Joe’s Special Box – Volume 64

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Last week we shared several lavalier-style pendants on Instagram and Facebook (if you aren’t following us, you’re missing out!) and received rave reviews.  These delicate little gems were popularized by Duchesse de la Vallière, a mistress of King Louis XIV of France

This one is a recent acquisition that quickly made it’s way to Joe’s Special Box.  As you know, this box is a haven of super sweet (although not usually expensive) treasures.  Joe often squirrels these tiny trinkets away with the intention of giving them to his granddaughter.  

This particular one reminds me of a miniature chandelier.  An oval amethyst center is surrounded by a series of delicate seed pearls and fine gold wire work.  Three elongated freshwater pearls dangle freely from the left, right and center.  This diminutive beauty is in pristine condition and sells for just $300.

Authentic antique jewels like this one are highly collectible and quite popular.  Make this one yours today.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Victoria’s Legacy

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Sentimental Things

I am completely enamored with this Victorian bracelet…  from end to end, it is filled with enchanting details.  The top and side edges are deeply etched with hand engraved patterns that feature a repetitive leaf-like design.  The center is accented with a small square stone of the palest blue surrounded by a carved quatrefoil flower.  

And the back portion reveals the most significant engraving of all, the name of the owner…  “Patricia Finnell”.  As soon as I discovered her name, I wanted to know all about her.  Alas, no matter how many times or ways I googled her name, Patricia Finnell remains a mystery to me.  Closer inspection unveiled another enigma, the center octagon is actually a locket!  

Lockets peaked in popularity during the mid-1800s after Prince Albert gifted Queen Victoria with one at the birth of their first child.  He presented her with a similar charm at each new birth, resulting in a lovely bracelet with nine brightly colored enamel heart lockets…  each one featured a delicate curl of hair as well as the name and birth date of the child.  So romantic!  As such, locket jewelry became the “must have” accessory of the Victorian era.  

Look what (or should I say who!) I discovered inside our bracelet…

This handsome devil must be our Patricia’s sweetheart, and most likely the one who presented her with this sentimental love token.  Perhaps he was going off to war and wanted to leave her with a memento in case he didn’t return.  Or perhaps theirs was a secret love and only Patricia would know that his picture was hidden inside.  I can’t decide if I want to know the answers or if it’s more fun to dream up tragically romantic scenarios!  

Perchance someone out there can shed some light on this puzzle, or maybe it’s destined to remain a secret with the only clue being this bracelet.  My husband would say that I’ve read one too many romance novels, but I can’t help but be infatuated with this 150-year-old love story.  If you, too, are enchanted, you could become the caretaker of Patricia and her locket bracelet for just $1,450.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 63

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Today is Memorial Day – in honor of this momentous holiday, I’m sharing a small collection of red, white, and blue beauties from Joe’s Special Box.  Each one of these little gems was crafted at the end of the Victorian Era, and each one gleams with a vibrant colored stone.  What you may not realize is that all of the stones are imitation and 100% authentic!  It’s a common misconception that just because a piece of jewelry is antique then it must also contain natural gemstones.  However, simulated, imitation, and synthetic stones have actually been used in jewelry for nearly 200 years.  

Each ring has unique attributes that appeal to me; whether it be dainty seed pearl trim, hand-carved details or the exceptional setting techniques, there is a little something that sets each one apart.  While I love all of these delicate darlings, I do have a personal favorite!  And I bet you do, too.  Here’s mine…

In pristine condition, this twin blue stone ring is everything!  I adore the milgrain-edged bezel setting and the delightful leaf detail on each shoulder.  The four pearls are the icing on the cake.  This one is available now for only $580.00.  For more information on any of the rings showcased here, give me a call at 800.747.7552 or send an email to carrie@joden.com.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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