Mid Century Magic

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and 1960’s Things

I’m constantly intrigued by my ever-changing style…  it continues to evolve.  Even after decades of working in the jewelry industry, I’m still learning and discovering things that I’ve never seen before.  Recently, I’ve been drawn to the Mid Century Modern era.  The pieces offer sculptural sophistication combined with avant-garde whimsy in the most magical way.

The passion for yellow gold continues to climb, even in small little towns like mine.  Say good-bye to the dainty accessories and overtly casual apparel from the COVID era.  Today’s look brings chunkier statement pieces together with an increasingly polished and upscale wardrobe.  For the past few months, I have been amping up our showcases with abstract brooches, bold yet refined earrings, and vintage layout diamond necklaces….  all in yellow gold, of course.

I loved this unique link bracelet the moment I saw it.  The description on the little bag reads “cone link bracelet” and while that may not be the most enticing characterization, it is accurate.  Sixteen conical (or bell-shaped) links form the arms of this piece, with their flared ends facing the center.  

Measuring just over an inch in length, the halfway point highlights a 14-karat white gold diamond segment.  Pavé-set with twenty-six round brilliant diamonds, this section shines with 1.00 carat of diamonds.  With an average color of G and an average clarity grade of VS2-SI1, these diamonds are great quality.  

The clasp is cleverly hidden within the two end links and snaps with a satisfying click.  There is a secondary fold-under latch that doubly ensures the safety of the closure.  Measuring 6.5 inches in length, this bracelet is currently fitted for a smaller wrist.  This 1960’s beauty pairs equally as well with barrel leg jeans as it does with a sleek tailored blazer and pencil skirt.  

Bring the bling into 2024 with the most perfect Mid Century Modern diamond bracelet available exclusively at Joden Jewelers for just $2,000.00.  This wrist candy will be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Signature Series – Volume 10

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Quality Things

In an era of instant gratification and outsourcing to cut costs, one company is still making high quality jewelry right here in the United States.  Located in Newark, New Jersey, the motto of Jabel has always been “quality without compromise”.  Founded upon the desire to create premium die-struck jewelry, Jabel has been a recognized name in fine jewelry since 1916.  

Die-struck jewelry has roots in forging – it’s a method that ultimately results in dense, durable pieces that last a lifetime.  This painstakingly precise process is the very thing that has kept Jabel at the forefront of heirloom jewelry for more than a century.  

During the Mid Century Modern era, Jabel also understood that not every customer could afford to indulge in luxury jewelry and sought to rectify the dilemma.  Enter the add-a-link bracelet.  This creative and forward-thinking design was a resounding success.  We have two of these beauties in our estate department.

Made from 18-karat white gold, this filigree floral link bracelet contains eight individual links.  Each one is set with twelve round diamonds, a final half-link set with just five diamonds finishes the bracelet.  With a total weight of 2.18 carats, the bracelet is ideally fitted to a smaller wrist and is available for $6,500.00.

This vintage piece still showcases the building process ; it consists of five 18-karat white gold links and the adapter that allows it to be worn even before the bracelet is complete.  Bringing together two unique floral shapes, the links contain one diamond each.  Combined, these five round diamonds have a weight of approximately .50 carat.  Priced at $3,250.00, this bit of wrist candy is available now.  

Both made in the United States, these two Jabel beauties highlight the best our country has to offer.  Their motto says it all… “Today, Jabel is the same company it was in 1916; quality without compromise was, is, and always will be the Jabel way.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Hot or Not – Volume Eight

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Shapely Things

Every time I pick up a piece of jewelry, I begin to mentally check off boxes based on both my own likes as well as what’s on trend right now. 

  • What’s the metal?
  • Platinum or gold?  14 or 18-karat?
  • What gemstones are featured?
  • Are they the star of the show or are they the supporting cast?
  • How does it feel when I put it on?
  • Do I want to keep wearing it, or do I want to take it off?
  • Does the piece match the price?
  • Is it priced too high, too low or just right?

This eye-catching bracelet is a series of twenty-one marquise-shaped links, each one set at a jaunty angle.  Each link moves independently in a delightfully snakelike fashion.  Already, my mind is turning…

  • The main structure of the piece is made from the rich, warm tone of 18-karat yellow gold.  To display a bi-color motif, the artist created an 18-karat white gold segment that sits atop the yellow gold base.  The combination of the two colors is well done and gives the bracelet versatile appeal.
  • Sixty-three diamonds are set within the links.  Set in groups of three, these sparklers accentuate the marquise shape and have a total weight of approximately 1.50 carats.  There are both full and single-cut near colorless diamonds (the average color grade is I) with an average clarity grade of VS2-SI1.  
  • When clasping the bracelet around my wrist, I admire the expertly hidden clasp.  It closes with a satisfying snap.  The first thing I sense is the physical weight of the piece…  it’s heavy but in the best way.  It exudes quality.  There are no sharp bits and it’s comfortable and easy to wear. 
  • Finally – it’s the “Goldilocks” conundrum…  is the price too high, too low, or is it just right?  $4500…  When I consider the amount of gold (28.7 dwt), the high karat of that gold, and the diamond weight (1.50 carats) – I have to say, it’s priced right.

After thoughtfully evaluating each bulleted point, there’s no doubt that the bracelet is well-made from high quality materials.  The Mid-Century Modern design also offers good value.  There is just one final question to answer… Is the bracelet hot?  Or not?  I can’t wait to hear what you think!  Check it out on our site for more details. 

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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