Upper ‘Crust’aceans: Celebrating Summer and the Astrological Sign of Cancer

Summer arrives on Monday, and on Tuesday, we enter the astrological sign of Cancer (June 21- July 22). I’m especially attuned to this because the fourth sign of the zodiac just happens to be my birth sign.

Cancerians are typically known to be loyal, steadfast, dependable, strong, sensitive, and sympathetic. They put all their emotion into their efforts and are considered to be imaginative and creative visionaries. So it’s no surprise that in addition to some of the biggest stars on the planet (Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, Harrison Ford, Mary J. Blige, Deborah Harry, Gina Lollobrigida, Carly Simon), a number of fashion’s biggest names (both designers and models) are fellow moon children. This list includes Giorgio Armani, Vera Wang, Lazaro Hernandez, Paul Smith, Elie Saab, Nicholas Kirkwood, Gisele Bundchen, Caroline Trentini, Pat Cleveland, Joan Smalls, the late Oscar de la Renta and Bill Blass. So was the Princess Diana and, for that matter, the United States of America.

The ruling planet of Cancer is the Moon and its mascot is the crab, a nocturnal water creature with a protective shell and massive claws with which to defend itself. In celebration of the season, I thought I would do a roundup of some of my favorite crab themed accessories. They would not only make a perfect gift for someone born under this sign, but for that special person who is, well, just a “crab” (and we all know someone like that, no doubt lol) it would make a perfect gift.

Stephanie Lake Design Gilded Crab Necklace

Stephanie Lake’s fabulous one of a kind antique gilded crustacean with large faceted crystal has mirror-image tentacle pretzel knots, jeweled emblems, $825. (click here for more info)

Elizabeth Locke’s signature 19k yellow gold ring features an intaglio gemstone in the center with crab design. It’s available by special order at Elizabeth Locke New York, 968 Madison Avenue, 212 744 7878. Price upon request.

1990’s sterling silver paper knife or letter opener made in London, is appliqued with a silver crab on the top of the handle and presented in a red glazed calfskin box. Price upon request. (click here for more info)

Vintage crab brooch with big white opalescent moon glow cabochon center has riveted two body parts and clear rhinestones on each side, and measures approximately 2 3/8 inches by 1 ¾ inches, $79.99. (click here for more info)

Signed 1960’s DeNicola brooch, measures 1 ¾ by 1 ¾, and features the Cancer symbol of the crab. It is made of molded faux coral and has a Lucite center, green and blue enamel and pave set clear rhinestone crystals, $175. (click here for more info)

Vintage rhinestone Maryland blue crab brooch in a gold tone setting has crystal rhinestone claws and body, and red rhinestone eyes, 1 ¾ x 1 ½ inches, $29.99. (click here for more info)

Signed Razza 1970’s bold silver and gold metal crab medallion (3 ¼ inch by 2 5/16 inch) with an 18 inch snake mesh chain features a high relief crab center piece cast in pewter, $80. (click here for more info)

Tiffany & Co. lapis Lazuli and diamond crab brooch, circa 1970, measures approximately 1 1/2″ by 1 1/2”. This 18 karat gold clip/brooch, designed as a crab, has a shell made of an incredible vibrant blue lapis stone along with glowing diamond eyes, $3500. (click here for more info)

Kate Spade’s natural wicker straw purse in the shape of a crab is from their Splash Out Collection featuring seasonal witty designs. It measures 10.3X8.6”X3.9”, and has snap flap closure, fabric lining, gold tone hardware, and blue marbleized eyes, $278. (click here for more info)


Marilyn Kirschner

I am a long time fashion editor with 40+ years of experience. As senior market of Harper's Bazaar for 21 years I met and worked with every major fashion designer in the world and covered all of the collections in Paris, London, Milan and New York. I was responsible for overall content, finding and pulling in the best clothes out there, and for formulating ideas and stories.

No Comments Yet

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.