Title: Rock Crystal: The Unsung Hero of High Watchmaking and Jewelry
Decorative gems have adorned watches for centuries, but beyond the traditional diamonds and classic trinity of rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, a colorless variety of quartz called rock crystal is actually the most commonly used stone in horology.
At Watches and Wonders Geneva, renowned brands like Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel, and Boucheron showcased new timepieces and high jewelry pieces featuring rock crystal. This less familiar gemstone, formed of oxygen and silicon, has a long history of use in decorative arts, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia.
Van Cleef & Arpels presented the Lady Arpels Nuit Enchantée watch, featuring a dial of rock crystal with intricate detailing and gemstone embellishments. Chanel introduced the Crystal Lion Long Necklace, incorporating rock crystal into a quartz-powered timepiece inspired by the brand’s flagship in Paris.
Frédéric Boucheron, a pioneer in pairing rock crystal with diamonds, continues to celebrate the stone in high jewelry collections. Creative director Claire Choisne highlighted the modernity and style that rock crystal brings to jewelry, emphasizing its monochrome aspect and versatility in design.
With its transparency, durability, and carvability, rock crystal remains a popular choice for high watchmaking and jewelry. Gemologist Helen Molesworth noted that its decorative and practical uses make it an attractive option for watchmakers and jewelry designers alike, ensuring its continued presence in the world of luxury accessories.
