman Square cufflinks in sterling silver and malachite, $325; Stephen Webster
I’m always chasing Andrea Fohrman rainbows, but this monochrome one is as unusual as it is exceptional.
Rainbow pendant necklace set in 18k gold and black rhodium with malachite and tsavorite, $2,200; Andrea Fohrman, available at Twist
I’m envisioning a mantle adorned with malachite orbs and obelisks—these are like little Hollywood Regency sculptures in miniature.
Vintage rings set in 14k gold with malachite and diamonds, $1,150 each; The Eden Collective
This accent table may or may not have been idling on my Pinterest for three-plus years…
Malachite Handlebar Table with natural malachite inlay and satin brass, price on request; Emporium Home
…although the price of this vase is probably more like it.
Porcelain vase with a malachite-inspired pattern and 24k gold accents, $118; Jonathan Adler
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