Joe’s Special Box – Volume 53

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

A symbol of change and transformation, the butterfly has been the subject of multiple art forms for centuries…  including these pieces from Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol, respectively.  Each one has inspired millions of people worldwide and is beautiful in its own rite.  

Not only did this powerful representation of life influence painters, but also master craftsmen and jewelry firms like Shreve and Co. – the maker of this butterfly pin.  This delicate Edwardian brooch is the latest acquisition at Joden.  Made in classic Edwardian style (a yellow gold base with a layer of platinum on top) and set with thirty-five glistening Old Mine Cut diamonds, this tiny temptress has bewitched me.

Measuring just one inch from wing tip to wing tip, I love everything about it.  It’s size makes it so versatile – pin it to a scarf or a collar, perhaps to the cuff of your sleeve, or add it to the shoulder of any jacket for lifelike appeal.  It is sure to enchant anyone who sees it.  Moderately priced at $3980 – I bet you can guess where to find it!  That’s right, it lives in Joe’s Special Box…  at least for now.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Let Your Light Shine Down

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Illuminated Things

“In nature, light creates the color.”  – Hans Hoffman

Plique à Jour…  this French phrase loosely translates to “let the daylight in”.  In jewelry, it refers to a style of enameling akin to stained glass….  and like a finely stained glass window, it comes alive when you hold it up to the light.  The framework seems to disappear, leaving a shimmering rainbow glow. 

This piece has laid on the shelf behind Joe’s desk since the day he bought it… somehow it has managed to avoid being placed in with the regular inventory.  It’s been passed over 100 times or more – maybe even forgotten.  I think it’s because when it lays on the shelf, it doesn’t look like much.  Just metal and glass.  But the moment you pick it up and hold it to the light…  that’s when the magic happens.  

It’s a complete metamorphosis.  My eyes hardly know where to look first…  the blue, green, and purple hues are completely captivating.  Suddenly, I wanted to see more.

Symbolism abounds in this early Art Nouveau creation, and it’s all about an awakening – a resurgence of life…  Did you see the lotus blossom at the top?  The lotus has long been a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and rebirth.  Every night this resilient flower submerges itself beneath murky waters only to re-bloom the next morning without a single drop of residue on its petals, completely immaculate.

Now, feast your eyes on the brilliant blue butterfly at the center of the piece – perhaps a Blue Morpho.  Butterflies are thought to exemplify endurance, change, and hope.  They are the ultimate symbol of resurrection.  Notice that the face of the butterfly is a cherub.  Cherubs are thought to keep vigil over those in need of strength, faith, and renewal.  The hidden meaning knows no bounds.

Holding it to the light, I am bewitched…  and when it rests in my hand, I am beguiled and bewildered.  First, bewitched by the vast array of color (i.e. remember your first box of 64 Crayola’s?); then beguiled and bewildered by the complexity of the mind that was not only able to dream of this artistry, but also bring it to life.  

Call for special pricing and availability.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

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

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