Vogue Victorian

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Vintage Things

It’s the single-most popular jewelry item.  In fact, 87% of us wear them.  It’s our go-to choice when choosing a bit of bling to treat ourselves… AND it’s our favorite kind of jewelry to give as a gift.  Surprisingly, the answer isn’t rings – it’s actually earrings.  They’re our favorite place to showcase colored gems…  most often round in shape.  While stud styles still reign supreme, more than a third of us are crazy for a good drop earring.  

These little darlings from the Victorian era charmed me from the very beginning.  Made from 10-karat yellow gold, they offer vintage appeal from the flower-shaped top the to artfully sculpted bottom.  Measuring just over an inch in total, they’re the ideal size to go from the supermarket to the office to date-night dinner.  The cap, a sweet five-petaled flower seems like an unusual choice for the exquisitely elegant base.  And although both components are true antiques, I have to wonder if they were originally paired together or if they’re a marriage.  

 

Intricate details shape the lower segment.  Straight lines meet curved edges.  Double-leafed stems and curlicues are accented by milgrain beading.  Over 140 years of patina have gathered into each crevice and line, although rather than presenting in deep, dark tones instead it shines with an iridescent crimson hue.   Original threaded posts and backs ensure the safety of the earrings even during wear.  

A singular ice blue round stone is set in each earring.  Although these stones are synthetic, the color is lovely and amps up the appeal of the earrings.  Priced at $495, these little beauties have just been added to our site.  Feel free to stop in and admire them in person.  Hitting every mark of our most-favored article of jewelry, they’re sure to go quick! 

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Classic Coral

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Deep Sea Things

What is that attracts you to a particular gemstone?  Is it the perfectly transparent and colorless brilliance of a diamond that pulls you in?  Or perhaps its the luminous azure depths of a sapphire that tickle your fancy?  While each faceted gemstone has legions of fans, there is another stone that is attracting sophisticated clients with it’s quiet appeal.  Drawn to the unusual and unique – these buyers have found a new favorite in the orange-red tone of coral. 

Whether it be sculpted into softly rounded cabochons or carved into delicate roses, the vintage charm of coral jewelry from the 1970’s has reached a new peak in popularity.  This organic gem has an allure all it’s own, but when combined with the Mid Century Modern vintage vibe – coral is quite compelling.  Whether it be the soft pale shades of angel skin or the deep red branches of the raw form, it’s a very wearable gem.  Classy and chic, coral is refined without being overdone.

These earrings are practically perfect in every way.  They feature a strong framework made from 18 karat yellow gold.  It cradles three beautifully sculpted coral petals that create a lifelike flower.  Nestled into the heart of the blossom is a small round pistil pavé set with round brilliant diamonds.  There are fourteen diamonds in all with a combined weight of .50 carat.  Bright and sparkling, they provide a dazzling contrast to the glossy surface of the coral.  The posts of these earrings fold away, enabling them to be worn on pierced or non-pierced ears, a clever innovation that I love.  

Many of the natural coral reefs have been over-harvested and damaged by pollution – some varieties are now extinct.  This has added to the attraction of older pieces.  The rarity of the material has increased the collectability of jewelry like this.  Moderately priced at $2,900.00 – these stylish earrings will add Mid Century flair and chic sophistication to any wardrobe.

“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 127

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

After writing over 400 blogs (409 to be exact, but who’s counting?), it can be challenging to turn up something new to share.  It’s a never-ending quest for fresh styles and quirky finds.  As much as I love chatting about old-world techniques, patterns of enameling and the fine art of micro mosaic – sometimes it’s a struggle.  The words won’t flow – occasionally making me wonder what inspired me choose a particular piece in the first place.

The “Joe’s Special Box” blogs present yet another obstacle…  my aesthetic has to jive with someone else’s.  I browse through a couple of boxes filled with pieces hand-selected by Joe, searching for a perfect little bauble that speaks to me.  Sometimes it’s a gemstone that strikes my fancy, sometimes it’s the most minuscule detail…  a tiny flower, a beaded milgrain edge.  And sometimes, it’s the simple overwhelming beauty that makes me catch my breath.  These lovely Victorian earrings stopped me in my tracks.  An enchanting pair of flowers dangle upside down, offering an unusually charming perspective.  With small round cabochon opal centers, these flowers are ripe with detail…  fluted and beaded settings, articulated petals and engraved stems and leaves.  Fourteen karat gold from top to bottom, these earrings somehow manage to be understated and absolutely dazzling at the same time.  Priced at $1700 – they definitely do not disappoint.  

Help a girl out…  if there’s something you’d like to see or if there’s a piece you’re dying to know more about – drop me a line (carrie@joden.com).  Inspiration comes in the most unexpected places…  can’t wait to see what inspires each of you.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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