The Stellar Pieces in Temple St. Clair’s New Sole Collection
November 23, 2020 by Amy Elliott
"Devotees of the jewelry designer Temple St. Clair know that she is as well-versed in Italian art, literature, and culture as she is in moonstones, rock crystals, and elegant goldwork. This knowledge was well on display during the talk she gave during NYC Jewelry Week; in it, she eloquently described Cosmic Journey, the three-part collection she has been unveiling in installments since August.
Inspired by The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, the famed 13th-century Italian poet, St. Clair has set out to tell a “tale of hope and looking forward,” she says. “The narrative of Dante’s Divine Comedy is a journey through the darkness to the light, and the idea that no matter how much doubt and confusion there can be around our own humanity, we can count on the steady movement of the universe.”
Designer Temple St. Clair
Just as Dante structured his epic poem in three parts (Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso), St. Clair gives us jewels organized in three “chapters,” all inspired by the mysteries of the cosmos and the intersection of art and science.
To fully appreciate the third installment in this collection, you need to view it in the context of its two preceding chapters, Astrid and Stelle.
Astrid means “divine beauty,” and several pieces in that chapter carry a divine message from the last line of Dante’s poem: “Amor che move il sole e l’altre stelle” (i.e., “Love that moves the sun and other stars”).
Clockwise from top: Astrid ring (worn as a pendant) in 18k gold, $4,900; Astrid amulets in 18k gold and rock crystal, $6,500 each; Astrid ring in 18k gold (shown tow ways), $4,900
“The new Astrid rock crystal amulet is the ultimate gift for a first-time St. Clair Temple amulet purchaser, as well as for the dedicated collector,” says St. Clair. “The Astrid ring, a miniature model of the cosmos, can be worn as a pendant or a ring, and is for anyone who is fascinated with the mystery of the universe and wants to literally hold the cosmos in her hand.”
Stelle signals to the wearer that a brighter future lies ahead with a rainbow of colored gemstones. “The Horizon pendant, ring, and earrings are a great addition of brilliant color to anyone’s collection,” says St. Clair. Illustrating cosmic patterns and colors, “the pendant is a great layering piece for anyone who likes to collect meaningful charms, and each Horizon jewel is perfect on its own or [can be worn] as a suite.”
Stelle jewels, clockwise from top left: Rainbow eternity bracelet with colored sapphires in 18k gold, $12,000; Horizon pendant in 18k gold with sapphires, tsavorites, and diamonds, $2,950; and Horizon earrings in 18k gold with sapphires, tsavorites, and diamonds, $3,950
Finally, Sole—the climax of the cosmic journey—is an éclat of brilliant diamonds and gleaming gold, a final rhapsody of love and light.
Launched at the end of October, the pieces seem particularly well-suited to holiday gifting. “These are classics that go with everything, everywhere,” says St. Clair.
A closer look at some of the newest Sole pieces are below. ... '
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