Ancient Symbolism

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and a Cross Ring

It’s Good Friday.  For all of Christianity, this is the anniversary of the crucifixion of Christ.  The ultimate sacrifice – Jesus was tortured then hung on a large cross.  According to legend, the cross was made from a dogwood tree.  Contrary to that, other sources claim that the true cross was made from three types of wood:  cedar, pine, and cypress.  No matter what it was made of, there is no question that for the nearly 2000 years since the cross has become the principal symbol of the Christian faith.

At first glance, I thought this was just a diamond cluster ring.  Only upon closer inspection did I see the cross in the center of the piece.  Made entirely of 14 karat white gold in the 1960s, this ring is perhaps one of the most unique representations I have seen. 

The cross is one of the most widely used symbols in jewelry, but more often than not, it is a pendant.  Silver or gold, enamel or mosaic… we have hundreds of them.  This ring, however, is much more unusual.  It’s a free-form burst, complete with thirty single cut diamonds that sparkle and shine from every angle.  These diamonds have a combined total weight of approximately 1.00 carat and are fine quality – bright and eye clean.  Each line and curve features a millegrain edge (tiny little beads of metal) creating a decidedly Art Deco feel.  It’s quite lovely and moderately priced at $1,750.00.

“I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it someday for a crown.”

At Joden, we strive to choose pieces that are more than rocks and metal.  Each one is hand selected with an eye for style and a passion for quality.  We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoy selecting them for you.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

And One for Luck

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Irish Things

Yesterday, people everywhere donned green shirts, green socks, even headbands with shamrocks bouncing on top.    Merrymaking ranged from parades to religious observances.  Even the Lenten fast has been known to be lifted in honor of  the day.  Perhaps you are also participated in the joviality of St. Patrick’s Day. 

Millions of green beers were raised in celebration of the heritage and history of Ireland.  St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival. 

The shamrock became the symbol for this day when St. Patrick arrived in Ireland to share Christianity with the Irish people.  He used a young sprig of clover to explain the Holy Trinity.  The three leaves are also thought to symbolize faith, hope, and love. 

Occasionally, a clover will have a fourth leaf…  for luck.  The luck of the Irish. 

At Joden we have shamrocks with three leaves, and some with four.  These are just a few examples.  Be sure to stop by our showroom to see these little green beauties.  Until then…

May you always find blue skies above your head,

Shamrocks beneath your feet,

Laughter and joy aplenty,

Kindness from all you meet,

Good friends and kin to miss you if ever you choose to roam,

And a path that’s been cleared by angels themselves

To carry you safely home.

– An Irish Blessing

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Carla Leight

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