What’s New – Volume 35

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Signed Things

“Tiffany keys celebrate wisdom, joy and optimism of a life well-lived. 

Icons of self-expression, the keys embody independence, confidence and power.”

This quote from the Tiffany & Co. website offers a glimpse into the inspiration for the curated key collection launched in 2009.  With more than 150 different styles available, this unique collection is even more popular now than the day it began.   

Keys have long been symbols of the future…  the key to success.  An ideal gift for so many stages of life, these small pendants are sure to become treasured heirlooms of the future.  Elevate your look with this open heart style from one of the most prized designers of modern jewelry.

Inside the legendary blue box is an 18-karat white gold chain measuring 18 inches in length.  Complete with the branded nameplate, this cable link necklace is perfect for pendants.  Suspended from the chain is the key.  The head (or bow) is a heart-shaped outline.  Set with tiny prongs are thirty-two round brilliant diamonds and one additional gem burnished into the collar.  Resembling an old skeleton key, this dainty piece shines with a high polish finish.

The key itself is also etched with the “Tiffany & Co.” name.  Simple yet elegant, these pendants are great worn alone but also work well in a layered look.  Like every piece of Tiffany jewelry, each one is crafted with the finest materials and meticulous attention to detail.  The 18-karat rose gold version of this pendant is available direct from the manufacturer for $2,950.00.  Ours is listed on joden.com for just $1150.00!  Unlock the possibilities!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Take This Dog To Work

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Canine Things

Today is the 24th annual “Take Your Dog To Work Day”!  Originating in 1999, this is a day to celebrate America’s most beloved pets and hopefully encourage others to adopt a four-legged friend of their own.  Lovingly dubbed “man’s best friend”, dogs have long been the favored choice in companionship.  These faithful fur babies encourage an overall feeling of calm, help reduce stress and can even increase productivity in the workplace. 

Even in the 1800’s, Victorian ladies weren’t fully accessorized without a miniature dog.  These delightful creatures were small breeds that included the Schipperke, Skye, Maltese, and Yorkshire.  One of the most popular was, of course, the King Charles spaniel.  These playful pets charmed their companions with wide-set large dark eyes, a little snub nose and long fringe-like fur.

Depicted in this authentic Victorian brooch is one such pooch.  Tucked carefully under the arm of his keeper is this highly detailed curly-haired charmer.  Both figures have been carved from a yellowish toned lava (or tuff) rock.  These unique cameos were popular trinkets on The Grand Tour.  This trip through Europe was prevalent among upper class young men in the 17th-19th centuries as a sort of rite of passage exposing the individual to cultural refinement.  The city of Pompeii was one of the most common stops on the tour.  Beloved souvenirs from this great city were the cameos carved from the volcanic breccia that resulted from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the 1600’s.  

With a rosy gold frame, this high-relief three-dimension portrayal offers incredible attention to detail.  Observe the fine wispy tendrils of hair that have escaped from underneath the wide-brimmed hat, the very realistic bony paw that drapes over the gathered sleeve of the dress and the expression captured on the faces of both the young woman and her canine companion.  

Moderately priced at just $2,500.00 – this meticulously intricate representation is just one of the many cameos available at Joden.  If you can’t take your actual dog to work today, perhaps this brooch would be a fair stand-in.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

What’s New – Volume 34

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and The Latest Things

There are many facets to the retail jewelry business…  it’s much more than selling pretty things; repair and restoration is a huge part of our shop.  With two master jewelers on staff, one of them is here every day.  Their work ranges from simple ring sizes to custom creations.  Within the scope of that range are remounts. 

Remounting a customers diamond or gemstone can be tricky.  Communication is key as well as a true understanding of the costs involved in making something new from something old.  The most common misconception is that remounting costs a lot less than buying new.  The thought process is…  “I have these rings with all these diamonds and gemstones.  That’s the most expensive part.  I’ll just have them made into what I want.”  It can often be a shock when the customer discovers the cost involved with custom jewelry is well more than the expectation.  Bearing that in mind, remount can still be a viable and rewarding option if the customer and the jeweler work well together.  As I said before, communication is key.  

 

This charming beauty was probably a remount.  With an antique diamond and a modern mounting, that’s the most likely conclusion.  This 10 karat yellow gold gypsy ring is solid and has a great feel on the finger.  Wider at the top and tapering in the back, it is the classic gypsy style.  These rings were first popularized in the Victorian era.  With no prongs, the burnished setting is smooth as silk and very secure.  The Old European cut diamond is set into the ring rather than onto it and weighs approximately .30 carat.  

Although these rings were originally introduced in the late 1800’s, this particular one is much newer.  Made in the Mid Century Modern period, the ring is 50-60 years old while the diamond is over 100 years old.  This is what leads us to believe that this sweet little ring was a remount.  Priced at $675, it is currently a size 4.75 and can be sized.  Look for it on our site soon.  If you’ve been thinking about a remount, let’s chat!  We’d love to explore the possibilities with you.  

“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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