Jewelry Archive | Page 5 | Joden Jewelers

Sign of The Times

September 9, 2023November 4, 2016 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Political Things

On this day – November 4th – in the year 1842, Mary Anne Todd said “I Do” to a young lawyer with political aspirations from Hardin County, Kentucky. His name was Abraham Lincoln. He would go on to be the first Republican President, and is credited with steering The United States through The Civil War, the most tumultuous time in the history of our country.

In 1861, upon winning the Presidential election, and in anticipation of the Inaugural Ball, President Lincoln commissioned a three piece seed pearl suite for his wife to wear to the ball. The delicate demi-parure (pictured below) was created by Tiffany & Co.

This style of jewelry had been popular since the early 1800’s – making a crossover between the late Georgian and Early Victorian periods. These jewels were often lacey in appearance, each one constructed from a Mother of Pearl base upon which natural seed pearls were sewn, with either pale horse hair or gut. Many of these suites had multiple pieces and were sold as bridal gifts.

The bottom shelf of our Victorian case is home to several similar seed pearl creations, including one six-piece set in its original fitted box. The suite contains one choker, two pair of pierced earrings, two small pins, and one large brooch.

Each one was made in the manner detailed above with silver clasps, pin stems, and earring backs. Each tiny pearl (measuring less than one millimeter each) has been painstakingly sewn into floral and leaf patterns. The red leather case was specially crafted for these pieces and is marked inside the lid with a tiny crown and the following words:

The London Bullion Co, Ltd.

Jewellers

33 Haymarket

London S.W.1

Being nearly 200 years old, it is in near perfect condition. It’s easy to see why our motto holds true…

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos courtesy of internetstones.com and Carla Leight

Every Girl Needs A Little Black Dress

September 16, 2023October 27, 2016 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Dreamy Things

Believe it or not, there IS a downside to being surrounded by beautiful jewelry every day. I have become spoiled. Really spoiled. I don’t even bat an eye at a piece that is less than extraordinary.

This Art Nouveau necklace had me doing a double-take… and that’s a rarity. It is absolutely fantastic – from the tiny handmade links of the chain to the finely carved bow that crowns the center section. Every little detail is delightful.

It is an exceptional example of a festoon necklace – by definition, a curved necklace comprised of flowers, ribbons, or leaves used as decorative elements with swags or draped chain as part of the design. This type of necklace was first made popular during the Georgian period. Each era since has had its own version of the style.

Three pieces of cobalt blue glass provide the perfect background for each of the details described above; tiny flowers crafted from sterling silver set with rose cut diamonds, buttery gold leaves hand carved from 18 karat yellow gold, and that charming little bow (my favorite part!) tipped with a pair of natural pearls.

This necklace is “the little black dress” of antique jewelry. It would be perfect for a bride on her wedding day… something old AND blue but it could just as easily be worn with jeans and boots. It’s practically perfect in every way.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Talk to Me

September 9, 2023October 11, 2016 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Old School Things

This past March marked our 46th year of business, over half a lifetime for owner Joe Murawski; undeniably time well spent. Most days Joe can be found in his office, the helm of Joden Jewelers – steering the ship. Joe is usually lounging in his chair, Italian leather loafers resting on the edge of the desk, a strong cup of coffee steaming in front of him, with the phone pressed to his ear. To the casual observer, it looks like chit chat; friendly banter. Those people couldn’t be more wrong. This is where the real business happens. Jewelry skates across the desk at an alarming pace. Connections are established, maintained, and solidified.

Last week, I introduced you to the work of Carlo Giuliano. I mentioned the enameled cross, pictured below. What I didn’t tell you was that this piece was acquired as the result of several telephone calls.

While these photos are quite good, they can not begin to share the exquisite details of this rare beauty. The body of the cross is comprised of six rectangular sections, each one centered on a precious gem, either a diamond, emerald, or sapphire. Each of these stones is surrounded by a border of white enamel with black and blue swirls. To further accent this piece, the side and back of each segment are enameled as well, in more complex patterns featuring the addition of powder blue and soft pink enamel. No matter where you look, you will find a new detail: a natural pearl, a French cut ruby, or a tiny gold bead.

In a time where most businesses are dependent on computers, here at Joden, we’re kicking it old school. We’ll stick with the telephone. You never know who or what might be on the other end.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Baubles, Bling, and Political Things

Baubles, Bling, and Dreamy Things

Baubles, Bling, and Old School Things

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