Flint stones are firing their way back onto the fashion scene. Throughout history and around the world, flint stones have been embraced for their special traits; most notably, they were used for kindling fire, and in the Neolithic period, they were carved into ceremonial ornaments. But the type of flint in
W. Kruk's autumn 2006 Krzemień Pasiasty (banded flint) collection is found only in the south of Poland. Couple that with W. Kruk's craftsmanship, and it give us a collection uniquely and completely Polish.

"Each item [of the collection] is unique," explained Ms. Iwona Cieślik, the PR manager of W. Kruk. The passage of time has immobilised the shifting grains of particles into wavy
stripes, and their alternating bands of light and dark shades range from grey to caramel. The different formations in each piece of the flint determine the final look. Anna Orska, W. Kruk's designer, worked with their in-house craftsmen to cajole the rocks into yielding their most beguiling dimensions.

By its nature, the banded flint has what it takes to become a fashion icon - it has the looks, it is rare and it's hard (6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale; diamonds measure 10). Again by its nature, the banded flint also symbolises optimism. Therefore, upbeat names such as Optimism, Energy, Enthusiasm, Harmony, Happiness and Joy are given to the pieces in the collection. Some designs are limited edition pieces.

W. Kruk, voted as the Best Jewelry Store in the Insider's 2006 Best of Warsaw survey, takes pride in incorporating novel materials into accessories. The banded flint collection is an example of this spirit.

W. Kruk's collection was launched on September 6. When I spoke to Iwona two weeks after the début, she reported that the preliminary sales were a satisfactory indicator that the public has taken a keen interest in this national treasure...so swing in to behold this Polish wonder. (K.C.)

W. Kruk
pl. Konstytucji 6,
tel. 022 628-7534, www.wkruk.pl
Open: Mon.-Fri.11:00-19:00; Sat.10:00-14:00

Kruk