Italian jewelry Archive

Hot or Not – Volume 22

May 9, 2025 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

Heart-themed jewelry is always a brave choice. It tends to create strong feelings; people either love it or they don’t. There’s no middle of the road. You’re either all in or all out. For a very long time, I was firmly in the latter category. I was vehemently against any and all heart jewelry. But over time, my own heart has softened. Don’t get me wrong… there is still an over-abundance of tacky heart jewelry. But we also have some great heart pieces, too! In fact, there are several on our site, like these…

There is something to love about each of these pieces. Estate jewelry like this has much to offer, including great value. Sometimes I find myself on the fence about a piece, especially when there are some great aspects but also something that gives me pause. Recently, we added these vintage heart earrings to our collection. They’re made from 18-karat yellow gold. Higher karat gold nearly always signifies jewelry that is particularly well-made and stylish.

A 10mm flat-backed gold bead sits atop a heart-shaped piece of rock crystal quartz. Silky smooth to the touch, this colorless gem has been frosted – giving it a foggy appearance. A high-polish fitted bezel surrounds the heart and is attached to the bead. As earrings often do, these unique pieces mirror each other. One has a bezel set ruby on the left side and the other has one on the right side. These opaque rubies showcase a hue that is more pink than red and have a combined weight of approximately 1.00 carat. They measure 1.5 inches from the top to the bottom. Typically, I choose small earrings. I don’t care for anything that is heavy or awkward in the ear. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that these hearts are comfortable.

A peek at the back of the gold ball reveals a couple interesting details. There is, of course, the “750” hallmark, noting the purity of the gold. There is also a star, and the letters “VA”. The letters tell us that the earrings were made in Varese… a city in Northern Italy. The star tells us that they were made after 1970. A hinge between the two pieces allow them to sway back and forth with the movement of the body. Italian gold jewelry is celebrated for its superior quality and craftsmanship; these modern earrings are in excellent condition and priced at just $1400.00. It’s truly a question of personal style… what do you think? Are these heart earrings hot? Or not?

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Signature Series – Volume 27

October 25, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Quality Things

Is there a perfect pair of earrings? It would have to be something that pairs equally well with jeans or formal wear; an accessory that you can wear every single day. If you could only have one set of earrings for the rest of your life, what would they look like? For some, they could be diamonds or perhaps sapphires. Others might describe a simple pearl stud or something that dangles enchantingly from the earlobe. For me, it would be a pair of hoops. If I choose to wear earrings (my hair hides my ears, so sometimes my lobes go bare), it’s nearly always hoops.

Personally, I feel like hoop earrings convey an air of whimsy and lightheartedness. Someone who wears hoops is often perceived as a stylishly chic and fun person. There are so many different types of hoops – assorted sizes, metal choices, plain or bedazzled. There are endless choices. Could there be an ideal balance of all of these options?

This recent acquisition just might be exactly that, the perfect hoop earrings. These unique beauties are made from the dynamic combination of 18-karat yellow gold and stainless steel. With a circumference of slightly less than a quarter, they’re an excellent size… large enough to be noticed but not so large to be uncomfortable. Measuring 3/8 of an inch wide, these earrings offer real presence. The omega-style closure snaps over the post of the earring bringing it snug against the lobe.

The look presents two hoops placed side by side with an interesting pattern – the chevron. The 18-karat yellow gold portion is comprised of four distinct narrow bands while the stainless steel portion is a singular wide band. The two colors alternate both vertically and horizontally. Combined, the earrings weigh just over an ounce, a detail that offers a luxurious feel. Both the inside and outside of the earrings are pristinely polished, making them as smooth as silk.

One final feature of these lovely earrings are the crisp hallmarks etched onto each one: “750, Or Et Acier, Bvlgari, Made In Italy, and 2337 AL”. These markings state that the earrings are made from 18-karat yellow gold and stainless steel and that they were made in Italy by the legendary jeweler… Bvlgari. Each of the hallmarks ensure the superior quality of the hoops.

Designed to last a lifetime and beyond, these earrings are truly worth the investment. Priced at $4050.00, they’re not a bargain… but they are worth every penny. Call or message us to make them yours today.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Another Fabulous Find

June 18, 2021 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Joyful Things

Our estate department is on fire lately! Every time I go digging for treasures, I am striking gold (both literally and figuratively). This beautiful bauble crossed my desk a couple weeks ago, and I am completely captivated. It’s absolutely everything anyone could want in a modern piece.

A tantalizing array of colored gemstones decorate all thirty-six inches of this Marco Bicego Paradise necklace. Handmade in Northern Italy, this kaleidoscope of jewels offers every hue from the softest pink to a deep, earthy green. Garnet, amethyst, citrine and topaz… iolite, peridot and tourmaline. These genuine gems, shaped like rounded triangles are faceted on both the front and back; this unique cut is known as a briolette.

Nestled between each pop of color are two hand-engraved beads. The outer edge of each one features a soft brushed finish… expertly executed by using an ancient tool known as a bulino or burin. A handheld tool, the bulino is used to create a series of fine, closely spaced lines. This finish is just one of the trademark techniques that sets Marco Becigo jewelry apart. Small segments of delicate chain attach each bead and briolette gem, one to the next – a modern design with whimsical appeal.

Founded in 2000, Marco Bicego is known for luxurious Italian craftsmanship and contemporary design. Sold by retail giants like Nordstrom’s, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s… this is one designer that has made his mark and is here to stay. This particular necklace is part of the Paradise Collection and is still available. Brand new from their site, this 18 karat yellow gold and mixed gemstone piece sells for $3,870.00. At Joden, it’s part of our estate collection. In like new condition, this beauty is available now for just $2,800.00!

Check it out in person in our showroom at 144 South Broad Street, Downtown Grove City.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

Baubles, Bling and Quality Things

Baubles, Bling and Joyful Things

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