What’s New – Volume 67

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

Art Nouveau… these two words translate to mean new art, or a new style.  The years from 1890-1910 have been dubbed the Art Nouveau period.  Offering a more natural aesthetic, the era was a breath of fresh air after the Victorian years.  

Telltale characteristics of Art Nouveau jewelry nearly always include curving, sinuous lines.  This came to be known as the whiplash line.  It suggested natural, organic movement.  Whether it be in the soft waves of a woman’s hair or the botanical beauty of floral vines – the whiplash line defined the ultra feminine vibe of the time.  

This stunning necklace made from the rich warm tones of 14-karat yellow gold features a curvaceous center.  Twin loops form the structure which hold the entire piece together.  Fringe-like dangles protrude from the midpoint and continue at regular intervals.  

Each one showcases a deep purple round amethyst gemstone and a unique natural freshwater pearl.  These seven strands move enticingly with the body, fulfilling the Art Nouveau fantasy and bringing the overall design to life.  Art Nouveau style offers voluptuous curves paired with deeply saturated gems and jewels.  It’s womanly.  It’s lovely.  It’s available.  Make it yours for just $1,850.00.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

What’s New – Volume 55

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

Art Nouveau is my favorite period… the pieces made in the years between 1890-1910 are incredibly expressive.  The lines are organic and fluid with soft curves.  Combined with vibrant colored enamel – the results are unbelievably beautiful.  

This week we’re sharing an intricately designed layout necklace…

It’s handmade from 15-karat gold, which is clearly marked on both the clasp and the back of the medallion center.  A small round convex circle marks the middle of the necklace.  Spiraling out from that point are fourteen wire petals dotted with small beads of gold.  A secondary set of petals join the interior set, two by two.  Each of these features a milgrain-edged coil.  A crisp round border encapsulates this filigree wonder. 

Attached by a pair of chains are additional decorative links that further serve to enhance the inherent beauty of the piece.  Each of the three links showcase small oval shapes and several more golden coils.  A faintly transparent cobalt blue enamel coats the center circle, its border and all three ovals.  Only by using my loupe was I able to discern the pattern carved into the metal beneath the bold enamel.  

There are no diamonds, no sapphires, no gems of any kind.  The necklace isn’t large or imposing.  It doesn’t spin or move.  And yet…  the delicate filigree metal work and intense blue enamel combine to create a stunning piece. Authentic and original from top to bottom, this beauty is in pristine condition.  It’s the latest addition to our antique department and is moderately priced at $2,950.00.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

What’s New – Volume 25

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and The Latest Things

I have always associated the name Krementz with costume jewelry.  During my twenty years in the business, I must have opened hundreds of little hinged boxes of cufflinks, collar buttons and other accessories for men.  Carefully inscribed inside many of these boxes in gold foil letters is the name “Krementz”.  For 147 years, this family-owned business did more than survive… they thrived.  It was originally founded in 1866 by George Krementz and a cousin; over the years, the company passed down through generation after generation of skilled artisans.  Each one as talented and savvy as the ones that came before.

During their history, however, this iconic brand made more than men’s accoutrements, they also created some of the dreamiest Art Nouveal enamels as well as many other fine jewels for women.  This latest edition to our antique jewelry department is a wonderful example.

14 karat yellow gold lines intersect and cross over each other in this dainty necklace.  Made near the turn of the century, it is classic Art Nouveau at its finest.  Pastel enamels in shades of green, white and pink cover the delicate leaves that decorate this miniature masterpiece.  Tiny seed pearls are nestled into the juncture of each line while a unusual freshwater pearl dangles from the base.  A singular diamond marks the center of the piece.  

Botanical beauty abounds in this dainty darling.  Priced at $1,975.00 – this signed “Krementz” necklace is available on our website.  The legendary company closed their doors forever in 2012.  Make this piece of wearable history yours today.

“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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