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Love on the rocks

by Amy Spiezio

When it comes to a solid source of glamour, rocks are hard to beat in this season's eyewear. Since popping up in shiny clusters on everything from hats to flip-flops to handbags, stones have been an alternative to big logos and an eye-catching touch with appeal to a number of different trend-chasing groups.

1. Hippie chic: Semi-precious stones such as tiger's eye add an organic touch to chunky plastic sun-wear. These stones create a strong dynamic impact in the eyewear, a living touch.

2. City elegant: In the post-bling days of design, there's still an audience who longs for something shiny. But maybe with a bit less sparkle and a bit more shimmer.

3. Multi-taskers: Perfect for a night on the town, stones in eyewear illustrate more than ever that eyewear is jewelry. Bejeweled eyewear does double duty with flair.

4. Economic challengers: In times where stock portfolio panic is up and real estate prices are down, there's a new fiscal conservatism in the air. The investment in a bejeweled pair of eyewear is so much more practical and affordable than over-the-top jewelry buys.

5. Election year elite: Everyone's on their best behavior in an election year. The party talk is more serious, the color palette is darker. Eyewear with pearls says smart, but also remembers the importance of the style vote. EB

1. Burberry style B 4019-B from Luxottica; 2. Dior limited edition style Violet from Safilo; 3. Christian Roth style 14290 a.k.a. Crystal Rocks from Charmant; 4. Sama Eyewear style Elizabeth; 5. Fendi style F748R from Marchon; 6. Carolina Hererra style H739 from BaseCurve/REM Eyewear