Breaking Traditions

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Birthstone Things

The scope of engagement ring styles has cracked wide open.  Now, more than ever, couples are embracing the options.  While a diamond is still a very popular choice, there are many alluring alternatives.  Moss agate has taken the market by storm, and we have had many requests for it.  Organic and earthy, this gem offers a lot of eye appeal.  Not to be a party-pooper, but from a durability standpoint, moss agate it isn’t the best choice for daily wear.  Susceptible to scratching and abrasion, it’s beauty will wither.  

There are some great choices that are colorful and durable.  Ruby or sapphire is one such possibility.  If red isn’t your vibe, forego the ruby and opt for a sapphire.  This precious gem has graced the ring finger of countless nobles and celebrities.  Princess Diana’s ring, now worn by Kate Middleton is one of the most famous examples.  Sapphire is available in every color of the rainbow except red.  There are hot pinks, gorgeous greens and lovely lavenders.  Not to be overlooked are the beautiful blue hues of fine sapphire gems, like this one. 

Four 18-karat yellow gold prongs embrace and hold the round sapphire stone in this classic solitaire style.  Weighing 1.12 carats, this cerulean circle is so elegant.  The rich tone is hypnotic and everything you want your engagement ring to be.  Created by Joey Clapper, the mounting is wider than a typical solitaire.  It’s bold in the best way.  Sliding across the knuckle with ease, it settles at the base of the finger like it belongs.  Priced at $2,500.00 – this engagement ring is everything you never knew you wanted.

Often, choosing a wedding band is even more challenging than the engagement ring.  We’ve got that covered, too.  Nothing pairs better with a solitaire than an elegant eternity band.  Also made from 18-karat yellow gold, this band nestles against the side of the engagement ring like a dream.  Alternately set with a series of square cut diamonds and sapphires, this band is great stacked or alone.  Priced at $3,950.00, it’s a must have.

I’ve been wearing this combination as I’m composing these very words.  I have tried all the possibilities… just the solitaire, just the band, and the two together.  I love every one.  Shown on my hand, it’s easy to see why so many are seeking non-traditional rings.  In a world bursting with possibilities, choose the one that makes your heart sing.  Maybe that’s a diamond, or a moss agate.  Or perhaps, it’s this dynamic duo.  ♥

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Outrageous Ombre

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Blended Things

The idea of “ombre” burst onto the scene in the early 2000’s.  Hair experts around the world were experimenting with the art and science of fading one color into another… from the darkest roots to platinum blonde tips – it was all the rage.  Over the next two decades, the look evolved from a stark contrast to a more sophisticated effect that incorporated subtle transitions in a plethora of hues.  Whether you prefer a bold variance or a faint fade, the magic is undeniable.

Not to be outdone, nail technicians adopted the ombre look as did fashion designers, textile creators, and home decor professionals.  This inventive technique added depth and visual appeal.  It’s no surprise that the ombre revolution found its way into the jewelry world.  

This recent acquisition is a prime example.  Made entirely of 18-karat yellow gold, this modern eternity band is SO fun!  With no beginning and no end, deep red blends from hot pink to bubblegum to blush to white and back again.  Utterly feminine and unique, this ombre is truly outrageous in the best way.  Forty-six gemstones wrap the finger in two rows of glamorous glitter… 1.00 carat of fine rubies, 2.00 carats of vibrant pink sapphires, and .40 carat of colorless diamonds.  

Each gemstone is secured in a shared-prong configuration.  Nestled between narrow borders of high-polished gold, the look is elevated AND attainable.  Moderately priced at $3,400.00 – this eternity band is available in our 144 South Broad Street showroom.  Stop by and experience the magic for yourself.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

From Here to Eternity

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Endless Things

Eternity bands… how do you feel about them?  Are you Team Yes (give me ALL the diamonds!) or Team No (keep the diamonds on top, where I can enjoy them)?  Admittedly, there are pros and cons of these endless rings of scintillating sparkle.  Let’s make a list…

Pros:

  1. Eternity bands are trés romantic!  The diamonds encircle the finger with no beginning and no end.  Endless diamonds = endless love. 
  2. If the ring spins around on the hand, no one would ever know!  It looks the same all the way around.  
  3. More diamonds means more sparkle!
  4. These unique beauties are often custom made, allowing for creativity and personalized style.

Cons:

  1. An eternity band can be more expensive than a band with diamonds only on a portion of the ring.  
  2. Eternity bands are more difficult (and sometimes impossible) to size.  
  3. With diamonds all the way around, the stones themselves see more wear and tear than a half-round style.
  4. Often, eternity bands are thicker to accommodate the depth of the stones.  Some may find this to be uncomfortable.

Personally, I love eternity bands.  I have been wearing my wedding ring since August of 2000, nearly twenty-four years.  Perhaps I’m a hopeless romantic – I get the warm fuzzies just looking at my ring.  I had a similar reaction when I saw this week’s featured piece for the first time.  

Made entirely of platinum, this wide band reminds me of antique lace.  The edges are scalloped, waving up and down.  There are six small sections, each one features a unique combination of diamond shapes and sizes: one pear-shape, three marquises and five rounds.  Combined, the six pear-shapes have a weight of .60 carat, the eighteen marquise diamonds have a weight of 1.50 carats, and the thirty rounds have a total weight of .60 carat.  That’s 2.70 carats of endless sparkle! 

Like Cinderella’s slipper, this beauty must be a perfect fit.  It is a size six, and cannot be sized.  The band has a silky-smooth interior and is quite comfortable to wear.  

If you love a great eternity band AND you wear a size six, this band is simply too good to resist.  It’s a stunning Mid Century Modern design, made in the 1960’s.  Priced at $4,350.00, it’s available now.  Give us a call to claim it today.

“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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