Joe’s Special Box – Volume 29

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

This piece is a home run for me in more ways than one.   A lovely little Art Nouveau gem – meticulously carved from high karat yellow gold.  The intricate basket-weave pattern features soft swirls mixed with textured lines.  Cobalt blue enameling provides a bright pop of color.  Five natural pearls are nestled into the open spaces.  Made around the turn of the 20th century, this pendant could easily become a signature piece in any wardrobe.  The back features a removable glass lid – it covers a compartment that could be used for a photograph, a lock of hair, or both. I love this simple, yet terribly sentimental detail.  It brings to mind the old saying… 

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.”

Wouldn’t this be a perfect gift for a new bride on her wedding day?  I think so!  Personally, I’d be happy to receive it for any reason…  or for no reason at all.  This piece (tucked away in Joe’s Special Box) is available now for $1,280.00.

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

Writing and Photo by Carrie Martin

Masriera Masterpieces

Joden Girl

Dragonflies, Florals and Earthly Things

“Every piece that comes out of workshops is intended to be an artistic expression stemming from the essence of our culture.

A culture with the Mediterranean as its backdrop. We seek perfection in everything we do and create our pieces, always under the rubric of their contemporary style. A philosophy borne out of our workshops, passed down from generation to generation that has continued up until today.”

These words have been taken directly from the Masriera site and highlight all that is desirable about their extraordinary jewels.  The name “Masriera” has become synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship and breathtaking creations that harken back to the late 19th century when Art Nouveau style reigned supreme.

One of the shorter periods in jewelry history, Art Nouveau began around 1890 and continued on for the next twenty years.  It was a celebration of the female form and all things found in nature – flowers, vines, insects, serpents, and leaves.  High karat yellow gold with a matte finish was often the backdrop for multicolored enamels, giving the pieces lifelike appeal.  Rene Lalique, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and Lluis Masriera were connoisseurs of the craft.

At Joden, we have a handful of these whimsical wonders.  I love the delicacy of this sweet bee ring.  A rich purple amethyst and a tiny diamond make up the body of the insect while the wings are made from black and opalescent white plique a jour enameling.  It sits perfectly on the finger…  now just $1000.

The next tempting treat is a pendant/brooch combination.  A brightly colored dragonfly sips the nectar from the lotus blossom…  simply charming!  The chain is easily removed from the piece to convert it to a brooch.  This engaging enchantress is available on our site – $5000.

Finally, we have my favorite piece – a daisy chain style bracelet.  The buttery 18 karat yellow gold has a wonderful bisque finish that is the perfect compliment to the pastel colored enamel of each flower…  yellow, lavender, pink, and blue.  Each of the seventeen blossoms has a round brilliant diamond center.  It’s a happy bracelet – I smile every time I look at it.  Please call for additional details.

In the hustle and bustle of today’s world, it’s rare to find a company that honors their old world heritage with superior craftsmanship and a faithful expression of quality.  Over 178 years later, and Masriera is still doing it right.

Each piece is individually numbered and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and the original trademarked Masriera packaging.

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Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

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