Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Discounted Things

As you know, this blog is a team effort…  I am the words and my co-worker and dear friend, Dana, is the pictures.  Even in the midst of the ChatGPT and AI era, I still write each blog myself and Dana takes each photo.  Without her expertise, I could not do my job.  It’s often a small detail or a particular angle that Dana captures that allows me to see something I didn’t see before; sometimes, a simple snapshot gives me fresh perspective.  Today, we’re focusing on a Mid Century Modern brooch.  This is the third set of pictures that Dana has taken for this particular jewel.  First, she captured it’s essence for an earlier blog, Birds of a Feather. Originally penned in 2022, that blog talked about two pieces made by the legendary Raymond Yard.  One of the pieces sold, but this brooch remains.  

The above picture was taken as part of a series for our website where this brooch is listed.  Made entirely of 14-karat yellow gold, it’s quite lovely.  Called a reverse crystal (or Essex crystal), this type of jewelry is made by carving into the back of a piece of rock crystal quartz.  After the image is carved, it’s painted.  Finally, it is affixed to a sliver of mother-of-pearl.  Once complete, it looks three-dimensional.  Oak branch and leaf fauna provides a haven for this lifelike depiction of a Downy Woodpecker.  Known for his small size, short bill and red patch on the back of his head, this little cutie can be found all over North America.   Completing the framed piece is a sculpted oak branch with a pair of leaves and two acorns. 

These final photos capture the wear-ability to perfection.  Peep the fold-over bail that allows it to be worn as a pendant and the sturdy pin-stem that enables the wearer to fasten it to everything from a blouse to a wool coat.  Having pieces of jewelry that can be worn multiple ways is a key element in a well-balanced wardrobe.  At the bottom of the back, the “Yard” signature is in full view, adding to the value.  Previously offered for $5,250.00, we are lowering the price to just $3,300.00.  You need this Yard bird in your life; so, take advantage of these incredible savings today. 

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe