What’s New – Volume 81

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

People always say ” the pictures don’t do it justice”.  There’s no doubt, it’s damn hard work to capture the ageless beauty of fine jewelry.  Each piece presents its own challenges, sometimes they can be overcome and sometimes they can’t.  No one at Joden has been more successful at mastering the art of jewelry photography than Dana.  I’ve watched her talent emerge and grow over the last four years.  This week, she nailed it.  I gasped when I saw these gorgeous shots.  

In our collaboration, I am the words and she is the music.  Individually, we are both quite good at what we do, but together, we truly sing.  It’s a frustratingly long and yet exhilarating and extremely rewarding process.  In short, we love our job.  

This pendant is made from 14-karat yellow gold, as indicated by the hallmark on the back of the bail.  Also etched into the reverse side of the pendant are the words “El Paso” with a date…  1915.  Without this clue, I would have called this pendant Victorian, late 1800’s.  All yellow Edwardian jewelry is rare – a fact that makes me love this pendant all the more.  An elongated triangular shape dangles from an inverse tear-drop, both of which feature dainty Etruscan beadwork and delicate seed pearl accents.  A kite-shaped pink stone sits center stage – this lovely pop of color is not a natural gemstone but rather a imitation one.  It’s authentic and original to the pendant.  Fine filigree details speak to the time period and soften the overall feel of the piece.

This beauty hangs from a vintage 18-karat yellow gold rope chain.  Measuring twenty-inches in length, this chain is perfect for the pendant although it’s probably not original.  Priced at $1,275.00, this pendant is available in the store and on our website.  A beauty like this won’t last long…  and I promise, these photos do indeed do justice to this antique gem.  ♥

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Too Suite – Volume Five

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Matching Things

This modern suite can be summed up in just two words…  pumpkin spice!  The last days of September are here; football season is in full-swing, there’s an early morning nip in the air, and the leaves are starting to drift on the wind.  Fall is on the horizon; it’s time for chunky sweaters, flannel jackets, and bonfires.  Dunkin’ and Beans on Broad (our local coffee shop) have lines out the door for pumpkin cream cold brews and pumpkin spice latte lovers.

I’m not a coffee drinker and although I won’t be scrambling to get to the drive-through, this time of year is my very favorite.  The leaves transform from the bright green tones of summer to a kaleidoscope of deep red, burnt orange and golden yellow.  Pennsylvania is absolutely breathtaking.  The warm afternoon sun wanes into chilly evenings; it’s sweater weather.  That also means it’s time for fall accessories.  This classic pearl pairing is the perfect choice.

Made entirely of 18-karat yellow gold, these two pieces by Tara & Sons add a hint of spicy warmth to your wardrobe.  Founded in 1974 in New York, Tara & Sons is known for creating the very finest pearl jewelry.  Their designs are elegant with timeless appeal.  Their mission statement says it all…

“We are driven by a gem centric approach to jewelry design.  Tara & Sons is dedicated to acquiring the finest Tahitian, South Sea, Akoya, and freshwater cultured pearls and diamonds available and creating exquisite jewelry featuring these natural wonders.”

The earrings begin with a 17mm simple huggie-style hoop.  They can be worn alone or with the 13.5mm pearl dangle.  These coppery-colored iridescent pearls add a russet pop of color and accent the buttery yellow gold to perfection. 

The enhancer-style pendant is just as versatile as the earrings.  It’s lovely as is – suspended from twenty-inch 18-karat yellow gold hexagonal snake chain.  This chain is everything – it puddles beautifully in the hand and looks great with everything.  The bail of the pendant is hinged at the top, allowing it to open.  This clever feature makes it possible to wear the pendant on a strand of pearls for a more formal look.  Just like the earrings, the pendant has a matching 14.0mm pearl with the same luxurious bronze hue.  

This suite is the kind of pumpkin spice I can appreciate!  Priced at just $1,850.00, it’s available now.  

“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 142

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

When I showed this ring to Jay, he wrinkled up his nose and made a face.  Then I told him that I got it from Joe’s Special Box and that it was going to be a featured blog piece.  Another nose crinkle and an “Ugh!” later and I haven’t changed my mind.  Jay doesn’t like it AT ALL.  Joe likes it so much that he squirrelled it away in his office.  I’m somewhere in between – there’s something about it.  

Made in a band style, this three-row ring is crafted from 18-karat white gold.  A somewhat unusual patina has developed on the gold, giving it a dark appearance around the diamonds and a slight yellowish cast to the metal.  This can easily be removed with a visit to our shop.  In the hands of an expert, a fine polish and rhodium plating could have this ring looking like new.  If you’re wondering why we haven’t done that already, the answer is simple.  I love patina.  It’s character that develops over time, usually years.  Though it can be removed in a moment, there’s no going back.  It can’t be replaced.  In the vintage jewelry world, alterations and cleaning must be carefully considered.

Five round cabochon jadeite gems span the center.  Two rows of eight single-cut diamonds provide a border for those bright green stones with one row on each side.  Offering a combined weight of .25 carat, they add a hint of sparkle to this unusual band.  It would make a great non-traditional wedding band or simply a fun right-hand ring.  Style is subjective; it’s unexpected and even controversial.  Perhaps you are team Jay and give this ring a definite thumbs down; maybe you side with Joe and think it’s special and worthy of saving.  Or maybe you’re like me and find yourself sitting on the fence.  With a price of just $500, there’s no doubt that it will bring a pop of color to your life.

“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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