MSCHF’s “Rock Candy” isn’t your typical Valentine’s Day jewelry. It’s a subversive and thought-provoking piece that blends nostalgia, luxury, and a touch of the absurd, all wrapped up in a literal candy coating. Taking the familiar form of the childhood Ring Pop, MSCHF elevates this nostalgic treat to high art by replacing the colorful candy “gem” with a lab-grown diamond.
The initial impression is playful and sweet. Available in three flavors – blue raspberry cotton candy, green apple, and strawberry – the rings evoke memories of childhood indulgence. However, this sweetness is deceptive. Beneath the sugary exterior lies a 0.75-carat lab-grown diamond, meticulously set in a sterling silver band. This juxtaposition of the ephemeral and the eternal is at the heart of Rock Candy’s concept.
The seven-gram sugar “rock” is designed to be consumed, gradually disappearing over time to reveal the diamond within. This ephemeral nature of the candy emphasizes the contrast with the enduring value of the diamond. MSCHF isn’t just selling a ring; they’re creating an experience. The act of wearing and eventually consuming the candy becomes a ritual, a tangible representation of the fleeting nature of time and the enduring power of love (and diamonds).
Rock Candy is a commentary on consumerism, luxury, and the very concept of value. It challenges our expectations of what jewelry should be and how it should be presented. By combining the fleeting pleasure of candy with the lasting value of a diamond, MSCHF creates a piece that is both playful and profound. It’s a conversation starter, a unique gift, and a reminder that even the most fleeting moments can hold a hidden treasure. The “Rock Candy” ring is less a piece of traditional jewelry and more a piece of conceptual art, designed to be worn, experienced, and ultimately, revealed.
Photos: MSCHF