Acid has earned itself a pretty bum rap.

Painful heartburn. Trippy flashbacks. Not to mention what it did to denim back in 1982.

But jewelry designer Amber Warren is working to restore our faith in the substance. Casting an alchemist’s spell, she uses the stuff to spin fallen leaves into bewitching gold necklaces.

With just the basic principles you failed to learn in chemistry class, Warren dips maple, aspen, and cottonwood leaves into 24-karat gold. Next, she paints on an acid wash that dissolves everything but the foliage’s delicate veins, leaving lightweight gold casts that become beautiful charms.

The pieces work well on their own (a larger maple leaf) or as part of the layering craze (a smaller aspen). Just be careful not to overdo it.

You don’t want to be accused of tripping out.

Available at Hazel, 1902 West Montrose Avenue, between Damen and Wolcott Avenues (773-769-2227).