Luxurious Lace

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and the Art of Filigree Things

Whether it’s made from woven wire or silken thread – the intricate patterns created are undeniably similar.  Both lace and filigree are made in much the same manner…  curled, twisted, and plaited threads crossed over, under, and finally united at all points of contact.  Time has not diminished the value of either, but rather made them all the more desirable. 

Here is a close-up segment of a filigree bracelet juxtaposed with a piece of lace called Carrickmacross.  Both showcase open meshwork, a treasured decorative element.  No one can resist the delicate beauty of filigree jewelry. Even novices are drawn to Edwardian and Art Deco pieces resplendent with the airy patterns painstakingly created wire by wire.  Ladies, both young and old, are equally enchanted – including me!  Check out this trio of bracelets – each one lovely, but also each with a personality all its own. 

 Here they are individually…

This piece is from the Depression Era, circa 1930’s, featuring die-struck metal that was then hand finished.  The center stone is a square synthetic sapphire (authentic and original to the bracelet).  It is flanked by a pair of white stones and then two additional synthetic sapphires.  It’s moderately priced at $1100.00.

This stunner, signed J.E. Caldwell, speaks for itself.  Handcrafted in platinum using an alternating sequence of two link styles, it contains 120 diamonds totaling over 10 carats!   Aficiondos and amateurs agree – this piece is simply magnificent.  Call me for more details and pricing. 

Finally, we have my favorite of the bunch!  I love the style of the filigree, it reminds me of the petals of a chrysanthemum flower – blooming out from the tiny gem-set center.  Crafted with a nod toward the Edwardian era – this bracelet has a yellow gold frame that is overlaid with a white gold top. 

 

Special attention has been paid to this bracelet – even the back is polished!  For more details and photos, visit our site!

Unlike the lace on a christening dress or a wedding gown, each of these bracelets can be worn and enjoyed every day.  Their lacey appearance is not reserved for special occasions but rather meant to delight… day after day, year after year.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

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

Out of the Ashes

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Tuff Things

Nearly 2000 years ago, the city of Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius – burying it under twenty feet of volcanic ash.  The city was uncovered in 1748, and quickly became a popular stop on the Grand Tour of Europe (a “rite of passage”  for upper class young men and women that served as a liberal education).   Travelers were exposed to the cultural legacy of the Renaissance.  Most returned home with trunks overflowing with books, artwork, and small cultural artifacts like statues, paperweights, and jewelry. 

In the area around Pompeii, craftsmen utilized the lava rock, also known as tuff, and carved cameos from it.  Myriads of faces decorated rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.  These lava trinkets became a sign of wealth, showing that the wearer was well-traveled and possessed discerning taste. 

This necklace and earring suite is an outstanding example of these works.  I am in awe of the intricacy of the carving…  from the individual strands of hair to the veins in the grape leaves.  Just think, this was sculpted using only a handheld tool called a graver or a burin.   Even after 200 years of technological development, the most highly skilled bench jewelers could not come close to this level of skill.  It’s exceptional and extremely rare.

The serene face, the grapevine headdress, and the urns – each of these elements play at symbolism.  Grapes often suggest bounty and abundance, and occasionally fertility while leaves stand for truth.  The hanging urns are a strong indicator that this was a very early piece of mourning jewelry.  When you begin to study each detail – the exquisite carving, the near perfect condition, and the abundance of symbolism, suddenly $12,800.00 sounds like real value. 

This suite is available exclusively at Joden Jewelers.  Go to our site and look, them come to us and touch. 

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Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

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