A Heart of Gold

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Little Things

The difference between good things and really great things is the details…  the small elements that combine to create true works of art.  I am always on the look-out for interesting pieces to share with you – this week, I was methodically peeking through trays of gold jewelry in Joe’s office.  I wasn’t expecting inspiration to strike…  I have looked at these pieces time and again.  Nonetheless, I was looking for SOMETHING.  That’s when I found these…

Two truly unique bracelets – I have seen both of them before, but never gave either more than a cursory glance.  When I picked up the first one, I pushed the tiny button that released the clasp.  I closed it around my wrist, this delicate tubular bangle made from 14 karat yellow gold featuring a pair of juxtaposed fans.  Then I brought it to my eye, my jeweler’s loupe at the ready.  Centered on the matte gold finish of each fan was a Japanese Crane in flight – an ancient symbol of good fortune and longevity.  Absolutely charming!  The finer points of this lovely Art Nouveau bangle – the details – make it worth every penny of it’s $1100 price. 

Then I picked up the second bracelet – this one a link-style.  When I moved the elegant little safety chain to the side and clasped the bracelet, that’s when I saw it!  Dangling from one side of the chain was a small gold heart, and on the other side, a miniature key. 

I didn’t need to know another single thing about the bracelet – I was enchanted by this… the key to someone’s heart.  For those who need to know more…  this beauty consists of eight links with a hand-engraved center.  Each section is a polished 18 karat yellow gold frame.  Inside the frames are alternating patterns of high-relief 22 karat yellow gold flowers and leaves.  Made in the 1950’s and designed for daily wear, subtle sophistication combines with whimsical detail to create a true gem.  Take it home today for just $3200.

The essence, the spirit of Joden is in the details.  When you see our signature black bag and the embossed gold ribbon on the package, you know there’s something incredible inside.  Check out our site at www.joden.com and then come to our showroom and experience the magic for yourself.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Ravishing Retro

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Glamorous Things

At the end of the 1930’s, the strong geometric lines of Art Deco evolved into the vivid 3-dimentional curves that Retro is known for.  Jewelry of the 1940’s-1950’s makes a bold statement, like this striking bangle pictured above.

Wide ribbons of rose and yellow gold wrap around a large emerald cut aquamarine center stone.  Bright red cabochon rubies and round diamonds add another element of color and design to this already outstanding piece.  To further heighten the appeal, this bangle is able to be converted to a pendant as well as a brooch – fashion AND function!

WWII was a powerful influence on the time.  The use of platinum was restricted making multicolor gold a popular choice…  yellow, rose, and green gold reigned during the Retro period.  Women’s apparel bore a noticeable resemblance to military uniforms – the look was handsome rather than pretty with high collars and ultra masculine lines.  To soften the effect, ladies added jewelry like this…

These oversize pieces are as audacious as they are delicious.  This large bow brooch will catch anyone’s eye – it centers on a 65 carat citrine; Retro style at its finest.  Priced at $6500, it pairs perfectly with the angular lines of this statement ring.   The hourglass shape of the ring nearly spans from knuckle to knuckle – ideally worn on an index or middle finger.  Make it yours for $4500.00.

Much of the Retro period was dedicated to trying to regain the Old Hollywood glamour of the 1930’s.  Pieces like this flaunt that designers achieved and surpassed that goal.  Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.

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Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

A Feather In Our Cap

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Commendable Things

For nearly twenty years we have traveled across the country to convene with more than 400 other dealers at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show, the largest trade only event servicing the antique jewelry industry.  The Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center will be bursting with leading experts from more than 25 countries and the absolute finest estate jewelry in the world – truly the best of the best. 

Pictured above is the banner that will be at the entrance to the show.  The necklace is ours – a stunning piece from our Carlo Giuliano collection.  This is not paid advertising – in fact, it’s more like the spoils at the end of a hard fought battle.  Each exhibitor submitted digital images from their stockpile.  The marketing team for the show poured through thousands of submissions searching for the perfect pieces to use in the artwork for the show.  We submitted over 50 breathtaking likenesses, including this one…  the chosen piece.

 

This is a multicolored enamel pendant from the heart of the Art Nouveau period (1890-1910).  Blue, white and translucent red enamel marry with pearls and Old Mine Cut diamonds on an elaborate frame of scrollwork and quatrefoil flowers… a masterpiece crafted by a master jeweler.  The price is available upon request.

We were thrilled to see our pendant on the banner – the first small victory.  The real prize came about a week later.  We were absolutely over the moon to discover that another one of our Giuliano gems will adorn the front cover of the brochure!  Again, this is not advertising that can be bought.  It is an honor bestowed upon the jeweler with the most magnificent piece in the show.  This is the fourth time that Joden has been recognized in this manner. 

 

This bangle bracelet (Art Nouveau, circa 1890) is signed C & AG.  It was a collaboration of Carlo Giuliano (the father) and Carlo and Arthur Giuliano (his two sons).  The center of the bracelet is an explosion of color featuring blue sapphire, peridot, tsavorite and diamonds while the rest of the piece is enameled in classic Giuliano style – blue and white opaque enamel done in both pique and champlevé styles.  It’s a real show stopper!

Many experts consider Giuliano to be the finest jeweler of all time.  One of his most famous patrons was Queen Victoria.  Rumor has it that his pieces were among her favorites.  We have been lucky enough to amass a 26 piece Giuliano collection – the largest assembly of his work in this part of the country.  All 26 pieces are on display every day in our museum case, and each one is highlighted on our site. 

There is no question,  you can go to a museum and look or you can come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

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