International Crystal Co., Inc., has been designing and manufacturing sterling silver pendants & earrings with semi precious stones & crystal points since 1988. International Crystal was created by Robert Akrish & Michael Leach. They got International Crystal going at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Club Show and the International Gems & Jewelry Show circuit. They also sold at Gem Faires, the Seattle Gift Show, Quartzsite and many rock club shows. International Crystal was the subject of a Lapidary Journal article and was featured on the cover of New Age Retailer. In 1993, Michael swore off the show circuit and went strictly mail order wholesale to stores, distributors and wholesellers. Robert's business is based in Seattle. He travels extensively, looking for new sources, and brokers jewelry, rough material and stones.

Almost all (apx 90 %) the designs you see are copyrighted by International Crystal, and were designed by Michael in conjunction with our staff wax designer. These items are all made in the USA. We are very proud to keep the assembly in America. The faceted stone jewelry is from India. We will be adding items from S. Korea, Thailand, India and Indonesia, but our focus will remain on the core line of our own designs.

In 2005, Michael and his wife, Tess Beauchamp, moved to Lubbock, Texas. Michael's mother was 85 and it seemed only right to move to Texas and make sure she was happy and safe as she got older. The elderly are like prey in todays' America. If they do not have an advocate their life can be a nightmare. It was a big cultural change to leave the north west. We miss our friends, natural beauty and the urbane and tolerant society. Michael is a 5th generation Texan whose ancestors arrived in the 1830's and 1890's, and Texas has a familiar feel. The family reunions with cool old ranchers and cotton farmers are awesome.  

International Crystal was fortunate to find good people to do the jewelry assembly, office work and web site development. Issac Ceron has helped with our in house digital photography and helps Michael edit images and expand the web site. Steve and Melissa Jones take care of most assembly and are a perfect example of the warm, open and honest people who live in Lubbock. Melissa's brother is a close friend of over 45 years.