Good Friday

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Holy Things

“Good Friday marked the day when wrath and mercy met at the cross. 

That’s why Good Friday is so dark and so Good.”

These words by Justin Holcomb help explain not only why we celebrate Good Friday but also why it’s known as Good Friday.  It is the anniversary of the crucifixion of Jesus – an event that may not seem good.  However, He gave his life willingly in exchange for our redemption…  making it an undeniably good day.

The most monumental eight days in the history of the world occurred nearly two thousand years ago.  Holy week begins with Palm Sunday and culminates with Easter Sunday.  During this time, Christians reflect on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, jubilant in the knowledge that His ultimate sacrifice was our salvation.  

“Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6

Believers have been wearing cross jewelry as far back as 11 A.D.  An outward symbol of faith, it honors the crucifixion while simultaneously celebrating the resurrection.  Today, I have chosen this beautiful Victorian cross pendant to commemorate Good Friday.  Made from 9-karat gold, this rosy hued cross is impressive to behold.  

Measuring 3.25 inches from the top of the bail to the bottom of the upright post, it’s substantial.  Although large by some standards, it is quite wearable.  The front of the cross features ninety-eight cabochon Persian turquoise stones in both round and oval shapes.  Carefully inlaid, each stone is held in place with small, barely visible prongs.  The back of the pendant is shiny and smooth.  Dating to the late 1800’s, the cross is in remarkable condition and is priced at just $2,850.00.  

It’s easy to get swept up in colored eggs, bunnies and baskets…  but let us not forget the true reason for celebrating.  My grandfather’s favorite hymn says it perfectly…  

“Then sings my soul, My Savior God to Thee… How great Thou art, How great Thou art!”

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Ancient Symbolism

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and a Cross Ring

It’s Good Friday.  For all of Christianity, this is the anniversary of the crucifixion of Christ.  The ultimate sacrifice – Jesus was tortured then hung on a large cross.  According to legend, the cross was made from a dogwood tree.  Contrary to that, other sources claim that the true cross was made from three types of wood:  cedar, pine, and cypress.  No matter what it was made of, there is no question that for the nearly 2000 years since the cross has become the principal symbol of the Christian faith.

At first glance, I thought this was just a diamond cluster ring.  Only upon closer inspection did I see the cross in the center of the piece.  Made entirely of 14 karat white gold in the 1960s, this ring is perhaps one of the most unique representations I have seen. 

The cross is one of the most widely used symbols in jewelry, but more often than not, it is a pendant.  Silver or gold, enamel or mosaic… we have hundreds of them.  This ring, however, is much more unusual.  It’s a free-form burst, complete with thirty single cut diamonds that sparkle and shine from every angle.  These diamonds have a combined total weight of approximately 1.00 carat and are fine quality – bright and eye clean.  Each line and curve features a millegrain edge (tiny little beads of metal) creating a decidedly Art Deco feel.  It’s quite lovely and moderately priced at $1,750.00.

“I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it someday for a crown.”

At Joden, we strive to choose pieces that are more than rocks and metal.  Each one is hand selected with an eye for style and a passion for quality.  We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoy selecting them for you.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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