Guilloche Archive

No Two Are Alike

June 2, 2020May 16, 2019 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Frozen Things

The weather is so fickle in the Spring; the sun was shining all day last Saturday – hot enough to leave a crimson glow on my cheeks and nose. But, almost overnight the sun turned cold. For the last few days, we have had a harsh nip in the air -making it feel more like November than May. I almost expected to see a few white flurries floating in the air. Fortunately, there’s only been one snowflake at Joden this week; and just like it’s real life counterpart, it took my breath away.

I can hardly believe that someone was able to create such layers of rich detail in something so small… this Art Nouveau beauty is just a touch bigger than a dime, measuring 3/4 of an inch from edge to edge. Speaking of the edge, can you see the delicate pattern showcased there? That repeating scallop is not part of the enamel as you might have thought… it’s actually a centuries old technique known as guilloché. This extremely meticulous method consists of engraving an intricate and repetitive design into the metal via engine-turning. This particular piece features a complex arrangement of parallel lines overlaid with a series of garlands, vines, and bows.

Next, the artisan would coat the jewel with a translucent enamel, usually in shades of blue, gray, or green. Never before have I seen this bright coral colored enamel – it’s glorious! The red-orange color allows the stunning pattern underneath to really shine. The final detail is the crowning glory. Handmade from platinum and painstakingly set with ninety-one rose cut diamonds, there is no other snowflake quite like this. It is the epitome of precise perfection.

As you might imagine, such skill comes at a price, and this one is no bargain. In fact, it’s extremely expensive, but worth every penny of it’s $2250 price tag. Available exclusively at Joden.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

There’s Just Something About that Name

September 9, 2023September 29, 2017 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Tiffany Things

In the jewelry world, few words evoke as strong a response as “Tiffany”. It’s a name that is recognized by Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials alike – it’s synonymous with classic style and nearly two hundred years of excellence.

This piece is one of the finest that I’ve ever seen. Handcrafted in the early 1900’s from 18 karat gold and platinum, it positively screams quality. From the tiny cabochon sapphire at the tip of the pendant to each polka-dotted link in the chain, it is absolute perfection.

And it’s a watch! The front and back of the watch are hand enameled in three different patterns with both sage green and blue gray colors using the guilloche technique. A tiny wreath of rose cut diamonds further decorates the center section while the outer portion is rimmed with a rose cut diamond halo.

The versatility of this piece is unmatched as the chain can be worn alone or even as a bracelet – just wrap it around and then clasp it! It’s a pendant, a watch, a chain, AND a bracelet. It’s jewelry genius, and it’s only available at Joden.

“You can go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.”

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Joe’s Special Box

September 16, 2023June 22, 2017 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

It all started with a little cardboard box. It was stored in the left-hand cabinet of Joe’s desk. Written on the lid (in Joe’s chicken-scratch style printing) were the words “Joe’s Special Box”. What those words really meant was – “For Joe’s Eyes Only” Occasionally, you might glimpse a piece before it disappeared into the box – I can remember one in particular: a dainty platinum Art Deco ring with a pair of half moon diamonds in the center. The next time I saw the ring, it was on the pinky finger of Joe’s daughter, Sara. You see, “Joe’s Special Box” was filled with a cache of riches that he was saving for Sara.

Over the last few years, the box has grown. Actually, it’s now three boxes. Some of the pieces inside are labeled “For Natalie” – Joe’s granddaughter. However, many of these exceptional examples (like the ones shown here) aren’t labeled at all, which means they’re available for purchase!

Each of the three pieces in the above photo are carefully crafted from fine sterling silver and enamel… dated just before and just after the turn of the 20th century.

Both of these vintage lockets feature a pattern of soft pink roses on a white guilloche enameled background. Guilloche is a unique type of enamel in which the metal is first hand carved with a repetitious pattern where upon layers of colored ground glass beads are then baked – this allows the underlying engraving to show through the enamel creating tiers of dimension and beauty. Available on our site for just $450.00 each… add photos or mementos to create your own heirloom.

This lovely piece looks like a locket, but is actually a vinaigrette – a trinket specially created to hold a perfumed piece of cotton inside. Ladies held it to their nose while out and about to prevent the odors of the streets from permeating their delicate senses. It highlights a lady of leisure on the lid, enjoying the foliage of a Victorian garden while the scene on the back depicts a pair of lovers also luxuriating in a lush garden.

Next time you’re at Joden, ask about Joe’s Special Box and the treasure-trove of riches hidden inside…

“Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.”

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Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Baubles, Bling and Frozen Things

Baubles, Bling, and Tiffany Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

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