Maker Stories

Sugar and Spice

July 15, 2011

Next month, we’re hosting an Uncommon Jewelry Challenge, with an open call for jewelry and accessories from designers across the US. This month we’re highlighting our favorite jewelry and accessories makers. Find out more about our design challenges and learn how you can become UncommonGoods’ next favorite jewelry or accessory designer.


At UncommonGoods, we love that our customers have a taste for uncommonly cool accessories. We took some time to chat with artist Stephanie Simek, whose crystallized sugar jewelry was added to our line-up of unique jewelry when you approved it through our community voting app!


In both her accessories line and art creations, Stephanie likes to, “push boundaries and play with and explore new materials.”  Instead of creating jewelry from more common materials such as quartz crystal, Stephanie was inspired by the, “intricate facets of sugar crystals that are really unique and beautiful, and just as perfect as a precious stone.”

Stephanie allows the natural raw beauty of the crystallized sugar to shine through her creations, and each necklace or pair of earrings she makes in her studio is one-of-a-kind. She chisels off pieces of crystallized sugar from a larger rock, then adheres the crystals with non-yellowing epoxy resin for protection.

Stephanie is constantly inspired by what is interesting, and she describes her new crystallized sugar jewelry as, “adventurous, playful, and have a sense of humor.”

Adventurous, playful and has a sense of humor. Does that seem like you?

If you want to win one of Stephanie’s necklaces or a pair of her sugar studs , tell us about your personal style in the comments below. Are you sugar and spice? All sharp edges? Or do you have your own uncommon look?

You must enter to win by Wednesday, July 20 at 11:59 ET PM. Leave a comment on our Facebook wall to double your chances. Two winners will be selected at random, and announced by Friday, July 22.

22 Comments

  • Reply Ann Fudge Cluck July 15, 2011 at 2:58 pm

    I just wear what I like. I don’t wear much “costume” jewelry. I love bling~~

  • Reply kim July 15, 2011 at 3:02 pm

    I like jewelry that is a little different–but I am not too flashy. 🙂

  • Reply Kary July 15, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    I like anything unique, especially vintage pieces, pieces made from repurposed goods and natural stones and wood.

  • Reply Corey-Jan July 15, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    Look for the interesting, the different, the unique. The item that nobody else is likely to have. The thing that makes people do a double-take. That’s what I wear.

  • Reply Joanna Z July 15, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    I LOVE it. Sharp and a tad bit edgy, but also a conversation starter. What a great idea!

  • Reply Michele July 15, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    Sometimes vintage, sometimes edgy… always unique. Love the sugar jewelry ;~)

  • Reply Rebecca July 15, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    I love the modern, raw look of the crystal, especially paired with the silver chain. Gorgeous pieces!

  • Reply Claudia Beck July 15, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    I’m picky…and tend to continue wearing the same pieces until I find something else to add to the rotation. I want to own more options, but I’m reluctant to splurge unless I’m sure. My favorites are handmade pieces, but so often handmade turns into “homemade” in that *other* sense. 🙂 It’s hard to find things like this.

  • Reply Emily July 15, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    I love offbeat accessories as well. These definitely fit the bill!

  • Reply Carrie July 15, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    It’s got to be fresh and light! Jewelry that you can wear instead of jewelry that wears you.

  • Reply Jen July 15, 2011 at 4:11 pm

    I love fun and interesting and unique pieces. I’ll wear anything from dainty filigree earrings to phillips head screw studs – the sugar crystals seem to walk the line between the two!

  • Reply Jan Loomer July 15, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    Love the necklace! I like big & chunky but it has to be cool!;) The bling from the sugar is just my style but I am trying for a bit more spice in my life!;)

  • Reply Amanda M. July 15, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    I love daintier jewelry and chunkier pieces – it all depends on what it is. I have fun and funky stuff, such as chunky glittery rings and pendants made of polymer clay that look like food (cupcakes, ice cream cones, waffles, etc.), but I also have some beautiful more petite gemstone rings and small pendants. It all depends on my mood as to what I pick for the day. Love this sugar jewelry, especially given my love for baking and fun foodie things. 🙂

  • Reply Jennifer W. July 15, 2011 at 7:51 pm

    Depends on my mood or event …. but mostly vintage or classic. Then there’s those time where I want something arty or uniques looking. What I see she has done above is just beautiful!!

  • Reply Becky July 16, 2011 at 9:07 am

    I wear what makes me happy. The feeling I get from finding a great piece of jewelry reminds me of the feeling kids get at Christmas.

  • Reply Rebekah July 17, 2011 at 11:26 am

    I love anything that’s simple, practical, playful, and goes with almost everything. Casual but nice is my style.

  • Reply Crystal July 18, 2011 at 7:47 am

    I’m a little bit of sugar and a little bit of spice! =) My style tends to strike up a compliment or conversation. I like to wear jewelry and clothing that compliments my tattoos. This beautiful set would be a wonderful addition to my collection!

  • Reply Chimene Kirkpatrick July 18, 2011 at 6:40 pm

    I used to say (in regards to jewelry), “If you can’t wear the real thing, then don’t wear anything at all. So my collection is limited and I often go without. However, when I see something unusual and handmade, I view it just as much as a precious gem. After viewing this talented artist, I am swayed to believe that wearing one of a kind art can be a step above sapphires and rubies! My style would be something that says I’m different, but refined.

  • Reply Sarah December 28, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    WOW! I love it. It’s almost modern and antique-ish all at once. It’s beautiful!!

  • Reply Jennifer October 28, 2014 at 1:36 pm

    It’s really interesting to see what Stephanie is able to do with sugar crystals. They are SO pretty and I really want one BUT does anyone know how strong they are? What would happen if I dropped it onto a hard surface like cement? Would it shatter and break?

    Thanks!

  • Reply dan stewart December 3, 2014 at 1:13 am

    crystallized sugar jewelry ^_^!!! sounds quite interesting.. looks really unique and elegant. Wish to try one 🙂

  • Reply Tracy September 29, 2017 at 9:00 pm

    I second Jennifer’s concern to be hoenst, I love the look, but is it best to only wear this on really special occasions due to it being fragile?

  • Leave a Reply to Jan Loomer

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