Monthly Archive: June 2023

Fine, French & Fabulous

June 30, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Unexpected Things

In terms of jewelry, the Art Deco era encompasses the years from 1910-1935. Following in the same vein as the preceding Edwardian period, the predominant style of Art Deco was monochromatic – usually achieved by combining platinum with diamonds in geometric shapes and designs. Occasionally a pop of color was added with calibré-cut sapphires, emeralds, or rubies. In fact, if you visit our showroom, our Art Deco case is overflowing with platinum, white gold and diamond pieces. The three-tiered showcase highlights 161 individual pieces. Of those gems, only 36 of them feature colored-stone trim. Additionally, every single one of them is made from a white metal – either platinum or white gold. The display glistens under the lights… rings dance and bracelets shine. It is one of the most popular spots in the store.

However, I can’t help but notice that it feels a bit cold. Without even a hint of yellow gold, there’s a distinct lack of warmth. In the past couple of years, I find myself being drawn to yellow gold pieces. A fine antique gold piece often evokes a strong response within me – much more so than a white gold one. And so – as you can imagine – I fell head over heels in love with this notable bracelet.

Upon my initial discovery, I was carefully studying the bracelet with my loupe. I was not at all surprised to discover a deeply etched eagle’s head hallmark. This has long been the symbol for pieces made in France – the epicenter for culture, fashion, food and wine. Legendary brands like Cartier and Boucheron and countless other style icons have are rooted there. 18-karat is the minimum purity for jewelry items made in France. Our bracelet is, of course, constructed entirely of 18-karat yellow gold. Measuring just over seven inches in length, it’s comprised of a series of ten links – five of them are open rectangles with a burnished finish. Set between each of the open links are five sugarloaf shaped green chalcedony.

Deep kelly green in color, these nearly opaque gems are step-cut, like tiny pyramids. With a chic and edgy modern feel – you may be shocked to discover that this beauty is actually Art Deco. Yellow gold Art Deco pieces are rare, and very difficult to find. They’re also highly sought after and sell quickly. Made in the early 1930’s, this bracelet is the epitome of elegance… and just the thing to add a hint of warmth to our Art Deco showcase. Destined for greatness, this bracelet is the latest addition to our website. Priced at $4,200 – it’s fine, it’s French, and it’s fabulous.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 138

June 26, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

It was no surprise to discover this sweet little ring tucked away in Joe’s Special Box… it’s everything any antique jewelry lover could want. Perfectly petite and made from 18-karat white gold, this Art Deco ring is in near perfect condition from top to bottom. Currently measuring a size 6.25, it can be adjusted up or down to accommodate most finger sizes (within reason).

Typical of the Art Deco era, the center stone is a square cut simulated blue sapphire. Artisans often opted for synthetic colored stones due to their color consistency and flawless clarity. Although it’s not a natural sapphire, the bright blue hue of this little stone provides a great pop of color for this otherwise monochromatic ring. It is nestled between a matched pair of Old European cut diamonds. These two gems have a combined weight of approximately .08 carat. Their high crown angles and open culets speak to the age of the diamonds as well as the ring itself. All three stones are framed by a milgrain-edged elongated hexagon border.

Situated just outside that beaded edge is a secondary perimeter – this one is accentuated by a hand-engraved pattern of diagonal lines mixed with round arches. The decorative etching continues down the apex of each shoulder with a chevron pattern that gets smaller as it descends. Further filling in the shoulders and both sides of the ring are two distinct filigree designs… one is a series of curves and the other resembles a row of columns with a scalloped top.

All of this intricate and precise detail is accomplished on a miniature scale – this ring measures just half an inch across the top. It’s dainty, darling and available! It’s priced at $800 – a steal for a ring that looks like it’s never been worn. Check it out in our 144 South Broad Street showroom or on our website.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Nature’s Magic Trick

June 23, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Color-Changing Things

It’s the true birthstone for the month of June and the designated gift for the 55th wedding anniversary. This beauty has been dubbed the chameleon of gems due to its ability to change color when taken from daylight (or fluorescent) to evening (or incandescent light). We are, of course, talking about alexandrite. The very finest stones change from green or bluish-green to red or purplish red and command extremely high prices due to their rarity. Most often, birthstone jewelry is made with synthetic alexandrite – this is done to keep the price in a more affordable range. Over the years, we have been blessed to have a few pieces of natural alexandrite jewelry in our inventory… like this award-winning piece (no longer available). It was handcrafted on the premises and featured the finest alexandrite I have ever seen.

More recently, we added two genuine alexandrite rings that are of a more common and therefore, more readily available shade. Each stone is set within a modern ring – one is platinum and one is 14-karat yellow gold. Whether you’re a yellow metal fan or a white metal fan – we have just the thing for you.

First, on the left we have a GIA certified 1.26 carat cushion cut natural alexandrite. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is the most reputable and well-known laboratory in the world. The report lists the color as Yellowish Green changing to Brown-Yellow and pictures the gemstone in both shades. The color change is is subtle yet so lovely. The alexandrite is situated in the center of a platinum diamond halo-style ring. Signed “Orianne” and containing twenty-six round brilliant diamonds that have a total weight of .32 carat, this ring is ideal for daily wear. Alexandrite registers as an 8.5 on the Mohs scale – only a diamond, ruby and sapphire rank higher. It’s as durable as it is unique. This ring is also accompanied by a secondary report from the American International Gemologists – it lists the details of the GIA report and also assigns a retail value of $11,000.00. Both reports are pictured below. We have added this estate ring to our website for just $3,000.00.

Next, we have a natural oval alexandrite set within a 14-karat yellow ring with white gold prongs; it weighs exactly .74 carat. We set this stone here in our shop between a matched pair of shield-shaped step-cut diamonds that have a combined weight of .50 carat. Although taking the form of an ordinary three-stone ring, this ring is anything but.

Perfectly petite, this charmer is an ideal choice for the June baby in your life. Showcasing both a natural alexandrite as well as a pair of unusually shaped diamonds – it’s a winner! It makes a superb birthstone ring, a darling right-hand ring or even a non-traditional engagement ring. It’s also on our website – this one is priced at just $2,750.00. Both rings are a size 6.5. Give us a call to discuss sizing options.

Also, for those who don’t know, we offer interest-free financing as well as 6-month layaway. Don’t let finances stand in the way of your jewelry goals!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Baubles, Bling and Unexpected Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling and Color-Changing Things

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