Smitten Kitten

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Precious Things

Two months ago, life at the Martin house changed.  And it will never be the same again… but in the best way!  Our oldest son, Zack (who lives in an apartment on his own) adopted a kitten.  This very tiny orange-striped darling had been abandoned with two of his siblings.  At just 4 weeks old and weighing a mere 0.8 pounds, he wasn’t able to maintain his body heat, feed himself or even use a litter box.  

The first night was a bit rocky… but after some sage advice from an old friend and a speedy visit to the vet, we had a tentative plan to keep our little fella healthy and happy.  Kitty visits were filled with heating pads, syringes for feeding and lots of cuddling.  There was no denying it, Waylon had stolen our hearts.  

You can imagine my delight upon discovering this small brooch. 

Measuring a scant 7/8 of an inch, this 18-karat yellow gold cat pin is too cute.  From the curl in his tail to the arch in his back, this brooch is full of fun!  Bright shades of enamel bring this kitty to life…  bold green stripes, a black nose, and a bright red mouth add character and personality. 

The back of the brooch features two hallmarks, one reads “18K” and the other reads “Italy”.  It’s impossible to resist this charming cat.  He’s priced at just $400.  I promise you, he won’t last long.  

As far as we were concerned… if one kitten is good, then surely two is better.  And so, two weeks ago, Zack was lucky enough to adopt one of Waylon’s litter mates. 

Meet my grand-kittens… Willie and Waylon.  If you’d like to adopt our enameled cat brooch, give us a call or stop by the store.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Signature Series – Volume 20

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Quality Things

Just a few week’s ago, we introduced you to a modern spin on the ancient art of mosaic.  Expertly executed by New York City-based designer, Asch Grossbardt, these intricate inlaid jewels captivated millions worldwide.  We recently acquired a tiny turtle made by the famed company.  We were completely charmed by the poly-chromatic display of color on the small round shell…  the scalloped scales were created by hand-cutting and fitting together precisely cut pieces of onyx, lapis lazuli, coral, mother-of-pearl, and malachite.  Carefully merged like pieces of a puzzle, these opaque gemstones bring this reptile to life.

Now, just a few weeks later, we have adopted another captivating creature, also made by Asch Grossbardt.  Unlike the turtle, this being is no reptile, but rather a winged insect.  Taking the form of a multi-colored bumble bee, this brooch is quite handsome.  

A sculptural 14-karat yellow gold frame provides the base for the bold and bright inlaid gems.  A pair of wings have been carved from iridescent mother-of-pearl.  They’re silky smooth with faint lines etched into the surface.  These wings sit on either side of a boldly striped thorax and abdomen.  In order, eight vibrant bands are showcased by individually inlaid pieces… onyx, mother-of-pearl, onyx again, lapis, malachite, mother-of-pearl again and finally, one coral stinger.  Two perfectly matched pieces of turquoise mark the eyes.

The Asch Grossbardt logo is clearly etched into the under side of one wing along with a “14-karat” mark, and a  copyright symbol.  These enduring works of art were meticulously manufactured with superior craftsmanship, an eye for detail, and a touch of whimsy.  Although Jerome Aschbardt and Larry Gross were both successful jewelers in their own right, it wasn’t until they joined forces that their success came full circle.  Their miniature masterpieces are often described as a collector’s dream.  

The beautiful bee is available for $960.00 while the tiny turtle is priced at just $480.00.  Bring some character and fun to your wardrobe with a signed Asch Grossbardt original today.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

What’s New – Volume 96

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

While everyone is busy complaining about the heatwave we’ve been experiencing this summer, I’m over here relishing in the knowledge that scrumptious tomatoes will be ripening to perfection under the warmth of the July sun.  Tomorrow is my day off – amidst endless loads of laundry, cleaning and countless other tasks – I will definitely stop by my favorite farm stand.  It’s not a big market, just a small stand-alone shack laden with in-season local goodness.  The friendly woman inside is ready to answer questions and make recommendations on the best produce that day.  There might be cantaloupe, pickling cucumbers, or green peppers. 

A massive pile of early sweet corn will fill half the stand,  But the main reason I go is for the tomatoes.  These delectable fruits are still warm from the sun.  They’re unwashed, some with nutrient dense soil still clinging to the bright red skin.  This lovely lady will have pint-sized green cardboard crates filled with cherry tomatoes and oblong boxes with wire handles overflowing with perfect sandwich tomatoes.  After I make my selections, she will carefully place my purchases in a brown paper bag before she gives me a total.  She doesn’t take credit cards, it’s cash only.  After tucking my treasures behind the seat, on the way home, my car will be filled with the musky unique smell of tomatoes fresh from the vine.

These lovely earrings remind me of garden ripe tomatoes.  Made from rich, buttery 22-karat gold wire, these handmade beauties evoke feeling of summer.  Light and airy, each one depicts a four-petaled flower that dangles whimsically from a curved wire.  The shapely petals curl around the center where a tiny ring of gold beads surround a bezel-set gemstone.  Nestled within each bezel is a vibrant green tourmaline.  The color is deeply saturated, much like the dark hue of mid-summer tomato leaves.  

They’re absolutely perfect on the ear.  Pair them with your favorite overalls for early-morning gardening – those tomatoes won’t wait!  Or accessorize a wide-brimmed hat and cotton dress… the most perfect outfit for an afternoon at the local farmer’s market.  You will reach for these earrings time and again – they will become your go-to choice!  Priced at $875.00, they’re available in our showroom.  Call to claim!

“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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