What’s New – Volume 75

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

Splish-splash, they’re taking a bath.  A charming trio of tweety birds are captured frolicking in the cool blue water shimmering within a sculptured pedestal bath.  This impressive 14-karat yellow gold piece can be enjoyed in two ways – as a brooch or as a pendant.  Presenting in a classic circle style – the diameter of this piece is a full two inches.  

Every detail of the flora and fauna depicted in this eye-catching gem comes to life in three-dimensional style.  A large trumpet vine sweeps across the entire top of the outer frame offering a singular blossom and a pair of buds…  a round iridescent pearl marks the center of each one.  Decorating the landscaping are six five-petaled flowers and large textured leaves.  Filling the center of each flower are a series of gemstones: two fuchsia rubies, two azure sapphires, one turquoise and one diamond.  

Both rubies are faceted and have a combined weight of .35 carat.  One sapphire is faceted and one is cabochon – together, these gems have a total weight of .30 carat.  The singular diamond glistens with .10 carat of scintillating sparkle.  Finally, one large marquise-shaped gem creates the water in the bird bath – lavender-hued, this stone is synthetic. 

It’s the ultimate garden party… artfully portrayed in the warmth of gold and gleam of precious gems.  This 1940’s pin/pendant is vivacious, whimsical and most importantly…  it’s available.  Moderately priced at $2,050.00 – it’s featured in our showroom.  Drop by and see it for yourself.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

A Stylish Game of Hide & Seek

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Serendipitous Things

I have been eyeing this ring for months.  Months!  From the first time we met – we’ve been playing a game.  It’s a little bit of hide-and-seek mixed with a smidgen of hard-to-get.  Our initial encounter was by happenstance – I was prospecting for interesting blog pieces.  One of the BEST places to uncover cool pieces is in Joe’s Office.  I was rifling through a cardboard box cleverly labeled “Joe’s Special Box – Rings”. 

It was a real-life case of love-at-first-sight.  We were just beginning to get acquainted when our date came to an abrupt end.  I was called away from my expedition.  By the time I returned to my search (days later) – the treasure was gone.  The ring was no longer in the box.  After a week or two – it escaped my mind entirely.

Until our second rendezvous.  I was on yet another quest.  This time I wasn’t looking for blog pieces.  I was on the hunt for unique finds for my favorite dealer.  While pouring through bag after bag of bracelets, earrings, and pendants… I caught a glimpse of something even better.  I had found the ring – again!  I slipped it out of its plastic bag and onto my finger.  From side to side – it’s curvaceous platinum perfection.  

Careful inspection reveals each visual detail of the ring – it has great texture and appears to be crafted in layers.  The left side curves up with a swoop of single-cut diamonds, next is a curl of baguettes followed by yet another swirl of round diamonds and finally a second tiny arch of baguettes.  Each portion helps to create a haven for the center stone – a .40 carat European cut diamond.  In total, there are six tapered baguette diamonds with a weight of .35 carat and sixteen round diamonds with a weight of .40 carat.  The more I look, the more I’m reminded of a bracelet that my dealer friend purchased last year.  The style is distinctly similar…  I knew I needed to send it to her.

Just like that – the ring was off again, carefully tucked among fifty-five other sparklers.  I spoke with my friend once she received the ring.  She loved and admired it as much as I did.  However, it wasn’t in the cards for her at that time.  And so, about a month later, she returned it…  but I wasn’t there to open the package.  When the pieces were put away, the ring disappeared again.  It seemed as though this blog was never going to happen.  

Until three weeks ago, while looking for an anniversary gift for a customer, there it was.  The ring was in my hand.  Again.  This time I wasn’t letting it go.  I added it to the blog schedule and gave it to Dana to photograph.  As you can see, she worked her magic – these pictures are perfection!  Every glorious Art Deco detail is highlighted – from the monochromatic style and wide variety of diamond cuts to the milgrain beaded edges.  Although the sweeping fluid lines are evocative of the whiplash line and the Art Nouveau era, there is no question that this beauty hails from the later years of the Art Deco period.

The asymmetrical lines of this unusual ring offer a big punch in a small package.  Made in the late 1930’s, this ring turned a game of hide-and-seek into a case of serendipity.  By a stroke of luck, or perhaps divine intervention, this ring is available now for just $2,650.00 – make it yours today.

“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 137

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

When the “Joe’s Special Box” edition of the blog was first introduced more than five years ago, Joe’s intention was to offer a glimpse into his personally curated collection.  Tucked behind the oak door of his desk, situated among plastic tackle boxes filled with gold chains, a bottle or two of Advil and an explosion of small Ziploc bags are three time-worn and well-loved cardboard mailing boxes.  The edges have frayed and softened with use; each tear and split has been patched back together with packaging tape.  Each box is inscribed with now barely legible handwriting that reads…

  • Joe’s Special Box 1
  • Joe’s Special Box 2
  • Joe’s Special Box – Rings

Inside is an eclectic assortment, entirely of Joe’s choosing.  It’s truly a jewelry lover’s dream.  Most items aren’t terribly expensive, but each one is pristine.  The range is broad, encompassing everything from Victorian baby rings to an exceedingly rare piece from famed jeweler, Carlo Giuliano.  Today, I am sharing the 137th item from the collection.  

This charming heart pendant hearkens back to the late 1800’s.  Featuring a deep reddish-brown cabochon garnet in the center, the piece is simply too sweet.  The garnet is fully encapsulated by a milgrain-edged bezel made from 14-karat yellow gold.  Set at regular intervals around the center heart are eighteen natural pearls.  Each creamy white orb is positioned on a small golden wire; together, they form a scalloped halo. 

Engraved on the back of the heart is this sentiment – “L.V.A.F. to Joan 1942”.  You may have noticed that the age of the pendant doesn’t coincide with the inscribed date.  I have to wonder how and why this beauty was gifted to Joan more than half a century after it was created.  Perhaps it was handed down from one generation to the next.  Or maybe she was simply a lover of vintage jewelry?   The possibilities are endless – and unfortunately, a story we’ll never know.  If you’re as intrigued and captivated by this antique pendant as we are, be sure to stop by the store.  We have it available for just $1,050.00.  

“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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