The Beauty of Rock Crystal in High Jewellery
The Beauty of Rock Crystal in High Jewellery
There was a time when the words ‘rock crystal’ conjured up images of slender shards or beads of clear quartz dripping from a simple gold chain.gold and crystal necklace Yet today, the humble material is at the heart of many breathtaking high jewellery creations that cleverly utilise its natural qualities for scale, depth and dynamism.
A versatile, durable and lustrous mineral, rock crystal is often used as an alternative to diamonds for a more sustainable and ethical gemstone.gold and crystal necklace It forms in massive crystals - the largest ever discovered was in Itapoa, Brazil and reportedly weighed over 20 feet in length - which means it’s easy to craft large cabochons and beads, as well as faceted gems.
As a result, the material is renowned for its clarity and transparency that gives it an almost ethereal quality.gold and crystal necklace The jewellers of the Maison Boucheron, for example, are experts at setting precious stones into crystal canvases. Their Holographique High Jewellery collection from 2015 included a ring with two dazzling sapphires inlaid into a rock crystal frame, while the dazzling black onyx and rock crystal Frozen Capture set from 2021 uses a latticework of black onyx, mirror polished metal and rock crystal to evoke the light reflected off the surface of a frozen lake.
There are also gemstones within the rock crystal family that incorporate inclusions to add interest and value, such as the smoky quartz that’s coloured by heat-treated amethyst and citrine, or the more rare rutilated quartz, featuring needles of golden rutile.gold and crystal necklace These crystals are known for their healing properties, balancing and energising the wearer, as well as offering protection from negative energy.
Pyrite and tiger’s eye are also protective stones, shielding against negativity and promoting health and wellness by stimulating the second and third chakras. Heliodor, a bright gold-coloured crystal, is believed to boost the immune system and ward off disease, while encouraging optimism, willpower and the ability to overcome difficulties.
In addition to its aesthetic qualities, the jewellery of the Maison Boucheron is renowned for its healing properties. The Maison’s Phytoplasma and Aetherosphere necklace of 2017 is adorned with a series of spherical and sculptural pyrite crystals, which help to balance and strengthen the body.
To keep your jewellery shining as brightly as you do, take care of it by cleaning your crystals and gold pieces regularly with a jewelry cleaner and a soft brush or cotton wool. Alternatively, you can have them professionally cleaned at your local jeweller. You should also have your jewellery prongs tightened every 8-12 months to prevent them from coming loose or breaking.