Ice, Ice Baby: Rock Crystal Jewelry

I know that much of the country is being slammed with snow and ice as of late, and it got me thinking about rock crystal (also known as quartz crystal), as it resembles ice. In fact, its name comes from the Greek word for ice, according to The Book of Stones by Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian (A great reference book!). I’ve always been drawn to the stone, from my fascination with crystal balls as a child, to the crystal pendants I wore around my neck throughout college. Even today, I have quite a few rock crystal items I adore. This stone is said to heighten spiritual awareness, generate prosperity, and alleviate stress, among other things. Here’s some of my favorite rock crystal pieces I have collected over the years.

rock crystal jewelry
One of the things I love about rock crystal is that the price point isn’t necessarily super high. You can find lovely items for not a lot of money, and continue on up to very expensive ones. In addition, there’s designs for all different personal styles, from organic bohemian to refined up-town lady, and the the fact that it’s colorless makes it very easy to work into your wardrobe. I took a virtual shopping tour, and I found some gorgeous pieces I think you may enjoy (in no particular order).

Efva Attling “Define Normal” pendant

efva attling definte normal pendant
Raw Elements ring

raw elements jewelry rock quartz ring
Temple St. Clair earrings

temple st. clair rock crystal amulet drop earrings
Ten Thousand Things necklace

ten thousand things crystal and diamond bead drop necklace
Diane von Furstenberg, for H.Stern, rings

Sutra-Rings-from-Diane-von-Furstenberg-by-H.-Stern
Melissa Joy Manning earrings

melissa joy manning rock crystal drop earrings
Ransom Jewelry necklace

ransom jewelry rock crystal arrow necklace
H.Stern bracelet

h.stern rock crystal bracelet
Monica Rich Kosann necklace

monica rich kosann rock crystal oval key necklace
So what about you? Do you own any rock crystal pieces? Is this something that you’re attracted to? I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’re one of the people buried in snow, please stay warm and safe!

Temple St. Clair: Designer

I fell in love with Temple St. Clair‘s rock crystal amulets from the first time I saw one…it was literally beckoning to me from a well-lit glass case. It was at the same time ethereal, bohemian and elegant. It’s a rare piece of jewelry that can capture all that at once. Then and there, it went on my “lust/must” list.

Temple has been celebrating her 25th year in business, and I was thrilled to attend her special trunk show at Wilke’s Bashford a while back.

temple st. clair
Temple and Amy

Since procuring said amulet wasn’t part of my budget at that time, I settled for reading her beautiful coffee table book cover-to-cover. Alchemy, a Passion for Jewels is a gorgeous tome, full of both information and stunning photos. While reading I discovered the designer and I both shared a passion for Italy (where she learned her craft), pieces of the past, and the ocean. Perhaps this is why I am so consistently drawn to her collection, as we appear to be kindred spirits. (In fact that’s what she inscribed in my copy of her book!)

temple st. Clair book
A must-have book for any jewelry lover!

Here’s a sample of her rock crystal amulets that I got to have fun with at the show.

temple st. clair amulets
How to decide which one I love best?!

And it was hard to tear this incredible moonstone cuff from my wrist….

temple st. clair bracelet
Fit for a goddess!

Temple designs with 18K yellow and white gold and gemstones of all colors. She creates a new collection twice a year, for spring and fall. Her line can be found in fine jewelry boutiques and department stores around the globe. If you’re interested in seeing her work in person, I’m sure you can find a nearby retailer!