Month: August 2023

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 140

by

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Our store is located in the heart of a small town.  Founded in 1950, Joden is one of the oldest and most successful businesses in Grove City.  Our tiny town also boasts one of the best private Christian colleges in the Northern United States.  Each year, as the students begin to venture off campus and meander downtown, a few stop by to admire our engagement rings.

It has been rumored for years that a well-known slogan on campus is “Ring by Spring!”  This cheeky phrase has brought more than one young man through our door.  Faces flush with excitement, they’re intent on finding the perfect ring.  

My advice to anyone starting the journey of purchasing an engagement ring is always the same… 

  • Set a budget by evaluating your financial position.  Decide what your priority is between the size of the diamond, the quality of the diamond and the overall style of the ring.  
  • Save for the ring.
  • Find something you both will love that stays within your budget. 

This year, the national average spent on an engagement ring is $6000.  A mere 8% of shoppers will spend under $1000.  At Joden, we have dream rings for every budget.  This week’s choice is a sweet Victorian beauty made from 14-karat yellow gold.  The buttercup setting holds a .18 carat European cut diamond in the center.  Graded as an F-G in color and SI2 in clarity – this small stone shines.  

With softly scrolled and sculpted shoulders, this antique darling was, is, and will always be someone’s dream ring.  It’s listed on our site for just $500!  Affordable for any budget, it’s perfect as an engagement ring, a promise ring or simply a just-because ring.  Hop over to our site or check it out in the store, you too can have a ring by spring.

“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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Hot or Not – Volume Eight

by

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Shapely Things

Every time I pick up a piece of jewelry, I begin to mentally check off boxes based on both my own likes as well as what’s on trend right now. 

  • What’s the metal?
  • Platinum or gold?  14 or 18-karat?
  • What gemstones are featured?
  • Are they the star of the show or are they the supporting cast?
  • How does it feel when I put it on?
  • Do I want to keep wearing it, or do I want to take it off?
  • Does the piece match the price?
  • Is it priced too high, too low or just right?

This eye-catching bracelet is a series of twenty-one marquise-shaped links, each one set at a jaunty angle.  Each link moves independently in a delightfully snakelike fashion.  Already, my mind is turning…

  • The main structure of the piece is made from the rich, warm tone of 18-karat yellow gold.  To display a bi-color motif, the artist created an 18-karat white gold segment that sits atop the yellow gold base.  The combination of the two colors is well done and gives the bracelet versatile appeal.
  • Sixty-three diamonds are set within the links.  Set in groups of three, these sparklers accentuate the marquise shape and have a total weight of approximately 1.50 carats.  There are both full and single-cut near colorless diamonds (the average color grade is I) with an average clarity grade of VS2-SI1.  
  • When clasping the bracelet around my wrist, I admire the expertly hidden clasp.  It closes with a satisfying snap.  The first thing I sense is the physical weight of the piece…  it’s heavy but in the best way.  It exudes quality.  There are no sharp bits and it’s comfortable and easy to wear. 
  • Finally – it’s the “Goldilocks” conundrum…  is the price too high, too low, or is it just right?  $4500…  When I consider the amount of gold (28.7 dwt), the high karat of that gold, and the diamond weight (1.50 carats) – I have to say, it’s priced right.

After thoughtfully evaluating each bulleted point, there’s no doubt that the bracelet is well-made from high quality materials.  The Mid-Century Modern design also offers good value.  There is just one final question to answer… Is the bracelet hot?  Or not?  I can’t wait to hear what you think!  Check it out on 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

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Joe’s Special Box – Volume 139

by

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

As a general rule, I don’t like heart jewelry… more specifically modern heart jewelry.  It’s often overdone and trite.  Occasionally, I uncover an exception to the rule.  I have seen one or two beautifully executed modern heart pieces.  Conversely, because antique jewelry was not mass-produced, the jewels are unique.  Vintage heart jewelry is much more appealing.  It’s romantic, sentimental and almost always well done.  

Antique lockets are highly sought after, especially ones that are large enough to personalize with photos of loved ones.  This beauty from Joe’s Special Box is a perfect example.

It’s unusually large – measuring 1.75 inches from the top of the bail to the tip of the heart.  I would pair it with a long chain and wear with everything from summer rompers to chunky winter sweaters.  Made entirely of 10-karat yellow gold, this heart shimmers softly.  The exterior features millions of tiny scratches that have etched a beautiful patina onto the surface.  Each mark is a memory of a life well-lived and well-loved.  The gently worn look is my absolute favorite part of this Victorian treasure.  

The interior of the locket features both original frames -they are simple to remove, add photos and put back in place.  The back side of the heart is inscribed with a lovely entwined monogram – a script “R” in the center with an “R” to the left and a “W” to the right.  Add your photos, a lock of hair or even a tiny note…  it’s a beautiful way to weave a new story into an old one.  Made near the end of the Victorian era in the 1880’s, this locket is nearly 150 years old.  Not yet available on line, you’ll  have to give us a call or stop by to see it for yourself.  Priced at just $800, it’s every bit as good today as it was a lifetime ago.  

“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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