Talk to Me

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

Think Inside The Box

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Square Things

The corners have worn off the vintage red leather.  The ivory satin lining is tinged with age, rendering the gold lettering barely legible.  The crushed velvet is perfectly contoured to the piece it was created for. 

box-worn-edge     box-lining

Each box is nestled into the plush lining of the showcase; many of these boxes are as valuable as the heirlooms they hold.

The antique cases are juxtaposed with rows of sleek, modern black boxes; the Joden name is stamped in brilliant gold Copperplate lettering on the lid.  They are pristine in their newness, filling the shelves beneath the cases – waiting to be filled. 

box-with-joden-2

Each of these boxes are an essential element of the Joden charm, meant to intrigue and delight customers, but neither is as critical to our business as the cardboard boxes.  If you have visited our shop, perhaps you know what I’m talking about.  Ordinary looking from the outside, each box has a handwritten label that identifies its contents: Bracelets, Pins, even Antique.  Virtually every one has been repaired time and again.  The paper coverings are worn to a soft patina…  the result of passing through our hands thousands of times.  These boxes are the heart of Joden Jewelers.

box-stack-3     box-stack

We encourage customers to sort through them…  “Dig in!”  It’s like sifting through your grandmother’s jewelry box.  Every piece is more appealing than the last, Victorian carved cameos, delicate filigree brooches, and hundred-year-old engagement rings.  It’s a miniature treasure hunt, a feast for the eyes.  Imagine stacks of cardboard boxes, splitting at the seams with fine antique and modern treasures.  Something is waiting for you to discover it.

box-contents-2     box-contents

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Without Saying A Word

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Statement Things

Statement earrings are so 2016, and Joden is THE place to find them.  From a pair of Georgian diamond dangles, an eccentric pair of banded agates or classic Victorian tassels, the possibilities are as unique and diverse of the ladies who wear them.

Girls have been using ear piercing to express their independence in the United States since the 1950’s.  It has become a Rite of Passage for American girls…  a small but significant step in the journey from little girl to young woman.  By the 1960’s, girls were using ice cubes and needles to poke holes in their ears; and by the 1970’s, ear-piercing kiosks were in every mall in America.  During the early days of Joden, Joe (the owner) pierced hundreds of ears – thereby turning all those girls into dedicated customers for years to come.

Groups of women are always popping in to Joden.  Ladies love pouring over the cases, ooh-ing and ah-ing over the Art Deco gems and modern bling.  When they walk back out the door, Joden bag in hand, more often than not, its earrings – gleaming gold hoops, Victorian chandeliers, or even a pair of large diamond studs.  These are statement earrings.  Stop in and choose a pair for yourself.

Make your statement today!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

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