Monthly Archive: July 2023 | Page 2

Forties Foray

July 21, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Deep Blue Things

Last week we talked about Blurred Lines, the years that mark the end of one era and the beginning of the next. Inspiration and creativity don’t simply stop and start with the exact years of each period… for example, the Art Deco age didn’t spontaneously commence on the first day of 1919 and conclude on the final day of 1939. In the days, weeks and months before and after the designated years, there were small and perhaps seemingly insignificant changes that led to each entirely new and exciting era.

The most notable characteristics of Art Deco jewelry include the use of white metal, geometric lines, shapes and patterns, innovative stones cuts, and masterful use of color. As I mentioned, the Art Deco period spans from 1919-1939. The next remarkable era is Retro… which stretches from the late 1930’s to the early 1950’s. Gold was the quintessential metal of choice, often in shades of rose, yellow and even green. It was woven, braided and coiled into scrolls, ribbons and bows. These motifs were often large, showcasing semi-precious stones such as aquamarine, topaz and amethyst. Precious stones like diamonds, sapphires and rubies were difficult to procure and used sparingly in small sizes.

This beauty displays whispers of both eras. Constructed entirely of platinum, the edge of the ring waves up and down in soft elegant curves. Each contour is diamond set, the outer rows feature step-cut diamonds, while the two center rows highlight rounds. There are fourteen square and rectangular cut diamonds that have a combined weight of .75 carat; there are sixteen round diamonds with a total weight of .50 carat.

Shown on the hand, the ring is perfectly sized… not petite and yet also not overwhelming. Set at a jaunty angle in the middle of the ring is a deep blue emerald cut sapphire. This step-cut sparkler weighs approximately 1.40 carats. Offering details from both the Art Deco and the Retro era, this ring was created around 1940. Effortless style and timeless elegance captured within a singular ring – this era-bending bling is available for now for $3,250.00. Click over to our site and check it out for yourself.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Too Suite – Volume Four

July 17, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Matching Things

There’s so much to love about this week’s featured suite… this tiny trio defines triple threat. Made entirely of 14-karat white gold, this threesome hails from my current favorite time period – the Mid Century Modern era. Even Barbie herself (perhaps the most notable fashion icon of the 1960’s) was known to sport the hottest trends from the tip of her white sunglasses to the heel of her peep-toe black pumps. Throughout the decade, Barbie showcased classic pieces like pearl stud earrings, a crystal beaded necklace, gold hoops and even a lapel pin.

The largest piece of our suite is just that… a dainty lapel pin. Taking the shape of a nine-petaled flower, this small brooch measures just one inch at the widest point. The petals are clustered in groups of three and feature prominent vein patterns. On the back of the brooch is a small oval marked “Scallé”. This hallmark was first used in 1961. The company applied for a trademark with this description… “jewelry for personal wear made of precious metals including pins, brooches, earrings, rings, necklaces, pendants and the like”. This relatively unknown firm continued to make fine accessories until 2003. The same flower that forms the brooch was replicated in three smaller versions to make a pair of earrings and a bypass ring.

Each of the four flowers holds a tiny round diamond in the center – the combined weight of all four stones is .12 carat. This matching suite can be worn together for a cohesive look, or each piece can be worn individually for casual appeal.

We’ve priced it as a set – just $900 for the brooch, earrings and ring! That’s three unique bits of 14-karat gold jewelry featuring genuine diamonds for less than a thousand dollars. Even if you aren’t a pin person, don’t let that stop you from nabbing this sweet suite. In the hands of our experts, the brooch could be easily converted to a pendant or necklace. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination. Stop by our showroom or give us a call to make this Mid Century trilogy yours today.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Blurred Lines

July 14, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Desirable Things

The most notable periods in jewelry are Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro and Mid-Century Modern. While each of these eras has been defined by precise years, the truth is that the terms are not that clear-cut. As styles evolve and change, the end of one era blends into the beginning of the next – the lines are blurred.

Corresponding to the reign of King Edward VII, the Edwardian era is earmarked as the years between 1901-1910. Although it is the shortest period in jewelry history, it is also one of the most influential. Advances in platinum fabrication facilitated an entirely new style that was marked by fine filigree wire-work that created a light and airy feel. This sophisticated style was further enhanced by a new decorative technique called milgrain – a border of delicate beads and ridges that were utilized to surround a gemstone or soften sharp knife-edged lines. Prevalent themes include garlands, ribbons, bows, wreaths, tassels and knots.

This breathtaking beauty highlights each of those things. This necklace (the chain is permanently affixed to each side of the drop) offers small areas of dainty filigree, diamonds completely encapsulated by milgrain borders and platinum construction. However, it doesn’t have a single bow, ribbon or garland. The lines are cleaner, the style more simplified… details of the early Art Deco era.

A European cut dangles from the tip – it weighs approximately .45 carat. Five additional diamonds decorate the length of the piece and offer another .18 carat of brilliance. Made around 1915, this necklace could easily be described as late Edwardian or early Art Deco. When it looks this good, I’ll take blurred lines any day! Period pieces like this are hard to find and tend to sell quickly. We are offering this authentic antique necklace on our site for just $1,875.00. If you want it – grab it! Don’t sleep on this one – it’s just that good.

“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 Deep Blue Things

Baubles, Bling and Matching Things

Baubles, Bling and Desirable Things

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