Let Your Light Shine Down

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Illuminated Things

“In nature, light creates the color.”  – Hans Hoffman

Plique à Jour…  this French phrase loosely translates to “let the daylight in”.  In jewelry, it refers to a style of enameling akin to stained glass….  and like a finely stained glass window, it comes alive when you hold it up to the light.  The framework seems to disappear, leaving a shimmering rainbow glow. 

This piece has laid on the shelf behind Joe’s desk since the day he bought it… somehow it has managed to avoid being placed in with the regular inventory.  It’s been passed over 100 times or more – maybe even forgotten.  I think it’s because when it lays on the shelf, it doesn’t look like much.  Just metal and glass.  But the moment you pick it up and hold it to the light…  that’s when the magic happens.  

It’s a complete metamorphosis.  My eyes hardly know where to look first…  the blue, green, and purple hues are completely captivating.  Suddenly, I wanted to see more.

Symbolism abounds in this early Art Nouveau creation, and it’s all about an awakening – a resurgence of life…  Did you see the lotus blossom at the top?  The lotus has long been a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and rebirth.  Every night this resilient flower submerges itself beneath murky waters only to re-bloom the next morning without a single drop of residue on its petals, completely immaculate.

Now, feast your eyes on the brilliant blue butterfly at the center of the piece – perhaps a Blue Morpho.  Butterflies are thought to exemplify endurance, change, and hope.  They are the ultimate symbol of resurrection.  Notice that the face of the butterfly is a cherub.  Cherubs are thought to keep vigil over those in need of strength, faith, and renewal.  The hidden meaning knows no bounds.

Holding it to the light, I am bewitched…  and when it rests in my hand, I am beguiled and bewildered.  First, bewitched by the vast array of color (i.e. remember your first box of 64 Crayola’s?); then beguiled and bewildered by the complexity of the mind that was not only able to dream of this artistry, but also bring it to life.  

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Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

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Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Old School Things

This past March marked our 46th year of business, over half a lifetime for owner Joe Murawski; undeniably time well spent.  Most days Joe can be found in his office, the helm of Joden Jewelers – steering the ship.  Joe is usually lounging in his chair, Italian leather loafers resting on the edge of the desk, a strong cup of coffee steaming in front of him, with the phone pressed to his ear.  To the casual observer, it looks like chit chat; friendly banter.  Those people couldn’t be more wrong.  This is where the real business happens.  Jewelry skates across the desk at an alarming pace.  Connections are established, maintained, and solidified.

Last week, I introduced you to the work of Carlo Giuliano.  I mentioned the enameled cross, pictured below.  What I didn’t tell you was that this piece was acquired as the result of several telephone calls.

giuliano-cross-sideways

While these photos are quite good, they can not begin to share the exquisite details of this rare beauty.  The body of the cross is comprised of six rectangular sections, each one centered on a precious gem, either a diamond, emerald, or sapphire.  Each of these stones is surrounded by a border of white enamel with black and blue swirls.  To further accent this piece, the side and back of each segment are enameled as well, in more complex patterns featuring the addition of powder blue and soft pink enamel.  No matter where you look, you will find a new detail:  a natural pearl, a French cut ruby, or a tiny gold bead.

            

In a time where most businesses are dependent on computers, here at Joden, we’re kicking it old school.  We’ll stick with the telephone.  You never know who or what might be on the other end.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

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