Pick of the Week- Volume 91

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Discounted Things

As you know, this blog is a team effort…  I am the words and my co-worker and dear friend, Dana, is the pictures.  Even in the midst of the ChatGPT and AI era, I still write each blog myself and Dana takes each photo.  Without her expertise, I could not do my job.  It’s often a small detail or a particular angle that Dana captures that allows me to see something I didn’t see before; sometimes, a simple snapshot gives me fresh perspective.  Today, we’re focusing on a Mid Century Modern brooch.  This is the third set of pictures that Dana has taken for this particular jewel.  First, she captured it’s essence for an earlier blog, Birds of a Feather. Originally penned in 2022, that blog talked about two pieces made by the legendary Raymond Yard.  One of the pieces sold, but this brooch remains.  

The above picture was taken as part of a series for our website where this brooch is listed.  Made entirely of 14-karat yellow gold, it’s quite lovely.  Called a reverse crystal (or Essex crystal), this type of jewelry is made by carving into the back of a piece of rock crystal quartz.  After the image is carved, it’s painted.  Finally, it is affixed to a sliver of mother-of-pearl.  Once complete, it looks three-dimensional.  Oak branch and leaf fauna provides a haven for this lifelike depiction of a Downy Woodpecker.  Known for his small size, short bill and red patch on the back of his head, this little cutie can be found all over North America.   Completing the framed piece is a sculpted oak branch with a pair of leaves and two acorns. 

These final photos capture the wear-ability to perfection.  Peep the fold-over bail that allows it to be worn as a pendant and the sturdy pin-stem that enables the wearer to fasten it to everything from a blouse to a wool coat.  Having pieces of jewelry that can be worn multiple ways is a key element in a well-balanced wardrobe.  At the bottom of the back, the “Yard” signature is in full view, adding to the value.  Previously offered for $5,250.00, we are lowering the price to just $3,300.00.  You need this Yard bird in your life; so, take advantage of these incredible savings today. 

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

A Great Catch

 Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Father’s Day Things

Ties are still at the top of the list for most popular gifts to give on Father’s Day.  Whether they’re paisley or pinstriped, traditional or funky – ties are a great gift.  But if you’ve already given one or two, perhaps you’re in the market for something a bit more unique.  

We’re hooked on this Essex crystal tie tack!  What’s an Essex crystal, you ask?  Reaching the peak of popularity in the mid to late 1800’s, these exceptional paintings often featured animals or nature scenes like this one.  A more accurate name for this form of artwork is reverse intaglio.  First, a piece of fine rock crystal was polished into a beautiful cabochon shape…  then the true craftsmanship began.  A watercolor rendering of the subject matter was painted on the back side of the crystal, creating a road-map or pattern.  Next, scribing tools were utilized to carve the scene deep into the heart of the stone from the back side.  Lastly, extremely fine brushes were used to paint the highly detailed motif onto the pre-etched design.  When viewed from the front, the unusual paintings appear to be three dimensional and very lifelike.

A 14 karat yellow gold frame completely encapsulates the back of this beauty featuring a multi-color brook trout  leaping in a grassy pond.  A kaleidoscope of colors bring an authentic feel to this outdoor landscape – the rich blue tones of the water pair perfectly with the earthy brown, green and yellow hues of the vegetation.  Any outdoorsman would be proud to sport this masculine gem on his favorite tie or lapel.  Handmade in the 1940’s, this tie tack is available now for $1,175.00…  just in time for Father’s Day.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 98

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Imagine my excitement when I discovered that January 28th is a celebration of my favorite flower – it’s Daisy Day!  The name daisy means “day’s eye” and refers to the fact that this simple blossom closes its petals and night and blooms during the day.  In Victorian times, these yellow and white beauties were known to represent loyalty and trust.  

Over the years we have had many bits and baubles that incorporated daisies into their design, but this late Victorian/early Art Nouveau pendant is truly something special.  A 22 karat gold frame encapsulates a stunning micro mosaic bouquet.  A bold blue background provides the ideal setting for the stark white petals and golden yellow centers of this floral trio.  The craftsmanship is exquisite, it’s priced at $4,500.

 

This irresistible brooch captured my heart as well.  Bursting with botanical beauty, this Essex crystal is an explosion of joy.  Sometimes called a reverse intaglio painting, these unique pieces are hand-crafted by carving an image into the back of a rock crystal.  The image is then painted, creating a three-dimensional illusion.  This wildflower bouquet (tied with a blue bow) has a bit of everything, including one little daisy.  Make it yours for just $1,750.

What is a better way to celebrate Daisy Day than with a fabulous piece of vintage jewelry from Joden?  

 

” 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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