Pitter Patter Goes My Heart

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Shapely Things

The years from 1820-1900 are known as the Romantic Era…  this time frame coincides with and almost completely overlaps the Victorian period (1837-1901).  The royal love story of Victoria and Albert is a well-known and beloved part of British history.  Their love influenced the theme and style of the jewelry that she wore as well as the jewelry worn by her subjects and the rest of the world.  

The jewelry of the era was rich with symbolism and sentimentality.  Recognized as the shape of love, the heart has been a favored emblem since the 13th century, however, this curvaceous silhouette reigned supreme during the Romantic Era.  This combination pendant/brooch from the mid-1860’s is no exception.

Not much larger than a quarter, this beauty was handmade from a 14 karat yellow gold base and a silver top.  It centers on one round opal that glows with turquoise blue and green fire.  The underlying structure forms a six-pointed star with a bright pink ruby at each tip.  These vibrant stones have a total weight of approximately 1.45 carats.  Nestled between each ruby is a superbly cut heart-shaped opal.  These six stones are alive with the same fire as the center.  Crowning each heart is a singular rose cut diamond while an additional eighteen rose-cuts encircle the middle and decorate the bail.  With a combined weight of 1.20 carats, these primitively cut diamonds sparkle and shine.  

Although superstition had shrouded opals for hundreds of years, Victoria was undeterred.  She shunned the rumors of bad luck that followed this fragile gem, collecting multiple opal pieces.  Her unwavering favor helped to eradicate the bad reputation of the opal and reestablished it’s former popularity.

The true brilliance of this piece goes beyond beauty…  it’s pure engineering genius.  Comprised of four distinct parts, it converts from a pendant to a brooch with ease.  Pictured here, you can see the threaded mechanism that connects the pin stem and the uniquely shaped bail that fastens to a hinged ring at the top of the jewel itself.

Every element performs faultlessly, even after more than 150 years.  Antique jewelry was often multipurpose, giving additional opportunities to enjoy each gem.  If you love Victorian jewelry, have a heart (or six) with this lovely piece for just $3,750.00.

“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 Four

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and  A Collector’s Things

Since 1839, when Albert proposed to Victoria with an emerald accented entwined snake ring, the world has been infatuated with reptile jewelry.  Victoria’s engagement ring sparked a trend in England that spread like wildfire…  those flames have never been extinguished.  Everyone from collectors and connoisseurs to amateurs and novices are enthralled with sinewy serpents…  whether they’re coiled around fingers, wrists or necks, snake jewelry is iconic.

The real life love story of Albert and Victoria was represented by that first snake ring, ultimately bringing the serpent to symbolize eternal love.  That imagery has lasted for more than 180 years.  These emblematic jewels are often sought after and requested by our customers and friends.  

We recently acquired this bold example.  The rich yellow gold body coils once around the wrist, then loops around the head with the tail resting back against the center section.  Softly rounded scales cover the entire top portion of this antique hinged bangle.  Each one is accented with black enamel, adding depth and dimension.  Sixty-one rose cut diamonds are set within a darkly tarnished silver spray that lays along the length of the head, two of them bringing light and life to the eyes.  With a combined weight of two carats, these diamonds bring a welcome element of sparkle to this bracelet.

The mouth is slightly open allowing an articulated tongue to slither back and forth with menacing charm.  Two complete rows of teeth offer another precise detail to this outstanding model.  Made around 1875, this vibrant bangle has been a highlighted treasure in Joe’s collection since we acquired it.  Priced at $11,700 – this symbolic snake is just the kind of eternal luxury you need in your life.

“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 – Volume 48

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

There’s just something about Persian Turquoise…  the color of summer skies and crystal clear Caribbean waters; a bright spot on a dreary day.  This cheerful stone was the darling of jewelers in the 1800’s.  Albert and Victoria gifted it to the train bearers and ladies in waiting in their wedding ceremony in the form of bird brooches and tiny portrait rings.  The stone was considered by many to be a talisman.  Turquoise was believed to protect the wearer against a myriad of things including poisoning and falling off your horse! 

  

This charming bracelet was crafted at the end of the 19th century making it a crossover piece between the end of the Victorian era and the beginning of Art Nouveau.  Handmade from a rich 18 karat yellow gold, this piece is super sweet.  The main portion consists of two matching strands of woven chain.  They create a series of five love knots, each one decorated with a bezel set oval turquoise.  The love knot was a prevalent theme in vintage jewelry – symbolizing a love that lasts forever and cannot be untied.  The center knot features an intricately etched heart charm with a turquoise flower.  My favorite part of the bracelet is the hair receiver on the back of the heart…  complete with a lock of dark hair still coiled inside… so romantic.  The bracelet is in mint condition and priced at $2750.00.  When you come to see it, be sure to mention that it’s in Joe’s Special Box.  

“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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