Joe’s Special Box Luxury Edition – Volume 8

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and  A Collector’s Things

“An inessential, desirable item which is expensive or difficult to obtain…” 

This is the definition of luxury in the dictionary.  For the past several months we have been entertaining stunning, one-of-a-kind jewels that are undoubtedly desirable.  Each of them could also be considered expensive (although that is a relative term) however, none are difficult to obtain.  The staff at Joden provides the absolute best in customer service.  With two graduate gemologists, two master bench jewelers and several jewelry professionals…  the experience at Joden is like no other.

Made from a delicious combination of 14 karat yellow gold and platinum, this fine Edwardian ring is a rare find.  A lace-like web weaves a pattern of trefoils and subtly beaded edges.  The upper portion is round, mimicking the shape of the center stone…  a cerulean blue cabochon sapphire.  The silky smooth surface of the stone rises from the ring and is surrounded by tiny sparkling diamonds.  Weighing nearly 1.50 carats, this sapphire pairs equally well with the warmth of the yellow gold and the scalloped platinum edges.  Thirty-six diamonds add .60 carats of twinkling brilliance to this early 1900’s ring.

With every element singing with Edwardian elegance…  this gem is available for $4,500.00.  If it strikes your fancy, come to our showroom at 144 South Broad Street, downtown Grove City.  Our staff is friendly – welcoming you to not just gaze upon this beauty but to slide it onto your finger and appreciate it for yourself.  

The jewelry at Joden is surpassed only by the quality of the people that work there.  Each of us was hand-selected by Joe.  We love what we do and enjoy every opportunity to share it with you.  For more than fifty years, our motto has held true…

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Pick of the Week – Volume 52

Joden Girl

Baubles and Bling with Unbelievable Pricing

It’s hard to remember what I did before Google was available at the tips of my fingers.  Working with antique jewelry and writing blogs often involves quite a bit of research…  and hopefully a bit of discovery.  I love that “a-ha moment” when a mystery becomes just a bit more clear.  Sometimes it’s finally revealing a particular maker’s mark or perhaps ferreting out a little piece of obscure symbolism.  Today, it was a small insight into the identity of this exceptional carving.

This demi-parure consists of an ornately carved pendant and matching earrings from the Victorian era.  Dubbed “lava cameos”, these incredible pieces were more likely sculpted from tuff or volcanic breccia.  I first wrote about this Grand Tour souvenir over four years ago in a blog titled “Out of the Ashes“.  Then, I speculated that this could have been an early piece of mourning jewelry due to the urns dangling from each face.  But today, I read that many lava carvings depicted mythological gods…  which led me to Google.  Within just a few keystrokes, a lightbulb turned on – this must be Dionysus!  

The Greek god of the grape harvest, wine-making and fertility, Dionysus wears an elaborate grapevine headdress.  What I originally thought were cremation urns are actually wine casks or amphora.  The subject has been chiseled to absolute perfection, even now, the precision is stellar.  The detail is so fine exhibiting little to no damage.  Each curl, nose, leaf and grape is intact.  Remarkable, really.

These unusual jewels were result of ingenuity.  1700 years after Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered Pompeii in ash and lava, the city was uncovered and became a celebrated stop for travelers.  Artisans utilized the material available to create trinkets and souvenirs.  A lava cameo pinned to your chest showed that you were a well-traveled person with good taste and culture. 

While the matte muddy color of the rock is not particularly alluring, it is representative of the area from which it hails.  In addition, because this particular media did not lend itself easily to intricate carving – examples like this are exceedingly rare and truly showcased the skill of the artist.  This suite has been featured on our site for $14,400.00.  Now, as a Pick of the Week, this phenomenal carving of Dionysus can be yours for just $10,300.00.  Click over to our site now.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe and Shelly Isacco

Get In Shape

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and A Navette Ring

Navette-shaped rings have been beloved since the Victorian era.  The elongated marquise outline runs parallel to the finger with elegant appeal.  This pointed oval complements every hand and can be worn on any finger from the pointer to the pinky.  

The origin of the word navette is French and dates to the early 1900’s; it translates to “little ship”.  The title is accurate as this favored style does indeed mimic the form of a small water vessel.  These rings are always longer than they are wide with pointed ends and curved sides.  Often, they can reach from knuckle to knuckle.  This particular gem measures about an inch from top to bottom and is made from a rosy 14 karat gold.  

There are twenty six Old Mine Cut diamonds that create the overall shape of the piece.  Each of these sparkling beauties is held in place by claw-shaped prongs.  Old Mine Cut diamonds were the most popular and common cut during the 18th and 19th centuries.  This cut offers a squarish form with a small table, large culet and a high crown.  Here, these twenty-six stones have a combined total weight of 1.50 carats that glitter in the light and provide a bright and stunning contrast to the deep tone of the center stone.  An oval-cushion shaped natural ruby is seated center stage.  Nestled among the diamonds, this gem is rich and bold.  Presenting in the color of a purplish red claret, the ruby weighs approximately 1.40 carats.  It fills the center of the ring to perfection.

Representing everything that a classic navette ring should be, this beauty is large and colorful with a cluster of gemstones.  It’s a true statement piece that will quickly become your signature ring.  With a true vintage vibe that evokes the past, this ring was made near the end of the Victorian era, Circa 1890.   It’s available for just $4,850.00 – a real steal.  If you’ve been wanting to get into shape – perhaps navette is the way to go.  

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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