Getting Personal with the Personnel – Volume 2

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Insider Information

This week, we’re focusing on the newest member of the Joden staff.  Beverly re-joined our team just three months ago; but much like myself, it’s her second time around.  She spent nineteen years with the company in the 1980’s and 1990’s.  I have had the great pleasure of working with her both times. Beverly’s smile is contagious and her outgoing personality makes her a favorite with our customers.  

One of the most important aspects of our job is making connections.  Good salesmanship is about listening to the wants and needs of the customer then finding the perfect piece to fulfill those wishes.  Key factors in the process are a strong grasp of the inventory, the vision to re-imagine a potential piece and the ability to really understand what the customer is saying.  This is Beverly’s area of expertise.  In fact, more than one customer has remarked on her keen ability to read their mind!

Boasting thousands of pieces of jewelry, the treasures at Joden abound.  Whether you’re looking for something as simple as a pendant chain or a true one-of-a-kind antique gem from the Victorian era… there’s no doubt that Joden has both and everything in between.  Beverly affirmed that this is the very thing that sets our store apart from all the others.  

When asked to choose her most and least favorite pieces, these are the two things that Bev selected.  First is a large amulet-style pendant from the 1990’s.  Handmade from sterling silver, this unusual piece measures 6 inches from top to bottom and over 2.5 inches across.  A cognac colored rutilated quartz crystal forms the bottom of the pendant.  Distributed randomly throughout this unique gem are needle-like inclusions that enhance the value and beauty of the stone.  Hinged in the center, the top portion opens to reveal a hexagonal hidden compartment.  Signed “Som’s,” it was designed by Zack Hart.  His vision was brought to life by the artisan Kadek.  This limited edition was one of only thirty pieces made and is available now for just $1,500.  

Beverly’s second selection is this pair of platinum diamond earrings.  Made to resemble tiny crowns, these remarkable earrings are set with a matched pair of round diamonds that have a combined weight of 1.30 carats.  There are fifty-six more diamonds set within the arches and band of each crown that offer an additional .50 carat of sparkling brilliance.  Not your typical diamond stud earrings, these uncommon gems are priced at $3,350.00.  

You might have a guess as to which of these two is Bev’s most favorite and which is her least favorite.  The answer just may surprise you!  If you drop by the showroom, you’re likely to catch her wearing the silver amulet – she loves it and relishes every opportunity to enjoy it.  As for the diamond earrings, they’re not big enough to satisfy Bev’s larger-than-life style.  As far as diamonds go, her philosophy is “the bigger, the better”!

When I asked Beverly to reveal something that people don’t know about her…  she couldn’t think of a thing and called herself an open book.  Drop by the store and introduce yourself to Beverly, the newest gem at Joden. 

“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 38

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

This latest piece is fresh from our shop.  Located on the premises, Joden Jewelers is doubly blessed to have this state-of-the-art facility staffed with two world class bench jewelers.  Having this valuable resource at our fingertips allows us to do so much more than an average store.  We are able to restore, repair and create…  sometimes on a whim.  This necklace is one of those whims. 

Curvaceously charming, this pendant was made from a bar pin.  Originally designed to be worn horizontally, this lovely pin had been hanging around the store for awhile.  Clovers are a treasured symbol of faith, hope and love.  Enchanted by the heart-shaped pavé pearl leaves and curled stem, we had a moment of inspiration and decided to convert it to a pendant.  

By simply removing the pin stem and then giving the brooch a ninety-degree turn – an elegant new pendant was born.  In a genius move, we decided to hide the bail behind the stem.  I love that we were able to keep the original line of the brooch, it’s simple perfection.  One small Old Mine Cut diamond is nestled deep between the three leaves of the clover adding a little sparkle.  Priced at $825.00, this 14-karat yellow gold necklace won’t last long.  Hop on over to our site for more details.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Signature Series – Volume 2

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Quality Things

“Quality isn’t just something that you see with your eyes, you also feel it with your hands.  After nearly twenty years in the business, when you hold an exceptional piece in your hands, you just sense it.  You know.”

These words have proven to be the jumping off point for our Signature Series.  People ask how we know (often after just a glance) whether a piece of jewelry is genuine or costume, whether a sparkly stone is a diamond or a rhinestone or if a chain is karat gold or not.  In the simplest of explanations, it’s years of experience.  Our eyes and hands have had years of hands-on training…  this is a valuable skill that can only be acquired with time.

Unearthed from a heap of random estate jewelry, this dainty brooch is the cream of the crop.  Small in size (measuring a little over an inch at the widest point), its big on style.  An entwined pair of 14-karat yellow gold hearts are tilted at opposing angles creating a charming yet simple appeal.  The entire surface of the brooch features fanciful repoussé-like scroll-work.  This unique textured finish is an identifying characteristic of Art Nouveau jewelry.  I spied it immediately and nabbed it to share here.

Upon flipping the pin over, two crisp hallmarks are visible on the back.  One indicating the karatage of the gold and the other is a stylized sword – the makers mark for Riker Brothers.  Founded in Newark, New Jersey, this family firm is widely considered to be one of the most successful brands in American jewelry history.  Known for exceptional quality, Riker Brothers was most famous for griffin (a.k.a. dragon) pins and surface patterns on gold, like the one on this twin heart piece.

In the 1890’s and early 1900’s, these gold brooches were the lifeblood of the Riker Brothers firm.  Now, more than 100 years later, these antique beauties are highly collectible.  This one is priced at just $400.00.  It’s lovely as is…  but would also convert to a great necklace.  Stop in and check it out for yourself…  and watch for it to pop up on our site.  ♥♥

“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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