Temple St. Clair fans, let’s share our favorites!

[iggybedora]

The Gem Galaxy: The Best Of Celestial Jewelry

The magic of the night sky continues to influence established and independent designer collections. The mystery of the constellations, planets and outer space stirs the imaginations of today’s most prolific jewelers. Interpretations range from lyrical to captivating and all are irresistibly alluring

www.forbes.com

Unfortunately this came up on my news feed and I think I will be exploring some of these designers, some of whom have some really nice things in the TSC vein.
I have to admit I'm kind of disappointed by the "imported" sourcing with so many of the gem pieces. I feel the issues I saw with the celestial pieces I received might be due to this "downsourcing" of labor. Not intending to denegrate the artisans in those locations BUT if I'm paying made in Italy (or France or wherever) prices I want that level of quality. Yes, that horse left the barn years ago but since I'm buying fashion and not a kidney I can take a pass.
I still like many TSC pieces-----I really want to see the starfish pendant! Can't wait for it to get here
Waiting to see what the next sale offers too, so............

I agree...I actually follow 3 of the designers in that article! (Anthony Lent, Selim Mouzannar and L'atelier Nawbar). You might also like https://www.lindahoj.com/home . She makes all of her 22K pieces. I still love TSC and will continue to prioritize her designs for now at least.

 

[wenlet]

The Gem Galaxy: The Best Of Celestial Jewelry

The magic of the night sky continues to influence established and independent designer collections. The mystery of the constellations, planets and outer space stirs the imaginations of today’s most prolific jewelers. Interpretations range from lyrical to captivating and all are irresistibly alluring

www.forbes.com

Unfortunately this came up on my news feed and I think I will be exploring some of these designers, some of whom have some really nice things in the TSC vein.
I have to admit I'm kind of disappointed by the "imported" sourcing with so many of the gem pieces. I feel the issues I saw with the celestial pieces I received might be due to this "downsourcing" of labor. Not intending to denegrate the artisans in those locations BUT if I'm paying made in Italy (or France or wherever) prices I want that level of quality. Yes, that horse left the barn years ago but since I'm buying fashion and not a kidney I can take a pass.
I still like many TSC pieces-----I really want to see the starfish pendant! Can't wait for it to get here
Waiting to see what the next sale offers too, so............

Exactly! I just feel like if I’m paying Italian/French labour prices they should be made there…

 

[etoile de mer]

Hi! I have the medium vine and I love it. I usually wear it long, on a 32” chain. When I bought it, I wore it on a chain from a different brand (oval link but much smaller links compared to TSC). I’ve attached a pic that I had taken where I’ve doubled up the chain such that the amulet is hanging around 16”.

I have since purchased the classic oval chain (TSC brand) in the same length that I love to pair it with (thanks for enabling me @DS2006!). Pic of that attached, too. Please excuse the linty look of my sweater!

I bought this amulet sight unseen and was a little concerned that it would be overwhelmingly big. I didn’t really consider the small size, though, because I preferred the detail on the medium size. Happy to say I have no regrets about that choice!

Totally a personal choice, of course. Btw, I remembered seeing pics on Instagram comparing the small and medium vine amulets. (I don’t know/follow the user, but want to give her credit! Username is dearbeautifulworld). I found them when scouring the internet for pictures of the amulet. I’ve grabbed some screenshots of her pictures in case they might be of interest to you.

Would love to hear what you decide! Feel free to let us know

ETA - in reviewing the IG post, I saw that she actually decided to keep the small vine. Added a screenshot of her description.

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@smile10281, looks beautiful worn both ways!

 

[etoile de mer]

Just purchased this cutie from Saks for an upcoming birthday. I love it, but was disappointed that it didn’t arrive in a TSC pouch and box. It ruined it a bit for me as this is my first piece! Does Saks have her boxes and would they give me one if I went to the store? The store didn’t have the piece in stock, or I would’ve purchased there.
View attachment 5352100

I love the Owl Amulets! Happy Upcoming Birthday!

 

[etoile de mer]

Regarding recent posts, wanting to share some thoughts. I’m likely in the minority, and realize others here may feel differently.

My experience is that luxury brands often contract with craftspeople around the world. For example, Hermès, a French company, has sold sterling silver jewelry made in Germany, horn jewelry made in Vietnam, textiles woven in Nepal, etc… I’m going to assume the company I’m buying from has chosen the best craftspeople to make the specific items. There are likely all sorts of reasons why TSC jewelry is no longer solely made in Italy.

When choosing where to buy TSC pieces, I’m not really motivated to buy from department stores offering discounts. I prefer the service I receive when buying directly from TSC. I also like to be able to support companies directly whenever I can.

Regarding the prices, yes was a bit of sticker-shock coming back to the brand after having been away from it for a while. But, prices have increased over the years for all luxury brands. It feels to be a very ethically run business, and I’m going to assume they are paying their employees and vendors fairly, and that the current prices are a result of fair wages as well as increased material costs. I also do not need or want a big collection, so if pieces cost more, I adjust my expectations and buy less.

Her pieces are handmade and they will vary. I noticed this 15 years ago when I first started buying her jewelry. If this is a concern, best to buy being able to see in person, or state preferences when ordering from wherever you buy.

Certainly no company is perfect, but I’m going to assume they do their best to produce beautiful pieces at fair prices. I don’t mind possible idiosyncrasies. Her designs are unique and creative, and her jewelry resonates with me like few other brands. I look forward to adding more pieces to my small collection!

 

[DS2006]

Regarding recent posts, wanting to share some thoughts. I’m likely in the minority, and realize others here may feel differently.

My experience is that luxury brands often contract with craftspeople around the world. For example, Hermès, a French company, has sold sterling silver jewelry made in Germany, horn jewelry made in Vietnam, textiles woven in Nepal, etc… I’m going to assume the company I’m buying from has chosen the best craftspeople to make the specific items. There are likely all sorts of reasons why TSC jewelry is no longer solely made in Italy.

When choosing where to buy TSC pieces, I’m not really motivated to buy from department stores offering discounts. I prefer the service I receive when buying directly from TSC. I also like to be able to support companies directly whenever I can.

Regarding the prices, yes was a bit of sticker-shock coming back to the brand after having been away from it for a while. But, prices have increased over the years for all luxury brands. It feels to be a very ethically run business, and I’m going to assume they are paying their employees and vendors fairly, and that the current prices are a result of fair wages as well as increased material costs. I also do not need or want a big collection, so if pieces cost more, I adjust my expectations and buy less.

Her pieces are handmade and they will vary. I noticed this 15 years ago when I first started buying her jewelry. If this is a concern, best to buy being able to see in person, or state preferences when ordering from wherever you buy.

Certainly no company is perfect, but I’m going to assume they do their best to produce beautiful pieces at fair prices. I don’t mind possible idiosyncrasies. Her designs are unique and creative, and her jewelry resonates with me like few other brands. I look forward to adding more pieces to my small collection!

I agree with all you have said. I think some of her goldsmiths in Florence are aging out of the business, and with the growth of her sales, she has had to find other goldsmiths to be able to keep up with the demand.

"Temple St. Clair founded her eponymous company in Florence, Italy and has continued to work with Florentine master goldsmiths, setters, chiselers, and engravers since the 1980’s. As Temple St. Clair has grown and expanded, we have sought out some of the greatest artisanal hands worldwide. We have extended our reach to other jewelry centers in Italy; to Italian goldsmiths who have set up workshops in Thailand; and to individual craftsmen in Sri Lanka (ancient Ceylon). Each of these countries has a rich tradition of fine gold work."

I do believe all of her sources produce fine gold work. Elizabeth Locke has her collection made in Thailand and it is beautiful and high priced (and exempt from sales at the higher end department stores). So I do know that other high end gold jewelry is made there. I think after buying some Van Cleef and Arpels over the last few years, I find TSC pricing to be somewhat more reasonable considering the gold and gemstone content of her pieces. While I would love to buy directly from her, I wouldn't be able to get all the pieces I currently have received or ordered (and half of it has been chains so I can collect one or two items to go on them, eventually!). If I ordered a piece and felt it wasn't well made, I'd certainly return it. People are even dissatisfied with some VCA pieces made in France (particularly Alhambra with stones) and return them! I am buying TSC for the beauty (and history) of the designs as well as the quality of the pieces. I can't say that I have enough experience with her pieces in hand to make any broad based conclusions, but my locket has the highest quality gold work and I am extremely pleased with it. It is a little work of art! One of her videos showed how pieces are made with the softened/brushed gold background with the shiny pieces hand applied, so I really appreciate that her pieces still have a lot of hand work. I have to add that my appreciation for TSC grew even more after reading her Alchemy book and watching some of her videos. I felt like I understood the artist and her inspiration so much more and it resonated with me. Even though I adore VCA, there is something more personal about TSC pieces due to knowing more about her and the inspiration behind her designs. I imagine that I will buy directly from her at some point, as she may keep some designs exclusive to her own boutique or website. I was certainly pleased that she is willing to do things such as extend TSC chains even when not bought directly from her. My aim is just to have a small collection of pieces I really love! (If I could go back in time, I'd certainly like to follow in @restricter 's footsteps, though!!! )

 

[etoile de mer]

I agree with all you have said. I think some of her goldsmiths in Florence are aging out of the business, and with the growth of her sales, she has had to find other goldsmiths to be able to keep up with the demand.

"Temple St. Clair founded her eponymous company in Florence, Italy and has continued to work with Florentine master goldsmiths, setters, chiselers, and engravers since the 1980’s. As Temple St. Clair has grown and expanded, we have sought out some of the greatest artisanal hands worldwide. We have extended our reach to other jewelry centers in Italy; to Italian goldsmiths who have set up workshops in Thailand; and to individual craftsmen in Sri Lanka (ancient Ceylon). Each of these countries has a rich tradition of fine gold work."

I do believe all of her sources produce fine gold work. Elizabeth Locke has her collection made in Thailand and it is beautiful and high priced (and exempt from sales at the higher end department stores). So I do know that other high end gold jewelry is made there. I think after buying some Van Cleef and Arpels over the last few years, I find TSC pricing to be somewhat more reasonable considering the gold and gemstone content of her pieces. While I would love to buy directly from her, I wouldn't be able to get all the pieces I currently have received or ordered (and half of it has been chains so I can collect one or two items to go on them, eventually!). If I ordered a piece and felt it wasn't well made, I'd certainly return it. People are even dissatisfied with some VCA pieces made in France (particularly Alhambra with stones) and return them! I am buying TSC for the beauty (and history) of the designs as well as the quality of the pieces. I can't say that I have enough experience with her pieces in hand to make any broad based conclusions, but my locket has the highest quality gold work and I am extremely pleased with it. It is a little work of art! One of her videos showed how pieces are made with the softened/brushed gold background with the shiny pieces hand applied, so I really appreciate that her pieces still have a lot of hand work. I have to add that my appreciation for TSC grew even more after reading her Alchemy book and watching some of her videos. I felt like I understood the artist and her inspiration so much more and it resonated with me. Even though I adore VCA, there is something more personal about TSC pieces due to knowing more about her and the inspiration behind her designs. I imagine that I will buy directly from her at some point, as she may keep some designs exclusive to her own boutique or website. I was certainly pleased that she is willing to do things such as extend TSC chains even when not bought directly from her. My aim is just to have a small collection of pieces I really love! (If I could go back in time, I'd certainly like to follow in @restricter 's footsteps, though!!! )

I appreciated hearing your thoughts, thanks so much for sharing!

 

[restricter]

Unlike other designers, TSC discloses these details because they got caught mismarking items and not declaring full customs value.

I am not naïve enough to think this is an isolated case. They just got caught.

Jeweler Temple St. Clair Settles Customs Fraud Case for $796,000 (1)

Jewelry retailer Temple St. Clair agreed to pay the U.S. government $796,000 to settle allegations of customs violations leveled by Johanna Olarte, a former inventory manager at the company.

news.bloomberglaw.com

Full DOJ settlement here:https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/p...lawsuit-against-fine-jewelry-designer-evading

 

[poopsie]

Unlike other designers, TSC discloses these details because they got caught mismarking items and not declaring full customs value.

I am not naïve enough to think this is an isolated case. They just got caught.

Jeweler Temple St. Clair Settles Customs Fraud Case for $796,000 (1)

Jewelry retailer Temple St. Clair agreed to pay the U.S. government $796,000 to settle allegations of customs violations leveled by Johanna Olarte, a former inventory manager at the company.

news.bloomberglaw.com

Full DOJ settlement here:https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/p...lawsuit-against-fine-jewelry-designer-evading

I saw this a week or so ago when I was Googling TSC
Apparently a paper tag attesting to the country of origin attached to the item is considered a permanent ID. My pendant is from Thailand. I can't find any stamping on the piece itself but that was just with reading glasses and a regular magnifying glass. If I had a loupe I could check up inside the bail.
I checked the Bloomies site and only a few items were designated as Made in Italy. Some chains were Made in USA and others were merely Imported. Color me crazy but aren't items from Italy also imported? I think we all know the reason for that.
I don't always mind certain collections being made in other locales. Prada did that with the Madras Collection. Beautiful woven work. What I didn't appreciate was when they snuck pleather linings into their bags and hid the Made In tags when they switched to China.
If TSC wants to farm their colored stone work to places like Thailand and Sri Lanka fine. They've been doing that work for tons of lower spectrum designers for years and probably lots of higher end designers now too. But Italy has the best rep for gold work. I expected the colored stone pieces to be made elsewhere but I was amazed at how most of the gold and diamond pieces were not from Italy any more. I still like her stuff and will most likely add a few more pieces but I've shifted my focus to different pieces now.
But I'm one of those who wants their LV to be MIF or I'll pass.

 

[restricter]

Wow. This thread took a turn.
Feel free to @ me when/if it becomes fun again.

 

[limom]

Palate cleanser
the obsession with cuff is real….

 

[DS2006]

Palate cleanser
the obsession with cuff is real….

Her bangles are amazingly gorgeous! One of many examples of why TSC is my favorite gold jewelry designer.

 

[sjunky13]

Unlike other designers, TSC discloses these details because they got caught mismarking items and not declaring full customs value.

I am not naïve enough to think this is an isolated case. They just got caught.

Jeweler Temple St. Clair Settles Customs Fraud Case for $796,000 (1)

Jewelry retailer Temple St. Clair agreed to pay the U.S. government $796,000 to settle allegations of customs violations leveled by Johanna Olarte, a former inventory manager at the company.

news.bloomberglaw.com

Full DOJ settlement here:https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/p...lawsuit-against-fine-jewelry-designer-evading

I read this last month and it left me a bit confused if I will purchase anything. I love her pieces, but it left a poor taste in my mouth.

 

[sjunky13]

I think everyone should share their thoughts and feelings. I am ok with seeing some critique and feedback along with fabulous goodies!

 

[limom]

I think everyone should share their thoughts and feelings. I am ok with seeing some critique and feedback along with fabulous goodies!

I feel the same. It is nice to be fully informed and make one own’s decision, imho.
More goodies: