Antique diamond bracelet Archive

Joe’s Special Box Luxury Edition – Volume 12B

February 16, 2024November 10, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and A Collector’s Things

Sometimes it seems like we settle into a rut. Get up, go to work, come home, make dinner, go to bed. Lather, rinse, repeat. It’s also true in our work… it’s no secret that I gravitate toward pieces that move me. I choose jewelry that sparks something inside of me, whether it be good or bad. In an effort to keep the blog content interesting, lately I’ve been asking Joe to personally select the pieces. He often has a different viewpoint than I do – bringing a fresh perspective shakes things up.

Earlier today, we were having an animated chat about antique jewelry. Joe mentioned that one his oldest friends (who is a major player in the jewelry industry) felt that the best antique jewelry is Art Deco – definitely an opinion shared by many. My personal thoughts are sometimes less enthusiastic – I’m wondering what YOU think about Joe’s pick.

Measuring 7.25 inches in length and over half an inch in width, this bracelet is comprised of 29.2 dwt of polished platinum. There are thirty-two individual links. Set within those segments are 234 round diamonds. These earth-mined natural beauties cover every spec of the bracelet with 8.88 carats of scintillating sparkle. Each stone is held in place with four prongs and highlighted with precise milgrain beaded edges.

Set at even intervals are three marquise-brilliant diamonds. This curved navette shape juxtaposes exquisitely with the predominantly rectangular theme of the bracelet. Together, these three diamonds offer an additional 1.42 carats of sparkle. Wrapping around the perimeter of each marquise is a precise border of expertly cut green glass. Mimicking the look of emerald – these imitation stones are authentic and original to the piece.

Undeniably a stellar example of real Art Deco jewelry, this bracelet is breathtakingly beautiful. With 10.30 carats of total diamond weight, it packs quite a punch. Priced at $26,500.00 (for those wondering… that’s just over $111 per diamond) – there’s no question why it’s Joe’s pick. Inquiring minds want to know… what do you think of our latest bit of luxury? Cast your vote on our Instagram story.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Pick of the Week – Volume 57

August 18, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles and Bling with Unbelievable Pricing

Sometimes, the only thing a customer can complain about is the price. This bracelet has been in our inventory for longer than I would like to admit… not weeks or even months. Years! It seems crazy, right? Even at a glance, it’s a showstopper. The Edwardian era coincides with King Edward VII’s reign. He was the oldest son of Victoria and Albert and took the throne upon his mother’s death in 1901. He ruled until his death in 1910. His reign was a time infused with the elegance and luxury that Edward had known all of his life. Often described as a golden age, it seemed to be one long extravagant garden party.

Nobility and members of the upper class embraced leisure sports such as croquet, tennis and lawn golf… this created a real need for a change in fashion. More flexible clothing was essential; it was vital for hats and parasols to be larger for protection from the sun. A change in clothing is nearly always accompanied by a change in accessories like jewelry. The ostentatious and oversized look of the Victorian years ended and the ethereal, delicate feel of the Edwardian era began. Garlands, bows and ribbons decorated everything from necklaces and rings to earrings and bracelets. This week’s piece is one of the finest that I have ever seen.

Encircling the wrist are seven elongated links that form the outside borders of this bracelet. Each one is made entirely of platinum; the top portion is coated with a layer of glossy black enamel. A tongue-and-groove clasp is cleverly hidden inside one of these links allowing the bracelet to appear seamless when worn. Juxtaposed with the stark black links are seven curvaceous bows. Also made of platinum, each one is set sideways with the tails unfurling on either side. One hundred and twelve Old European Cut diamonds cover every inch of the ribbons and offer 1.80 carats of shimmering sparkle. Adding an additional 3.00 carats are seven Old Mine Cut diamonds; these sizable beauties are bezel set between the notched ends of the ties.

Further softening the aesthetic appeal are tiny beaded edges called milgrain. A classic element of Edwardian jewelry, these minute beads outline each bow from tip to tail and encircle every bezel. The overall appearance is light, airy and absolutely gorgeous. Purchased from a fellow dealer, this bracelet is one of the most beloved pieces of our antique and estate department. It’s been on our website for $15,499.00 – not a crazy price for a mint condition antique bracelet with 4.80 carats of diamond weight, but not a bargain either.

There isn’t one single thing to complain about here… except for maybe the price. Perhaps you’ve admired it from time to time, but haven’t been able to justify shelling out that kind of cash. Or perhaps this is your very first time meeting this exquisite enchantress. In either case, today’s your lucky day. We’ve selected it as a Pick of the Week. That means that we take an old favorite and offer it with new, updated pricing. This one is absolutely unbelievable – our Edwardian bow bracelet is now available for just $7,750.00! Do NOT sleep on this deal. Hop on over to our site and make it yours.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Rose Cut Refinement

August 11, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Amazing Things

My husband is a mechanic by nature. When he sees something with complex engineering, he studies it; flipping it over and over in his hands, I can almost hear the wheels of his brain turning… figuring it out. This intense scrutiny is an automatic reflex – happening without him being conscious of it. His natural curiosity and mechanical talent are a potent combination. There’s always a project under way in our garage – a vintage square-body build, a buddy’s car that isn’t running right or even a golf cart in need of a little alteration. So, earlier this evening when I sat down to write, his eyes lit on the subject at hand.

I relinquished my treasure to his curious gaze, and watched him roll it between his calloused and grease-stained fingers. Instinctively, he knew it was old… this kind of genius just isn’t found anymore. In his usual way, he continued to roll it over and over, methodically dissecting the articulated artistry and mad scientist mentality that created this antique beauty.

Measuring just over seven inches, this bit of wrist candy glitters and gleams from every angle. It has no front or back, no top or bottom – just a beginning and an end. The entire length of the bracelet is consumed by four hundred and ten 18-karat yellow gold pinched collet settings. The modern terminology is “bezel” – however, in the 1870’s when this bracelet was made, it was known as a pinched collet. It’s a rim of metal that surrounds the outer girdle of a gemstone. The top edge of the metal is bent (or pinched) to hold the stone in place. Our bracelet has been handset with 5.00 carats of well-matched rose cut diamonds. This primitive cut was all the rage in the Victorian era – aptly named for the unique cutting style and shape of the facets.

Even the clasp of this bracelet is a thing of beauty. A small screw (cleverly disguised by a rose-cut diamond cap) unwinds, allowing the two ends to disconnect. Once wound ’round the wrist, the small tongue of one end fits inside the opening of the opposite end; the small screw twists into place and voilà! A stunning array of five carats of rose cut diamonds encircle the wrist with scintillating sparkle. Brilliant brilliance of the finest order.

Whether you appreciate it for its mechanical merit or its antique allure – there’s no question that this bracelet is truly stunning. Just added to our website – this charmer is available for $5,950.00. Check it out online, drop by or give us a call 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

Baubles, Bling and A Collector’s Things

Baubles and Bling with Unbelievable Pricing

Baubles, Bling and Amazing Things

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