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

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Temple st Clair pendant on unbranded sterling silver chain. I felt like the real TSC chains are every expensive and not worth it for everyday use so i got an alternative when i want to wear it boldy to capture the look that i want with this necklace.
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I’ve also noticed that 18k chains are shockingly expensive! I would hypothesize that handmaking chains from such a soft metal is difficult and labour intensive, which is why the prices are so high, but would want to see a video of someone making one…
 
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I’ve also noticed that 18k chains are shockingly expensive! I would hypothesize that handmaking chains from such a soft metal is difficult and labour intensive, which is why the prices are so high, but would want to see a video of someone making one…

Interesting, I've noticed there's been a fair amount of conversation here about the cost of the TSC chains. I've never really investigated other options, so don't have a good idea of prices for comparable chains. I'd need to see in person, as I'd want a close match. But, for better or worse :P, I'm just kind of a purist about using her chains with her pendants, and because of that have just accepted the pricing. Absolutely a good idea, though, for everyone to look for and find the best match for their needs.

Regarding craftsperson videos, I'd love to see the pieces being made! I wish they'd do that!
 
Do the raised dots on the bottoms of her rings bother anyone else? I'm wearing two TSC rings today ... through the pandemic I've become more interested in only wearing 100% comfortable pieces, which these are so close to being. I'm thinking about asking them if they'd take them off, but their customer service hasn't been helpful in the past (they've only responded to one of 4 requests, and that response was to say no). If I ever have time to get a jeweler I'm considering taking them off (ok, realistically this will never happen; I'll just continue to be mildy annoyed :) )
 
I also find the chains to be very expensive. I purchased and returned a 24” round chain. It was only ~7 grams in weight and the circle part looked imcomplete; maybe that was the intended look, but I just didn’t like it.
 
I’ve also noticed that 18k chains are shockingly expensive! I would hypothesize that handmaking chains from such a soft metal is difficult and labour intensive, which is why the prices are so high, but would want to see a video of someone making one…

Even though I tried hard to find a less expensive substitute, I couldn't find any chains that I loved as much as TSCs to go with her amulets, etc. The ones that were a lot cheaper were a less substantial or smaller. It would be more cost effective if one had more than one pendant for each chain. At least you don't have to buy a chain with every pendant (amulet, locket, etc.). I have bought 3 chains so far, 18", 24", and 32" (extended to 34"), and I bought all three at a discount/on sale. I hope that may be all I need, but I can see adding another style if it went better with a particular pendant/amulet. It's totally fine if someone prefers other chains and can find one that has a similar look to hers. Almost no one would know the difference outside of this group!
 
Do the raised dots on the bottoms of her rings bother anyone else? I'm wearing two TSC rings today ... through the pandemic I've become more interested in only wearing 100% comfortable pieces, which these are so close to being. I'm thinking about asking them if they'd take them off, but their customer service hasn't been helpful in the past (they've only responded to one of 4 requests, and that response was to say no). If I ever have time to get a jeweler I'm considering taking them off (ok, realistically this will never happen; I'll just continue to be mildy annoyed :smile: )
I don't have a TSC ring yet, but I have wondered how I'd feel about that! I'd say it would be super easy to have the dots removed if you ever have time! I did have to email TSC twice about extending my chain(s), and the second time I did get excellent customer service, and the process of getting it done was really great! So maybe try again, but I think any reputable jeweler can remove the dot. It likely would cost less without shipping, as well.
 
Do the raised dots on the bottoms of her rings bother anyone else? I'm wearing two TSC rings today ... through the pandemic I've become more interested in only wearing 100% comfortable pieces, which these are so close to being. I'm thinking about asking them if they'd take them off, but their customer service hasn't been helpful in the past (they've only responded to one of 4 requests, and that response was to say no). If I ever have time to get a jeweler I'm considering taking them off (ok, realistically this will never happen; I'll just continue to be mildy annoyed :smile: )

Hello, I asked @iggybedora about the ring granulation at the underside of her Collina ring, as I was curious. See link below. I wonder if it has to do with sizing...do your rings possibly fit a bit too big on you? As @DS2006, noted, I think it would be easy for a jeweler to remove the granulation if you find it to be uncomfortable.

https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...e-our-favorites.1046930/page-12#post-34836157
 
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Even though I tried hard to find a less expensive substitute, I couldn't find any chains that I loved as much as TSCs to go with her amulets, etc. The ones that were a lot cheaper were a less substantial or smaller. It would be more cost effective if one had more than one pendant for each chain. At least you don't have to buy a chain with every pendant (amulet, locket, etc.). I have bought 3 chains so far, 18", 24", and 32" (extended to 34"), and I bought all three at a discount/on sale. I hope that may be all I need, but I can see adding another style if it went better with a particular pendant/amulet. It's totally fine if someone prefers other chains and can find one that has a similar look to hers. Almost no one would know the difference outside of this group!

I realize you have a much thicker chain, but I am wondering if your round chain is actually round. Is the ”end,” of the circle sort of pointy and not perfectly round? I am wondering if this is the signature look of handmade chain or the one I got was atypical. I got the 24“ thin round chain and it looked undone. I am unfamiliar with fine jewelry and can’t even tell if this is the intended look :doh: I watched a YouTube video of a jeweler talking about her chains praising the quality and workmanship, but didn’t go into the details for me to understand.
 
I realize you have a much thicker chain, but I am wondering if your round chain is actually round. Is the ”end,” of the circle sort of pointy and not perfectly round? I am wondering if this is the signature look of handmade chain or the one I got was atypical. I got the 24“ thin round chain and it looked undone. I am unfamiliar with fine jewelry and can’t even tell if this is the intended look :doh: I watched a YouTube video of a jeweler talking about her chains praising the quality and workmanship, but didn’t go into the details for me to understand.

My 2 longer chains are the classic oval, not round. They are roundish but do have the ends connected to make it slightly oval. I believe the round link chains are actually round. I think @etoile de mer has the fine round chain, and maybe she can answer this.
 
Do the raised dots on the bottoms of her rings bother anyone else? I'm wearing two TSC rings today ... through the pandemic I've become more interested in only wearing 100% comfortable pieces, which these are so close to being. I'm thinking about asking them if they'd take them off, but their customer service hasn't been helpful in the past (they've only responded to one of 4 requests, and that response was to say no). If I ever have time to get a jeweler I'm considering taking them off (ok, realistically this will never happen; I'll just continue to be mildy annoyed :smile: )
Hi @simurgh ! :wave:

Just wanted to chime in with @DS2006 and @etoile de mer that it would probably be easy for another jeweler to remove the granules from your rings. My guess is that TSC probably would not be keen on removing that, as it's part of what she considers her signature details. I believe that particular detail, present on many of her rings, is called an Archer's granule.

Which rings do you have? Would love to see if you feel comfortable sharing! :heart:
 
I realize you have a much thicker chain, but I am wondering if your round chain is actually round. Is the ”end,” of the circle sort of pointy and not perfectly round? I am wondering if this is the signature look of handmade chain or the one I got was atypical. I got the 24“ thin round chain and it looked undone. I am unfamiliar with fine jewelry and can’t even tell if this is the intended look :doh: I watched a YouTube video of a jeweler talking about her chains praising the quality and workmanship, but didn’t go into the details for me to understand.

My 2 longer chains are the classic oval, not round. They are roundish but do have the ends connected to make it slightly oval. I believe the round link chains are actually round. I think @etoile de mer has the fine round chain, and maybe she can answer this.


Hello @opensesame, here's a close-up photo of my Fine Round chain. As the links are just 4mm, and the wire gauge is quite small, without magnification the links of mine appear round to me. But, as you note, when magnified, the area of the solder joint comes to a slight point. Not having had similar type chains from any other jeweler, I'm not sure if this is customary in general for handmade chains, but in my experience, it's typical for the TSC chains I've had. I've also found the solder joints are sometimes not uniformly tidy. I've always just assumed it's due to the way these are fabricated, and is as intended. The solder joints are often shown in the close-up pics TSC provides of the chains. Her pieces do seem to vary a bit due to being handmade. I hope this helps a bit. :flowers:

TSC - fine round chain - 1.jpg
 
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Hello @opensesame, here's a close-up photo of my Fine Round chain. As the links are just 4mm, and the wire gauge is quite small, without magnification the links of mine appear round to me. But, as you note, when magnified, the area of the solder joint comes to a slight point. Not having had similar type chains from any other jeweler, I'm not sure if this is customary in general for handmade chains, but in my experience, it's typical for the TSC chains I've had. I've also found the solder joints are sometimes not uniformly tidy. I've always just assumed it's due to the way these are fabricated, and is as intended. The solder joints are often shown in the close-up pics TSC provides of the chains. Her pieces do seem to vary a bit due to being handmade. I hope this helps a bit. :flowers:

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Thank you so much for sharing! The chain I got looks exactly like yours in the pic. Now I understand the pointy part is the intended look, signifying that they are indeed handmade. Thanks again!
 
Thank you so much for sharing! The chain I got looks exactly like yours in the pic. Now I understand the pointy part is the intended look, signifying that they are indeed handmade. Thanks again!

So glad it was helpful. :smile: I'd say in general her pieces feel more artisanal than precision-made. It seems a conscious choice, from the beginning of her business she was discovering and employing artisans using centuries old techniques. I think one's more likely to "see" the hand of the artist in her pieces.

This article from 2014 describes the path from initial design through fabrication for some of the spectacular high-end pieces. Her Flying Fish bracelet is one of my favorites! :hbeat:

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/temple-st-clair-mythical-creatures-slideshow
 
So glad it was helpful. :smile: I'd say in general her pieces feel more artisanal than precision-made. It seems a conscious choice, from the beginning of her business she was discovering and employing artisans using centuries old techniques. I think one's more likely to "see" the hand of the artist in her pieces.

This article from 2014 describes the path from initial design through fabrication for some of the spectacular high-end pieces. Her Flying Fish bracelet is one of my favorites! :hbeat:

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/temple-st-clair-mythical-creatures-slideshow
Interesting article! The featured pieces are truly spectacular… love the flying fish bracelet and the sea dragon earrings!! :loveeyes:
 
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