A Metamorphosis

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Transforming Things

As 2016 is drawing to an end, and we are on the cusp of a new year – I find myself reflecting over the past month.  The holidays are a magical time…  we gather together with family and friends, we share stories and give gifts, we celebrate, and we eat.  Everywhere you turn, there are treats both savory and sweet.  Every year, I over-indulge.  I turn into The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle). 

“On Saturday he ate through one piece of chocolate cake, one ice-cream cone, one pickle, one slice of Swiss cheese, one slice of salami, one lollipop, one piece of cherry pie, one sausage, one cupcake, and one slice of watermelon.” 

But instead, it’s more like…  She ate through one mound of cheesy potatoes, one Oreo bonbon, half a wheel of brie, a bowl of marinated mushrooms, a pile of fresh veggies, too many shrimp to count, three peanut butter buckeyes, one pepperoni ball, several snickerdoodles, and one brown sugar and cinnamon Pop Tart. 

Unfortunately, I am unable to weave myself into a cocoon and emerge as a beautiful butterfly.  But if I could, perhaps it would be one of these… Georgian or Art Nouveau, each of these winged creatures brings a smile to my face.  And hopefully yours as well.

This pristine brooch was hand crafted nearly 200 years ago of yellow gold and silver, set with old cut rubies and sapphires, and accented by rose cut diamonds.  I love everything about it – from the wiry golden legs to the tips of the antennae – it’s a steal at just $1500.00.

This is Art Nouveau at it’s finest.  Made like a stained glass window, the gold framework of this butterfly brooch has been filled with irridescent transparent enamel; reflecting multicolor tones of amber, peach, and orange.  This technique is known as Plique A´ Jour.  The tips of each wing feature vibrant blue enamel with glittery flecks to further enhance its beauty.  Seven rose cut diamonds form the body, completing the piece to perfection. 

Butterflies have long been symbols of change, hope, and life.  I can’t think of a better way to end 2016.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Sign of The Times

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Political Things

On this day – November 4th – in the year 1842, Mary Anne Todd said “I Do” to a young lawyer with political aspirations from Hardin County, Kentucky.  His name was Abraham Lincoln.  He would go on to be the first Republican President, and is credited with steering The United States through The Civil War, the most tumultuous time in the history of our country.

In 1861, upon winning the Presidential election, and in anticipation of the Inaugural Ball, President Lincoln commissioned a three piece seed pearl suite for his wife to wear to the ball.  The delicate demi-parure (pictured below) was created by Tiffany & Co.

mary-todd-lincoln-in-pearl-demi-parure     mary-todd-lincon-portrait-2

This style of jewelry had been popular since the early 1800’s – making a crossover between the late Georgian and Early Victorian periods.  These jewels were often lacey in appearance, each one constructed from a Mother of Pearl base upon which natural seed pearls were sewn, with either pale horse hair or gut.  Many of these suites had multiple pieces and were sold as bridal gifts.

The bottom shelf of our Victorian case is home to several similar seed pearl creations, including one six-piece set in its original fitted box.  The suite contains one choker, two pair of pierced earrings, two small pins, and one large brooch.

pearlinbox

Each one was made in the manner detailed above with silver clasps, pin stems, and earring backs.  Each tiny pearl (measuring less than one millimeter each) has been painstakingly sewn into floral and leaf patterns.  The red leather case was specially crafted for these pieces and is marked inside the lid with a tiny crown and the following words:

The London Bullion Co, Ltd.

Jewellers

33 Haymarket

London S.W.1

pearlonglass1

Being nearly 200 years old, it is in near perfect condition.  It’s easy to see why our motto holds true…

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos courtesy of internetstones.com and Carla Leight

Click To Call!