Signature Series – Volume 4

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Quality Things

With nearly fifty years of combined jewelry experience – Dana and I are an unbeatable team in more ways than one.  She and I are exclusively responsible for all things internet at Joden.  Dana is the face behind the camera while I am the voice behind the words.  This is our fourth year of collaborating to bring you the very best that Joden has to offer – everything from the sublime to the ridiculous.  With half a century in the business, we simply can’t help but to constantly look for new and exciting jewels to share.  

This ring piqued my interest.  At first, I thought the amethyst was a fantasy cut stone, but I wasn’t sure.  Once I looked inside the ring, I spotted a manufacturer’s mark.

It reads “Strell”.  With just a few keystrokes on Google, I discovered that this ring had a story all its own.  The “Strell” hallmark is short for Strellman’s.  This company was founded in 1948 by Richard Strellman – the name quickly became synonymous with dramatic jewelry.  Originating in Oregon, this American company is now based out of Minnesota and has become world famous for their original lighthouse lens cut.   This is a fantasy cut gem on an entirely other level, and exactly what our ring is.  Every one of these showstopping jewels begins with a piece of rough (or raw) gemstone of at least 125 carats.  It is cut with the grain to maximize brilliance, sparkle and color dispersion.  After refining, the result is a finished stone that will weigh approximately 10.00 carats.  

The name Lighthouse Lens Cut comes from the fresnel lens which is primarily used in lighthouses.  The gems are faceted similar to a lighthouse lens that directs the beam of light out to sea.  These fascinating stones reflect light in the exact same way.  It is unlike any other cut.  Dana was able to capture this exceptional phenomenon in a video that will be featured on our Instagram feed later this week.  You don’t want to miss it!

The ring itself is made from 14-karat yellow gold that has been polished to a pristine shine.  It is specially designed to showcase the extraordinary amethyst held within.  Authentic and original, this ring is available on our site for just $465.00.  Check it out in store or online.

“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 Four

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Berry Things

It has been speculated that ornamental jewelry has been in existence for over 25,000 years… the discovery of a simple necklace made of fishbones in a cave in Monaco is the earliest evidence we have.  From brightly colored macaroni strung on yarn to the Crown jewels…  I can’t even begin to guess just how many pieces of jewelry have been created in all that time. 

If we added up every bauble in every drawer, box, and bag from the basement to the garage to Joe’s office – I am certain the number of jewels at Joden is well over 10,000.  And although I don’t know the exact number of pieces, what I do know is that we have some breathtakingly beautiful things.  On the flip side, after more than fifty-two years in business, we have also accumulated a few ugly ducklings. 

 

But luckily, opinions vary and no two people like exactly the same things.  One of the best parts of my job is when I am able to match the perfect customer with their dream piece of jewelry… it’s especially gratifying when the piece is a bit unusual or obscure (a.k.a. challenging to sell).  These gems are what we like to call “old friends”.  

 

In hopes of making more of these connections, I created the “Hot or Not” edition of the blog.  In the previous three publications, we debated the beauty of a fantasy cut green tourmaline ring, a couple of designer spinner rings, and a brooch by the House of Graff.  The brooch is available on our site, the tourmaline is available in the store… both spinner rings have sold.  This week, we are offering this noteworthy ring. 

Made from two colors of 18-karat gold, this ring looks exactly like a ripe red raspberry and is showcased to perfection in this delicious tart from La Gourmandine bakery in Pittsburgh.  The fruit is bursting with forty-three round rubies that have a combined weight of 2.00 carats.  Each of the tiny eight leaves have a crisscross hand-textured surface and a white gold vein running through the center.  It’s incredibly lifelike – a true feast for the senses.  You can almost smell and taste the sweetness of the berry…

It’s very unique…  and certainly not mass-produced.  This is not a ring for everyone but rather something exceptional for someone with unconventional style.  Priced at just $1,500.00, it begs the question…  is this ring hot or not?  We can’t wait to see what you think.  Hop on over to Instagram to cast your vote on our story!  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

What’s New – Volume 45

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

Something old, something new…  Sometimes a really great piece of jewelry is a little of both.  Bold gold designs are all the rage this year.  The warm buttery tones of yellow gold have returned and they’re here to stay.  Kudos to those who kept the faith and stayed strong to your love of yellow gold.  For those who gave away, sold, traded and scrapped your heavy 1980’s gold jewelry…  we’re here to help.  With killer offerings in the antique, estate and modern departments, our inventory is overflowing with golden goodness.

The high-polished surfaces of this 14-karat gold bangle are strong and solid.  An offset pair of coiled scrolls decorate both shoulders and flank the center.  The curves of the oval-shaped midpoint provide the ideal frame for the silhouette contained within.  With hair coiled into the perfect Gibson girl style, our leading lady is shown in profile on a stark black slice of onyx.  Contrasting with the shiny surface of the bangle is the texture added to her skin and the deep recesses of the scroll-work.  This bisque finish pairs with the tiny diamond necklace to soften the bracelet, giving it a decidedly romantic feel.  

This modern beauty is the ideal pairing of today’s yellow gold style with a nod to the appeal of a Victorian cameo.  Moderately priced at $1,700.00 – this bangle is perfect for fall.  Check it out in our estate department or on our site. 

“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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