Georgian jewelry Archive

Pick of the Week – Volume 81

June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles and Bling with Unbelievable Pricing

Although she made it famous and perhaps even mainstream, Queen Victoria was certainly not the first to honor a lost loved one with a piece of jewelry. In fact, mourning jewels were popular long before, many dating back to the 18th century. Georgians were a bit more macabre – they loved incorporating images of skeletons and death into their designs.

And while those pieces are highly collectible, it’s the endearing and tragically romantic ones that really get me. This pristine beauty has been part of the Joden collection for as long as I can remember. With closed-back construction, the center of this ring is oval in shape with twenty-two small violet-colored gems forming a border. Beneath the glass crystal is an intricately woven fabric made from pale blonde hair.

The band of the ring is dainty and narrow with delicate beaded edges. A simple inscription stands in stark contrast to the black enamel surface. It reads “M : BOND – OB : 26 – APR : 1775 – AE : 88”. The ring is quite lovely, and sits with elegant perfection on the hand. It is an astonishing 250 years old. The condition is incredible, appearing to have never been worn. It’s a treasure unlike any other.

This sweet tribute lives in Joe’s Special Box – and has been on our site since the beginning. Previously priced at $3,500.00, we are lowering the price in hopes that it will find a forever home. Whether it be in the hands of a collector, an ancestor or even a museum, this ring must be cherished. If you’re as enamored of this antique gem as I am, it can be yours for $2,850.00. That’s just $11.40 for each year of its life… a bargain at any rate.

“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 155

December 24, 2024December 13, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Fit for any holiday celebration, these antique beauties are a bit of a mystery. No one knows where they came from, how long we’ve had them… or even how old they actually are. The box itself is quite special. Made of dark brown leather and shaped like a bag of money, this time-worn receptacle features a hinged back and a pair of C-hook closures. Upon opening the box, two distinct shades of blue come to life. The lid is lined with a cerulean satin. It’s in excellent condition with just one small tear. The lower half of the box showcases a deep navy blue velvet that has been painstakingly formed to the outline of the earrings contained within. A bright white piping adds the final flourish to this lovely box.

Made entirely of 18-karat yellow gold, the unusual earrings inside the box were made in three distinct sections. The top is the smallest portion; crafted in repoussé-style, the organic shape swirls and whorls around. Just a hint of green enamel remains in the crevices. The closure at the base of this segment is hinged at the bottom with a narrow wire. Threading through the back of the ear first, this wire has a tiny hook that fits into a small hole at the top.

Next, an intricate loop of golden ribbon swoops down and then up again. Both the longest and widest link of the earrings, this ribbon is decorated with detailed patterns of green and white enamel that accentuate the engraving. This enamel is also showing signs of wear. Finally, these earrings end with a small fringe embellishment. Four jointed strands sway enchantingly from a small scalloped cap.

Nestled against the rich velvet interior of the box, these earrings shine. Undeniably lovely, they would be the ideal complement for everything from a holiday party dress to a pair of distressed jeans. They are definitely old, but how old is the mystery. They could be quite early, Georgian (1714-1837) even… or they could be Georgian Revival (late 19th to early 20th century). Due in part to the less than perfect condition, it’s impossible to pinpoint a precise age other than to say that they are definitely antique. Fairly priced at just $1150.00, these earrings are available for purchase.

“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 133

September 7, 2021 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Primitive. That word accurately describes this ultra cool ring from Joe’s Special Box. Likely handmade, this ring features closed back construction… a characteristic that was prevalent in the Georgian era. Decidedly vintage, this ring isn’t Georgian. It’s more likely that this beauty is from the 1950’s.

Made from 10 karat rosy gold, the ring centers on a small oval red stone. Not a natural gem, this stone is surrounded by two rows of irregularly shaped pearls. These pearls, exhibiting gray overtones, are strung on wire. The ends of the wire have been carefully threaded through the back of the ring and secured in place. Due to the concave shape of the piece, the wires do not present any discomfort when the ring is worn.

This side view showcases all of my favorite details of the ring…

The perfectly jagged lip at the top. The rim of the ring is not softly scalloped, but rather spiked and serrated.
Set in a tiny pinched collet on each side is a small round blue turquoise. I love the contrast of the bright blue against the coppery colored gold.
Featuring unique open patterns, the shank of this ring is unlike any other – including the unusual textured edge and faint remnants of an old hallmark.

This look is a rare find in Joe’s Special Box – it’s a departure. It’s not a ring that I would describe as pretty… it’s striking. Priced at $550 – this is not a piece for everyone. But if it’s for you, don’t hesitate. It won’t last long.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Baubles and Bling with Unbelievable Pricing

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

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