cobalt blue enamel

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

The very best part of the metal market going crazy is that jewelry is pouring through the door – from customers and dealers alike.  An ounce of pure gold tipped the scale today (January 27, 2026) at $5179.00.  It’s staggering and a little scary, to say the least.   Millions of people worldwide are making the most of these unprecedented times.  Economic uncertainty has caused some to invest in gold (it tends to hold its value) and others to sell jewelry and coins, cashing in while they can. The vast majority of everything we buy heads directly to the refinery. Occasionally, we get lucky.  

Speaking of luck, one of our most recent finds is this extraordinary pendant watch from the late 1800’s.  It’s an incredible example of Victorian artistry.  Small in size (just over an inch in diameter), this petite beauty is made from 18-karat yellow gold.  The front features cobalt blue guilloche enamel, a process that entails the carving of the gold with a pattern before the deeply saturated, yet still translucent enamel is applied.  Once the powdered glass finish has been baked on, the beautifully precise carving shines through.  

Charmingly romantic, a pair of lovebirds were also etched deep into the gold surface. Instead of enamel, these creatures have been set with twenty-one rose cut diamonds – a small detail that adds a hint of sparkle to this timepiece.  Encircling the outermost edge of the watch is a ring of natural seed pearls, a lovely design element that repeats itself on the back side.

The inner workings hum the softest tune as the wheels and cogs go round… still keeping perfect time after nearly 150 years.  The porcelain dial offers additional appeal.  The word “Swiss” appears just above 6:00 o’clock while the maker’s name, Longines, is shown beneath 12:00.  Each of the numbers were applied in black enamel, except the 12, which was done in red.  A circle of golden markers denotes smaller elements of time – a tiny gold dot for every minute of the hour.  

Not to be outdone, the chain is every bit as captivating as the watch.  Delicate in both appearance and heft, this beauty consists of cable link chain and small cobalt blue-enameled bars.  Twenty blue bars alternate with small segments of chain, culminating in a dog clip that fastens over the bow of the watch.  I cannot imagine a more enchanting way to keep track of the time, nor can I conceive of sending this antique marvel to a refinery.  This stellar salvage is available for just $4,200.00.  Stay tuned to see what other treasures we rescue from the melting pot!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe