Joe’s Special Box – Volume 34

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Nine parallel rows of finely woven 15 karat yellow gold form the continuous loop of this Victorian slide bracelet.  The silken mesh glides like silk over the hand to rest on the wrist.  The cleverly adjustable mechanism (or slide) features a beautifully engraved circle…  home for the crowning glory of this antique beauty – a 12.5 mm cabochon coral bead, polished to a shine.  Coral of this size and color is rare and highly collectible. 

From the palest of pinks to deep blood reds, coral has been a prized gem for hundreds of years, especially during the 19th century.  In fact, most coral reefs are now protected to prevent further harvesting of this organic gemstone.  In the late 1800’s, when this bracelet was made, coral was thought to provide protection and promote good health.  Necklaces and pendants were commonly worn by infants and young children.  This piece, however, was made for a woman.  Perhaps to guard against infertility, yet another superstition associated with this colorful stone.  No matter the purpose, the undeniable result was an exquisitely handsome piece.  

This antique vision is available now for $7,650.00.  The rarity and condition of this bracelet have guaranteed it a spot in Joe’s Special Box…  at least until someone takes it home.  

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

 

Written by Carrie Martin

Photo by Shelly Isacco

Shells, Stones, and Sometimes Bones

Joden Girl

 Baubles, Bling, and Sculpted Things

Thoughts of antique jewelry often evoke images of carved cameo brooches and vintage lace collars.  As far back as the 3rd century B.C., artisans have been etching faces and figures onto the surface of an abundance of materials – shell, agate, coral, lava, gemstones, bone or ivory, and even glass.  At Joden, we have an extensive collection of fine cameos…  we recently added the rare beauty shown above.

It’s an intricate miniature sculpture of Cupid, complete with his bow and quiver.  The cameo is fully surrounded by a coiled snake frame.  Cupid is the god of desire, erotic love, attraction, and affection…  while a coiled snake is a symbol of eternity.  The brooch clearly embodies everlasting love.  

Many people mistakenly believe that cameos are made in two separate pieces, a carved figure adhered to the surface of a contrasting colored shell or stone.  Actually, they are carved from one singular stone that grows in layers of color like the ones shown here.  The artisan exploits the variances in color to create visual interest.

 

It is perhaps the most rare shell cameo we have ever owned.  Not only is it rich with symbolism, but the carving itself is quite remarkable.  Seen in profile, the cameo measures nearly 1.5 inches from the base of the shell to the expanse of Cupid’s forehead.  

  

Look at it side by side with a more ordinary shell cameo – the Cupid piece displays ultra high relief.  The shell used to carve this extraordinary piece would have had to be incredibly large as well as thick to achieve this level of height in the sculpture itself.  Truly remarkable.  It’s available in our showroom for just $2500.00.

Come to Joden, where after 48 years, our motto continues to hold true…

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Once Upon A Time

Enchanted Rose

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Fairy Tale Things

Every girl dreams of living happily ever after.  Princesses have been searching for their Prince Charming for hundreds of years — whether in fabled stories of long ago or the animated movies of today.  Prince Charming and Cinderella, Prince Eric and Ariel, Belle and the Beast:  these characters are the stuff little girls dreams are made of…

The enchanted rose (pictured above) is an iconic symbol from Beauty and The Beast.  The story is woven around this perfect blossom.  As the tale unfolds, the rose begins to wither and will ultimately die.  Only true love can save the day.

Recently, we purchased our own enchanted rose (pictured below).  The moment I saw it, I immediately thought of Beauty and The Beast.

flower1

This piece, made in the 1950’s, implements perfect Edwardian style.  The stem of the bud is constructed of platinum with a white gold pin stem.  Round brilliant diamonds were set into the stem, adding the perfect amount of sparkle.  The rose petals were carved from a singular piece of salmon colored jade, and lifelike leaves have been sculpted from four pieces of green jade.  Each element combines to create this fabled flower.

Sure to be an instant favorite, its beauty will never fade.  Our enchanted rose is the perfect beginning to your own fairy tale.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photo by Carla Leight

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