Monthly Archive: March 2024 | Page 3

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 145

March 8, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Did you know that a group of butterflies is known as a kaleidoscope? Most of us associate that term with the optical instrument that uses two or more mirrors to reflect patterns and colors. These mirrors are enclosed within a tube; the far end of the tube features a closed compartment filled with an array of colorful glass shards. When the end is turned, the pieces tumble over and over, creating ever-changing and captivating designs. In much the same way, when groups of butterflies flutter their wings, endless displays of beautiful color result… and so, the group was dubbed a kaleidoscope.

Today, we’re featuring just two butterflies. Many cultures associate a pair of butterflies flying together with harmony and balance. Some even believe that such a sighting symbolizes two souls reuniting in heaven, a truly spiritual and emotional interpretation. Our dainty duo measure just one inch across and three-quarters of an inch in length. Made from the rich warm tones of 18-karat yellow gold, the wings have engraved lines texturizing the surface. Each small tear-drop shaped wing is also softly sculpted – a charming detail that offers lifelike appeal.

Polished to a shine, both miniature bodies begin with two antennae. Then, a small creamy pearl marks each head, while a marquise-cut natural turquoise forms the thorax. Finally, the slender golden tail completes the look. They’re absolutely charming and oh-so wearable! Perfect on your favorite denim jacket (the collar or the cuff) – or a piece of ribbon around your neck, these little darlings can be worn so many ways.

Priced at just $600, this tiny twosome is available in our store or on our site. For those who aren’t fans of brooches, these cuties could be re-imagined into pendants, earrings, or even rings or bracelets. Contact us for additional details.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Hot or Not – Volume 11

March 5, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

Have you ever heard of asterism? This term refers to a star-shaped concentration of light reflected or refracted from a gemstone. It appears when a stone is cut into a cabochon (shaped and polished, but not faceted). When a gem exhibits this phenomena, it is called a star + the gem (i.e. star sapphire, star ruby or even star spinel).

Star sapphires are the most well-known. The sheer popularity of this unique sapphire inspired the Linde Air Products Company of New York to create a synthetic version marketed as the Linde Star Sapphire (or Lindy). Invented in 1946, Lindy stars are still one of our most requested items. In normal light, the Lindy star showcases a perfect six-pointed star.

And while I can admit that Lindy stars have a charm of their own, there is nothing like the beauty of a natural star sapphire. This impressive gemstone ring is a perfect example. The phenomena is visible normally, but when a pinpoint of light is held on the stone, the star shines. Moving the light causes the star to dance across the surface of the sapphire. It’s a truly beautiful sight to behold.

In size alone, this ring is impressive… a true knuckle-duster. Set in 14-karat white gold and held in place by four prongs, this enormous star sapphire weighs approximately 16.00 carats. To showcase the color of the gem, it has been encapsulated by a halo of faceted blue sapphires and white diamonds. There are ten round brilliant diamonds with a combined weight of 1.25 carats and ten sapphires with a total weight of 1.00 carat.

Shown in profile, it’s easy to appreciate the sheer size of the stone. The ring rises nearly three-quarters of an inch off the hand. Made in the 1960’s, this ring is in excellent condition. Surprisingly, I find it to be quite wearable. Often, customers dismiss these physically large rings for a multitude of reasons…

It’s too big.
Where would I wear it? We don’t go anywhere.
It’s ostentatious – I could never wear that!
It’s too expensive.
It doesn’t look nice on me.

Let me address your concerns… Can a gemstone ring EVER be too big? Answer – No! You can wear it absolutely anywhere, even from the kitchen to the family room. If you wear it, you won’t think it’s ostentatious for long. Priced at just $4,950.00 – we can find a way to make it affordable (that’s my job, not yours). This ring looks great on everyone!

Curiosity has gotten the best of me, and I have to ask… what do you think of this beauty? Is it hot? Or not?

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Just Keep Swimming

March 1, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Fishy Things

“When life gets you down, you wanna know what you’ve gotta do? Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming swimming swimming…”

Disney/Pixar fans everywhere read that line but heard it in Dory’s voice… the supporting actress/blue tang fish who steals the show in the 2003 smash hit “Finding Nemo”. Her childlike optimism and whimsical personality endeared Dory to millions of viewers. Her catchphrase, “Just keep swimming” is a clever way of encouraging her friends to keep the faith… keep on keeping on!

The moment I saw this charming brooch, Dory’s words popped into my head… and now I can’t seem to help myself from repeating it over and over. Made entirely of 18-karat yellow gold, this figural pin is modern and sleek. This beauty is not a blue tang but rather an angelfish. One of the most recognizable inhabitants of a freshwater aquarium, this majestic head-turner can grow to be quite large. Our brooch depicts a black zebra angelfish.

The black and white stripes are comprised of inlaid custom cut pieces of both onyx and mother of pearl. Adding further dimension are the hand cut sections of silvery-purple abalone that accent the fins. These opaque minerals have been polished to a smooth shine. Highlighting the shape of the fish are fifteen round brilliant diamonds… nine on the tail, five on the ventral fin and one for the eye. Combined, these gems weigh .33 carat.

The reverse side of the brooch is polished gold; the metal fineness hallmark is crisp and easy to read. From the tip of his tail to his small smile, this little guy measures almost two inches. It’s a wearable size with timeless appeal. Perfect for spring and summer, this brooch will add a touch of playfulness to everything you wear. Priced at $1,650.00 – this fish is available on our website now. Just keep swimming on over to our site and check it out for yourself.

“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 A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

Baubles, Bling and Fishy Things

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