Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things
Inspired by nature, the Art Nouveau era began in Europe. The spark ignited in Brussels and Paris then traveled across the ocean to the United States. Rebelling against industrial production, this new movement celebrated hand-crafted organic, figural designs. Encompassing every beautiful creature from the tiniest insect to the voluptuously curved woman – the Art Nouveau period was like a breath of fresh air.
Pieces from the years between 1890-1910 rejoiced in artistic expression. Leaves of every shape and flowers of every color were depicted on necklaces, rings, bracelets and brooches alike. These delicate blooms were brought to life with enamel and accented with tiny, almost insignificant gemstones. Shaped like half of a bi-valve shell, this turn-of-the-century pin is gushing with botanical beauty.
The soft contours and gentle curves of the shell were created from a luxuriously rich 18-karat yellow gold. Instead of a high polish, the artist has opted for the softer, natural-looking matte finish. A pair of stems reach across the bowl of the shell, entwining at the center. Just one flower has fully bloomed, bursting with crimson fire. The delicate grandeur promises to live on in the form of a singular bud… it droops gently from a pair of diamond-accented leaves.
Twelve of these sparkling leaves dance from one rounded edge to the other. Thirteen rose-cut diamonds are prong-set into each deeply etched leaf. This brooch does not shout; it speaks quietly of elegance and timeless grace. Priced at $1,575.00 – this antique enchantress will be handed down in your family for generations yet to come.
“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”
Written by Carrie Martin
Photos by Dana Jerpe
