Rock crystal, transparent variety of the silica mineral quartz that is valued for its clarity and total lack of colour or flaws. Vessels and spheres have been carved from large crystals since ancient times, and the application of the word crystal to fine glassware derives from this practice. Reference: Britannica.
The gemstone was popular in the Art Deco era and was often combined with other gemstones such as diamonds or onyx to create bold jewelry and other items. The Art Deco bow pin shown below which was sold at a US auction house demonstrates the stone’s beauty when carved with intricate designs.
Below are some examples and price guides of Art Deco items made from, or containing, the quartz including an Art Deco brooch by Cartier and a cigarette case mounted with diamonds.
AN ART DECO ROCK CRYSTAL AND DIAMOND JABOT PIN, BY CARTIER, CIRCA 1920 Each lotus blossom terminal of frosted rock crystal, accented with rose-cut diamonds in a millegrain setting, signed Cartier Paris, Londres, New York, numbered 3080, maker’s mark, length 11.5cm
Sold for £ 4,437 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2020
ART DÉCO ROCK CRYSTAL AND DIAMOND BROOCH, CARTIER Rock crystal, old-cut diamonds, circa 1925, 6.8 cm, signed Cartier, numbered
Sold for GBP 23,750 at Christie’s in 2018
Art Deco Platinum, Diamond, Sapphire and Rock Crystal Bracelet 5 square & 10 fancy-shaped sapphires, old European-cut diamonds ap. 8.70 cts., c. 1920, ap. 30.8 dwts. Length 7 1/2 inches.
Sold for $8,125 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle 2017
Art Deco Diamond, Platinum Bow Pin
Designed as a bow, featuring two carved rock crystal plaques highlighted by one hundred-two single cut diamonds and one Old European-cut diamond weighing a total of approximately 1.25 cttw., set in a platinum mounting measuring approximately 15.6 x 17.4 mm. Gross weight: 9.5 grams.
Sold for $5,500 at Fine Estate, Inc. in 2020
A JEWELLED ROCK-CRYSTAL ART DECO CIGARETTE CASE, PROBABLY CARTIER, PARIS, CIRCA 1925 rectangular with rounded corners, the lid applied with a diamond-set stylised bell, the hinges with elegant ogee-shaped platinum clasps to either side, the black onyx cabochon pushpiece within black enamel surrounded by rose-diamond set mounts, indistinctly signed Cartier Paris London New York, post-1919 French control mark, platinum control mark 9.5cm., 3¾in. wide
Sold for 21,250 GBP at Sotheby’s in 2020
Art Deco Rock Crystal frosted sunburst pendant set in filagree White Gold with a white gold chain marked “585”. Total weight 6.9 grams. Height of pendant 1 inch (2.5 cm.). Length of chain 16 1/4 inches (41 cm.).
Sold for $350 at Eddie’s Auction in 2020
