Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling and Interesting Things
One of the most common misconceptions in antique jewelry is that if a piece is old, then it must be valuable. Many people don’t realize that costume jewelry has been around for centuries. One of the most well-known diamond look-alikes, paste, was invented in 1724. Ancient civilizations have been imitating diamonds and gemstones with glass for more than 2000 years. Even more astonishing is that the first known manufactured gold substitute was created 6500 years ago! Age is not always an indicator of value.
Today’s gold market is unpredictable. With gold peeking higher each day, people everywhere are looking to cash in on their valuables. Nearly every day, we have to tell someone that the beautiful “ruby” in grandma’s ring is not a ruby at all. It might be a piece of dyed glass or it could be a manmade stone. In any case, the family heirloom that has been prized for generations is worth no more than the scrap value of the metal the ring was made from. There are so many variations of this tale – it might be a strand of “pearls”, the “diamond ” necklace that great-great-grandma wore on her wedding day, or even the fine “silver” that was only brought out for the holidays. For as long as there has been fine jewelry, there has also been costume jewelry.
These charming little earrings caught my eye right away. Bought in sizable lot, these cuties are still in the original box and the colorful gems sparkle from the moment the lid is opened. Made during the Victorian era, they’re well-made and remain in decent condition. The gold-colored metal has dulled from age. Our XRF analyzer tells us that the posts and backs of these earrings are comprised of a combination of copper, zinc and nickel. Unfortunately, the cup on the back of the earring registers 6% lead. A small plastic disk must be placed between the earring and the earlobe for safety reasons.
They remind me of a similar pair that we’ve featured on our website. Comparable in size, style and age – these sweet studs showcase blue and clear crystal stones in a gold-filled setting.
We received them as non-pierced earrings, but quickly sent them to the shop to be converted for pierced ears. We opted for 14-karat yellow gold posts and backs, a small detail that adds both value and wearability to these petite pretties. Priced at just $100 – these are the perfect little gift.
The point of the story is that we don’t always know what we have. That’s why it’s a good idea to visit your jeweler. Let the professionals inspect your jewelry. Here, at Joden Jewelers, we offer complimentary cleaning. We have an in-house bench jeweler who can check your jewelry to make sure that everything is in good, wearable condition. If repairs are needed, we offer those services as well. Perhaps you have a valuable piece that should be insured, consider making the investment to have it appraised. Additionally, you’ll finally be able to sort those family heirlooms… which ones have sentimental value, monetary value, or both!
“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”
Written by Carrie Martin
Photos by Dana Jerpe
