Wrist Candy

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Horological Things

When a customer is at the door before we open, or when a customer bursts into the store just as we are closing, you can bet that they are there for a watch battery.  If there’s a blizzard on the horizon or a tornado has been spotted down the street – you can guarantee with one hundred percent certainty that a customer will come in for a watch battery.  You can set your watch by it. 

I don’t wear a watch, and never have with any kind of regularity.  There are two or three kicking around in my jewelry box…  I can promise you that they all have dead batteries.  Now that a cell phone is the natural extension of everyone’s hand, you might think that watches would have gone by the wayside.  However, based on the number of watch batteries replaced by Joden Jewelers, I beg to differ. 

Although I am not a watch person, I am a jewelry lover.  This week, we are featuring a beautiful time piece that is so much more than a watch.  Made in the 1940’s from an unbeatable combination of platinum and 18-karat yellow gold, this tasty bit of arm candy is a mechanical masterpiece.  The tank style face features a lovely ivory hue.  Each of the even hours are marked with their number, however, the odd hours are marked with a simple gold dot.  The tiny hands have been blued – this thermal process prevents them from succumbing to rust and oxidation.  The small textured crown winds smooth as silk. 

This beauty features alternating arched rows of rubies and diamonds.  Set in 18-karat yellow gold, the twenty-nine crimson red square rubies have a combined weight of 1.50 carats.  Platinum rows of diamonds offset these brightly hued gems.  There are thirty-four diamonds in all for a total weight of 1.50 carats.  Both gem-set segments are hinged to ensure a proper fit.  

Expertly fitted to both sides of the watch are twin strands of snake chain.  This unique chain is made from wavy golden rings joined side by side forming an incredibly flexible tube with a smooth, scaly texture…  like snake skin.  First seen in 1934, the snake chain was hugely popular in the 1940’s and remains so today.  As I mentioned, this is no ordinary watch.  This is a Swiss made articulated piece of mechanical genius and true aesthetic appeal.  It’s a stylish and innovative bracelet that also happens to tell the time.  Luckily, it’s a manual wind watch…  no battery needed.  Moderately priced at $5,750.00 – this beauty is available in our showroom.  You don’t have to be a watch lover to wear this stunner…  call us to make it yours today.

“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 12

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

Few things strike fear in my heart…  very near the top of the list are snakes.  Completely irrational and neurotic, this fear can shake me to my core.  Even a mere glimpse of a snake on television will find me checking the covers at the bottom of my bed and carefully peeking under furniture…  unfortunately, it usually also gives me nightmares.  Once, after a very small garter snake was discovered in my front yard, I wouldn’t leave the house.  Weeks later, I was still leaping off the edge of the porch to avoid as much of the yard as possible.  

Despite its extreme popularity, I am not a fan of snake jewelry.  We have had some very fine pieces over the years…  and while I can recognize and appreciate the quality, I won’t own them.  As ridiculous as it sounds, I don’t even like to touch snake jewelry.  And so…  this week’s selection has left me feeling ambiguous.  

It’s bold.  Striking.  This 18-karat white gold bangle is definitely an eye-catcher.  Measuring three-quarters of an inch in width at the top, this modern marvel tapers to half an inch at the base.  A diamondback pattern covers the top half of the bracelet.  One hundred and two colorless round brilliant diamonds form the “X’s” while two hundred and ten rich brown chocolate diamonds fill in the center and sides.  The effect is dazzling.  Combined, these diamonds have a total weight of 9.00 carats!  

The construction of the bangle is superb.  It is hinged on one side with a concealed clasp on the opposite side.  The release button is textured for ease of use, and the clasp closes with a distinct and satisfying snap.  A pair of figure-eight safety catches have been applied to the sides for added security.  The bottom half of the bracelet is sleek and smooth – the high-polish finish gleams.  It’s moderately priced at $6,750.00.

While it may not have been intentional, there’s no denying that the pattern of this bangle replicates that of a diamondback rattler.  From the crossover design to the contrasting colors…  this bracelet reminds me of my worst fear.  What do you think?  Is this bangle 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

Joe’s Special Box Luxury Edition – Volume 15

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and A Collector’s Things

Three years ago, Joe strongly encouraged Dana and I to broaden the scope of the pieces that we showcase on social media and here, in the blog.  He was specifically interested in offering high-end luxury items.  After a lively discussion, an agreement was reached, and this special edition of the blog was born.  Volume 1 began with these words…

“The treasures at Joden are seemingly endless.  Our showcases are overflowing with the finest antique, estate, and modern jewelry.  From Victorian vignettes to Art Deco dazzlers – our collection is truly something to behold.  What you may not know is that not every gem is on display.  Some lucky guests have received a private showing in Joe’s office.  There, nestled into the golden oak cabinetry, tucked between endless volumes of Sotheby’s and Christie’s catalogs are the crème de la crème; an assemblage of the rarest jewels suitable for even the most seasoned connoisseurs and private collectors.”

Since then, we have showcased fourteen truly special pieces.  Today is the fifteenth installment.  Although modern jewelry isn’t typically my jam, this ring was simply irresistible.  Made entirely of 18-karat white gold, this beauty is a three-stone ring on steroids.  

A matched pair of fine lush green emeralds flank the center stone.  Each one is cut in a half-moon shape and is encapsulated within a diamond halo.  The rich tone of these precious gems cannot be captured in a photo – it needs to be appreciated in person.  Combined, these emeralds have a total weight of approximately .70 carat.  Fifty-eight round brilliants create shimmering borders around the three main stones and decorate the shoulders and edges of this spectacular ring.  These diamonds have a total weight of approximately .50 carat. 

The emeralds and melee diamond trim form the perfect stage for the true star of the show – a killer 1.78 carat round brilliant diamond.  Certified by the Gemological Institute of America – this bright white diamond is an E color and an SI1 in clarity.  Sparkling from every angle, this diamond is truly luxurious.  

The birthstone for the month of April is diamond, while emerald is the birthstone for May.  Emerald is also the designated gem for both the 20th and the 35th anniversary.  Perfect for so many reasons, this natural earth-mined diamond ring is available for $16,500.  Not yet on our website, it can be found in the inner sanctum…  Joe’s office.  Drop by and request a tour.  You never know…  you just might take a bit of luxury home with you. 

“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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