Monthly Archive: November 2016 | Page 2

Be Still My Heart

September 9, 2023November 18, 2016 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Classic Things

Looking out the front window from my desk, the sun is blazing in the November sky. People are walking downtown in short sleeves, they’re riding in their cars with the windows down. It’s almost impossible to believe that the holidays are right around the corner, but nevertheless – it’s true. The Christmas shopping season is upon us. Here, at Joden, the last week has been filled with early birds… those customers who know exactly what they want and are here to get it.

The remaining four weeks will bring many more customers. Most are hoping to be inspired by the unique treasures that Joden is known for – seed pearl trimmed Victorian rings, delicate lingerie necklaces, and Art Deco gems of every kind.

During the last couple days of shopping, customers will be here for the classics – diamond studs, gold necklaces, sapphire rings… and the inevitable – hearts. Diamond hearts, ruby hearts, and heart lockets. Hearts, hearts, hearts! Over the years, I have seen hundreds of pieces of heart jewelry; each time I am left with the same feeling. Blah. I don’t like hearts. They just aren’t my thing. Hearts strike me as ordinary. Nothing special.

Let me be the first to say it. I love it when Joden proves me wrong! Recently, we acquired this wonderful heart-shaped locket, circa 1830.

This piece was handcrafted at the end of the Georgian Period and the beginning of the Victorian Period. It’s encrusted with over one hundred rose cut garnets and is accented by a sixteen inch necklace that is comprised of fifty-six bezel set garnets.

Opening the locket reveals a piece of yellowed silk still contained inside.

I love every single aspect of this piece… it is absolutely charming. At nearly 200 years old, this necklace would be the perfect Christmas gift for anyone… even a Joden Girl.

You can go to our website and look, or you can come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Elephants on Parade

September 9, 2023November 10, 2016 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Lucky Things

On January 20, 2017, the United States will inaugurate a new President – a Republican President. The symbol of the Republican party has long been the elephant. Thomas Nast published the following cartoon in Harper’s Weekly magazine in 1874, forever marking the elephant as the symbol for the political party.

These lovable pachyderms live in large family units, learning how to take care of each other from a young age. They develop strong friendships that have been known to last a lifetime.

The bracelet shown above is a beautiful representation of Elephants on Parade. Handmade in 18 karat yellow gold, featuring a row of eight elephants in both matte and high polish finish, this piece is as magnificent as the animal it personifies. Each elephant is displayed with his trunk up – long believed to be a symbol of good luck. It is hinged, making it easy to wear and weighs over 58 grams. It’s solid construction makes it a great candidate for daily wear.

As we forge ahead, perhaps we can take heart in the symbolism of the elephant. They embody strength and power, and are known for caring for their young, respecting their elderly and sick, and being strong in themselves… all qualities that make excellent leaders.

“You can go to a museum and look, or you can come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Carla Leight

Sign of The Times

September 9, 2023November 4, 2016 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Political Things

On this day – November 4th – in the year 1842, Mary Anne Todd said “I Do” to a young lawyer with political aspirations from Hardin County, Kentucky. His name was Abraham Lincoln. He would go on to be the first Republican President, and is credited with steering The United States through The Civil War, the most tumultuous time in the history of our country.

In 1861, upon winning the Presidential election, and in anticipation of the Inaugural Ball, President Lincoln commissioned a three piece seed pearl suite for his wife to wear to the ball. The delicate demi-parure (pictured below) was created by Tiffany & Co.

This style of jewelry had been popular since the early 1800’s – making a crossover between the late Georgian and Early Victorian periods. These jewels were often lacey in appearance, each one constructed from a Mother of Pearl base upon which natural seed pearls were sewn, with either pale horse hair or gut. Many of these suites had multiple pieces and were sold as bridal gifts.

The bottom shelf of our Victorian case is home to several similar seed pearl creations, including one six-piece set in its original fitted box. The suite contains one choker, two pair of pierced earrings, two small pins, and one large brooch.

Each one was made in the manner detailed above with silver clasps, pin stems, and earring backs. Each tiny pearl (measuring less than one millimeter each) has been painstakingly sewn into floral and leaf patterns. The red leather case was specially crafted for these pieces and is marked inside the lid with a tiny crown and the following words:

The London Bullion Co, Ltd.

Jewellers

33 Haymarket

London S.W.1

Being nearly 200 years old, it is in near perfect condition. It’s easy to see why our motto holds true…

“You can go to a museum and look, or you can come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos courtesy of internetstones.com and Carla Leight

Baubles, Bling, and Classic Things

Baubles, Bling, and Lucky Things

Baubles, Bling, and Political Things

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