No Two Are Alike

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Frozen Things

The weather is so fickle in the Spring; the sun was shining all day last Saturday – hot enough to leave a crimson glow on my cheeks and nose.  But, almost overnight the sun turned cold.  For the last few days, we have had a harsh nip in the air -making it feel more like November than May.  I almost expected to see a few white flurries floating in the air.  Fortunately, there’s only been one snowflake at Joden this week; and just like it’s real life counterpart, it took my breath away.  

I can hardly believe that someone was able to create such layers of rich detail in something so small…   this Art Nouveau beauty is just a touch bigger than a dime, measuring 3/4 of an inch from edge to edge.  Speaking of the edge, can you see the delicate pattern showcased there?  That repeating scallop is not part of the enamel as you might have thought…  it’s actually a centuries old technique known as guilloché.  This extremely meticulous method consists of engraving an intricate and repetitive design into the metal via engine-turning.  This particular piece features a complex arrangement of parallel lines overlaid with a series of garlands, vines, and bows.  

Next, the artisan would coat the jewel with a translucent enamel, usually in shades of blue, gray, or green.  Never before have I seen this bright coral colored enamel – it’s glorious!  The red-orange color allows the stunning pattern underneath to really shine.  The final detail is the crowning glory.  Handmade from platinum and painstakingly set with ninety-one rose cut diamonds,  there is no other snowflake quite like this.  It is the epitome of precise perfection.  

As you might imagine, such skill comes at a price, and this one is no bargain.  In fact, it’s extremely expensive, but worth every penny of it’s $2250 price tag.  Available exclusively at Joden.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 58

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

 

Not all the treasures at Joden are hidden in Joe’s Special Box, in fact, our crowning glory is in the store for all to see.  We have one of the largest collections of the work of Carlo Giuliano in the country.  Giuliano was the favored jeweler to Queen Victoria.  His elaborately enameled creations are widely considered to be some of the finest pieces in all of jewelry history.  At Joden, we are curators of the past – cultivating passion for this lost art.  

Most of the exceptional examples from the life and work of Carlo Giuliano feature striking enamel patterns – most notably crisp black and white designs like the one shown here.  Careful consideration should be given to how very precise the tiny dots are…  not once do they fade into the white background.  Never before and never again was this process able to be duplicated – it is exclusive to the Giuliano firm. 

When this bracelet made it’s way into our store last week, every one of us was certain it was Giuliano.  We searched every link for the classic Giuliano trademark…  never to find it.  There is not one single hallmark anywhere to be found on this Art Nouveau beauty.  Is it un-signed Giuliano?  Joe’s theory is that it was made by an apprentice…  a young artist learning the art of the master.  In any case, this bracelet is in pristine condition and is absolutely stunning.  It’s available now for $8800.00.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 17

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Are you seeing double?  At first glance, it would seem so…  but upon closer inspection of this Art Nouveau darling – you’ll discover a difference or two.  Identical amethyst stones are cradled in a matte gold engraved frame; what a stunning canvas they create for this pair of delightful paintings!

First, on the left side, a young girl mischievously holds a colorful bouquet of flowers over the head of her playmate, a golden-haired cherub.  Then, on the right, an impish cherub sits on the lap of a girl with a nosegay of posies in hand while she holds his bow in the air.  What an array of whimsical imagery!

Art Nouveau (1890-1910) revealed in the female form.  It was a celebration of the woman, often combined with nature.  Multicolored enamel brought life to the jewels created during this time.  Soft colored gemstones like moonstone, amethyst, and pearls added an element of shimmer to this wearable art.  Pieces from this era are highly sought after and often collected; much like this brooch that made its way into Joe’s Special Box.  

Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

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