His and Hers – Volume 16

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Complementary Things

The estate jewelry business is a real eye-opener into the hearts and minds of people today.  With gold and silver pricing on the run, we are spending every day at the sales counter… however, we aren’t doing the selling.  The roles have reversed and we are, in fact, doing the buying.  Everyone is cleaning out their jewelry boxes, safe deposit boxes, and family heirlooms in search of a windfall.  With few exceptions, there is little to no sentimental attachment, just “how much can I get”?  I was not lucky enough to inherit jewelry, but if I had, I wouldn’t be selling it off to the highest bidder.

Previous generations were much more nostalgic than today’s youth.  World War II sparked a fire inside of engaged or newly married couples.  Instead of purchasing one wedding band (to be worn by the bride), these young sweethearts selected a pair of matching rings.  One would be worn by each of them as a symbol of their enduring love and commitment.  The tradition of matching bands actually dates all the way back to 3000 BCE and the ancient Egyptians.  Woven from reeds or animal hide leather, couples wore these infinite circles on the fourth finger of the left hand.  That’s more than five thousand years of custom and tradition that is rapidly being wiped out in just a decade or two.  Gone is the desire for twin symbols of unity, replaced by notions of personal style and individuality.

Personally, I am very sentimental.  I still wear my original engagement ring and wedding band.  I haven’t “upgraded” or traded them in.  I always feel a twinge when a customer comes in to sell their grandmother’s ring for some quick cash.  Five years ago, we began this edition of the blog… His and Hers.  While these two rings are not an exact match, they’re certainly complementary.  Nearly every duo shared here has sold, and I have no doubt this one will, too.  

Both rings are made from 10-karat yellow gold.  Smaller and more daintier, the ladies ring measures a finger size 7.5.  A clipped-corner slice of black onyx fills the entire top of the mounting with a single round diamond set in the center.  Each shoulder features a small ribbed detail that narrows to form the remainder of the band.  Priced at just $375.00, this is a real steal!  A true rectangle of black onyx is the focal point of the mens piece.  Nestled within a yellow gold frame, this dark stone showcases a small round diamond in the center.  Scrollwork decorates both shoulders and linear details adorn the top.  It’s currently a finger size 9.75; it’s available for just $1,275.00.  

Perfect for any couple, these two rings could be worn on either the left or right hand.  The classic design and timeless appeal will make these vintage beauties into the heirlooms of your future.  Stop by and check them out for yourself.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

His and Hers – Volume 15

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Complementary Things

Perhaps the most unexpected jewelry trend of late is the surge of popularity in moss agate… more specifically, moss agate engagement rings.  I completely understand the inclination.  For those who aren’t familiar with this particular gemstone, moss agate is a semi-precious variety of chalcedony (a variety of quartz).  Prized for its organic appearance, this beautiful stone offers a creamy background with fern-like green inclusions.  A symbol of new beginnings, moss agate seems like a sure fit.  However, there is just one small obstacle… it’s not suitable for daily wear in a ring.

If you’re looking for a ring that is worn from time to time… moss agate is a fantastic option.  This ring, made from 14-karat yellow gold, is naturally beautiful. The stone itself is diamond-shaped.  The length of the stone runs with the finger; it’s bezel-set with two additional borders.  One is beaded, and one is a twisted wire.  The true beauty of the ring is the agate itself.  Polished to a wonderfully smooth shine, the moss-like structure inside the stone offers a mystical appeal.  Priced at $950.00, this ring is perfect for her.

Made from 10-karat yellow gold, his ring showcases a rectangular piece of moss agate.  Silky smooth to the touch, this stone also runs parallel to the finger.  With clean lines and a simplistic design, the mounting of this ring was designed as a vehicle for the agate.  The background colors are more muted and opaque; the green “moss” is so dreamy.  This piece is priced at just $500.00.  

While we would not recommend moss agate for an engagement ring, you and your sweetheart can still enjoy the ethereal appeal in this unique pairing.  Perhaps these could be your “date night” rings.  Maybe you wear them to church on Sunday.  Wherever and whenever you wear them, you’re guaranteed to have admirers!  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

His and Hers – Volume 13

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Complementary Rings

After ten years of working together, it’s no secret that Dana is my work wife.  Like any great marriage, we finish each other’s sentences, can communicate entire volumes in a single look, and often have the same ideas at the same time.  We’re sympatico.  One of us is constantly going to the other with a piece of jewelry that is perfect for social media and/or a blog.  Not only are we work besties, but we are close friends in our personal lives as well – we’re both sewists (makers); we share patterns and fabrics all the time.  Just this year, we both began sourcing and upcycling vintage textiles, tattered quilts and other discarded handmade treasures.  In a throw-away society that is obsessed with fast fashion, Dana and I feel blessed to be able to take something old and make it new again.

Over the past few months, our work world collided with our sewing passion.  We met a young professional that both Dana and I vibed with immediately.  His name is Nick Hess, and he owns a curiosity shop in Franklin, Pa called “The Printer’s Cabinet“.   Nick’s tiny shop specializes in unusual  memorabilia, oddities and antique jewelry.  He’s quickly become one of our favorite clients, and a viable source for some of our most unusual requests – like uranium glass.  Manufactured near the end of the 1800’s, uranium glass is decorative yellow-green glassware that contains a percentage of uranium.. this highly unusual ingredient causes the pieces to glow under a UV light.  

As you can see, over time, uranium glass was also used in jewelry as well.  The most common hue is celery green, like the two gems shown here.  Not matching but certainly complementary, these Mid Century rings were made in the 1950’s.  The men’s ring is made from 10-karat yellow gold and is set with a step-cut piece of uranium glass.  The mounting has three deep ridges cut into each shoulder and the remnants of a satin finish are still visible.  Measuring a finger size 8, this ring can be sized and is priced at just $580.00.

It’s counterpart – the ladies ring – is made from 14-karat yellow gold.  It is also set with a step-cut uranium glass.  The head and shoulders of the ring feature unique cut-outs and a lovely high-polish finish.  Currently a size 6, this unique beauty can be sized.  It’s priced at just $500.00.

Shown in the side-by-side photos above, you can see the results of holding a UV light onto the rings.  It’s really neat, and definitely something that not everyone will have.  Some of you are probably wondering if it’s safe to wear jewelry that contains uranium.  The answer is yes…  in fact, there is no more uranium in these rings than is in your cell phone or any other household appliance.  If you’re as charmed by uranium glass as we are, these rings are available in our store and will soon be added to the website.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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