Antique jewelry Archive

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Antique jewelry often needs to be admired from more than one angle. Artisans hand-crafted each piece with a passion for detail and design. A gorgeous Siberian Amethyst weighing 14.50 carats brings a bright burst of color to this Art Nouveau charmer. And while it is truly captivating, it’s not the star of this show. This is one piece best enjoyed from behind… it is simply stunning.

Art Nouveau jewelry is a celebration of nature and the female form. This ring is wholly dedicated to botanical beauty. Three dimensional articulated leaves and flowers entwine to create a haven for the deep purple gem. The free-thinking craftsmen of the late 19th century were not fixated on symmetry but rather on the ambiance or feeling evoked by the jewel. Therefore, it’s no surprise that one side of this ring has but a single blossom while the other has a trio of blooms. A dark natural patina has developed in the veins of each leaf and the base of each petal adding yet another dimension to this decadent antique ring.

This is exactly the kind of ring that Joe tucks into his special box. It has everything… antique appeal, glorious color, superb craftsmanship, and unmistakable uniqueness. Rings like this don’t come around very often, and when they do… Joe has a tendency to squirrel them away! So, when you visit us at Joden – be sure to ask about Joe’s Special Box and the treasures that hide there.

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

Writing and photos by Carrie Martin

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Timepiece Things

In the antique jewelry business, we often have pieces that have outlived their relevance. Their time has already come and gone… watches are a perfect example of this. The advancement of watches has gone through several phases – from a wind-up movement to a quartz movement to a smart watch. Even more often, watches have been set aside for the ease and convenience of a cellular phone.

Jewelry created during the Edwardian and Art Deco periods (1900 – 1930’s), was painstakingly crafted from white gold and platinum. Artisans created elaborate patterns with lacey filigree set with dozens of tiny diamonds. Wristwatches were no exception. You can understand why it seems like a sin to send these intricate beauties to the refinery to be melted into a blog of nothingness. Unfortunately, that is exactly what has happened to many antique watches.

As you know, at Joden, we specialize in antique restoration. More recently, we have been doing more recreating than restoring.

Each of these lovely bracelets shown above used to be a watch. We carefully removed the stem, crown, and movement and replaced it with a specially cut piece of onyx. I love how we have retained the original cord-style bands. It give each one an authentic feel and allows the bracelet to be custom fit to any wrist. Check them out on our website – pricing starts at $1700.00.

I inherited a gold watch from my Great Aunt that has been rattling around in my jewelry box for at least five years. These conversions have inspired me to get it out and have my own watch/bracelet made! I’ll be sure to share a photo as soon as it’s done. In the meantime, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and have “Joden Girl” delivered straight to your inbox!

Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 42

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

“Watch” This

Baubles, Bling, and Timepiece Things

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