Tooting Our Own Horn

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and  Musical Things

Ah, Valentine’s Day… it always evokes images of Cupid, hearts, and all things pink and red.  It’s my favorite holiday – what could be better than a day devoted to love?  From small children to adults, everyone can enjoy Valentine’s Day.  Cards will be exchanged, flowers given, candies devoured…  all in the name of love.

As soon as I laid my eyes on this turn of the century brooch, I knew it was the perfect piece for today.  Made entirely of 18 karat yellow gold, the simplistic yet charming appeal is undeniable.  It’s a horn, but not an ordinary one…  it’s an early form, known as a hunting horn.  This melodious instrument was used to signal every aspect of a hunt, from the Moving Off call (marking the beginning) to the Blowing for Home (indicating the end) and everything in between.  

The flared bell of the horn features a series of eight Old European Cut diamonds, each one handset with four prongs.  Totaling approximately .50 carat, these beauties add an element of sparkle to this otherwise spartan horn.  Like its real-life counterpart, the instrument is made from a single piece of tubing wrapped in a coil with a wide bell at the end.  The circular hoop shape lent itself to be easily slung over the shoulder while not in use.

Perhaps you noticed the miniature cherub seated atop the end of the horn?  This Cupid-like figure beams from his post, lounging back with playful abandon.  His golden curls add to his boyish charm, and one tiny diamond winks from within the delicate curve of his wing.  The wings are often thought to symbolize how flighty lovers can be while Cupid’s youthful appearance is believed to demonstrate that love is irrational (just like a young boy).  

Priced at $1,650.00, this Art Nouveau beauty is ideal for Valentine’s Day.  This and so much more is available online and in our 144 South Broad Street location.  Not to toot our own horn, but our inventory boasts something for everyone.  You won’t be disappointed.  Visit our showroom and make this gem yours today.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 100

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

In honor of the 100th edition of Joe’s Special Box blog, I wanted to share the story of how it all began…

Joe has been at the helm of Joden Jewelers for nearly 5o years.  It has been a never ending quest for the best.  He has painstakingly assembled a seemingly endless supply of the finest antique, estate and modern jewelry.  In the process (as you can imagine) he has uncovered piles of ordinary things…  and more than a few of the extraordinary.  

Those exceptional pieces…  the irresistibly sweet little baubles became a personally curated collection.  Over the years, Joe began tucking these special pieces into a box in his desk.  He intended to give them to his daughter one day.  We all knew these treasures weren’t available for sale.  As time went on, the collection grew.  And grew.  

It is now not one, not two but three full boxes filled to overflowing.  And so, Joe decided to share his cache of riches.  These are not the most expensive items, they aren’t the biggest diamonds.  These are the most rare, the impossible to find, the true gems of the past fifty years.  Join us each week and see what Joe’s Special Box has to offer.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Seeing Double

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and  Asymmetrical Things

The Edwardian Era was the shortest period in jewelry history, spanning from 1901-1915…  and yet some of the most iconic jewelry dates back to that time.  Platinum was the metal of choice and was often paired with yellow gold.  Artisans handcrafted baubles and beauties of all kinds…  there were rings and earrings, bracelets and brooches.  Fashion often dictated jewelry trends…   lowered necklines demanded ornamentation.  The necklace became the quintessential piece of the early 1900’s.  

Designs were delicate, ethereal and utterly feminine…  like this lovely négligée necklace.

Made with a classic combination of 18 karat yellow gold and platinum, I am in love with this little gem.  The oval centerpiece features a row of square cut rubies… it is the anchor from which a matched pair of asymmetrical drops dangle.  A tiny creamy pearl is surrounded by a double halo; the inner ring set with rose cut diamonds and the outer ring set with rubies.  They hang at different lengths – the signature mark of the négligée necklace.    

Perhaps you’re thinking this style was named for the attention it drew to a lady’s feminine charms…  just as a piece of lingerie would.  And while that is a great theory, the moniker actually originated from an earlier style.  Ladies were fond of wearing long strands of beads that featured several random dangles.  These unusual pieces appeared to be thrown together quite haphazardly or “negligently”.  And thus – the term négligée was born.

This delightfully simple piece is a welcome addition to every wardrobe.  It adds the perfect amount of sparkle to a little black dress but also pairs seamlessly with jeans and a t-shirt.  Priced at just $1,875 – you can’t go wrong.  With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, consider your shopping done!  

“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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