Tooting Our Own Horn

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and  Musical Things

Ah, Valentine’s Day… it always evokes images of Cupid, hearts, and all things pink and red.  It’s my favorite holiday – what could be better than a day devoted to love?  From small children to adults, everyone can enjoy Valentine’s Day.  Cards will be exchanged, flowers given, candies devoured…  all in the name of love.

As soon as I laid my eyes on this turn of the century brooch, I knew it was the perfect piece for today.  Made entirely of 18 karat yellow gold, the simplistic yet charming appeal is undeniable.  It’s a horn, but not an ordinary one…  it’s an early form, known as a hunting horn.  This melodious instrument was used to signal every aspect of a hunt, from the Moving Off call (marking the beginning) to the Blowing for Home (indicating the end) and everything in between.  

The flared bell of the horn features a series of eight Old European Cut diamonds, each one handset with four prongs.  Totaling approximately .50 carat, these beauties add an element of sparkle to this otherwise spartan horn.  Like its real-life counterpart, the instrument is made from a single piece of tubing wrapped in a coil with a wide bell at the end.  The circular hoop shape lent itself to be easily slung over the shoulder while not in use.

Perhaps you noticed the miniature cherub seated atop the end of the horn?  This Cupid-like figure beams from his post, lounging back with playful abandon.  His golden curls add to his boyish charm, and one tiny diamond winks from within the delicate curve of his wing.  The wings are often thought to symbolize how flighty lovers can be while Cupid’s youthful appearance is believed to demonstrate that love is irrational (just like a young boy).  

Priced at $1,650.00, this Art Nouveau beauty is ideal for Valentine’s Day.  This and so much more is available online and in our 144 South Broad Street location.  Not to toot our own horn, but our inventory boasts something for everyone.  You won’t be disappointed.  Visit our showroom and make this gem yours today.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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

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