Shells, Stones, and Sometimes Bones

Joden Girl

 Baubles, Bling, and Sculpted Things

Thoughts of antique jewelry often evoke images of carved cameo brooches and vintage lace collars.  As far back as the 3rd century B.C., artisans have been etching faces and figures onto the surface of an abundance of materials – shell, agate, coral, lava, gemstones, bone or ivory, and even glass.  At Joden, we have an extensive collection of fine cameos…  we recently added the rare beauty shown above.

It’s an intricate miniature sculpture of Cupid, complete with his bow and quiver.  The cameo is fully surrounded by a coiled snake frame.  Cupid is the god of desire, erotic love, attraction, and affection…  while a coiled snake is a symbol of eternity.  The brooch clearly embodies everlasting love.  

Many people mistakenly believe that cameos are made in two separate pieces, a carved figure adhered to the surface of a contrasting colored shell or stone.  Actually, they are carved from one singular stone that grows in layers of color like the ones shown here.  The artisan exploits the variances in color to create visual interest.

 

It is perhaps the most rare shell cameo we have ever owned.  Not only is it rich with symbolism, but the carving itself is quite remarkable.  Seen in profile, the cameo measures nearly 1.5 inches from the base of the shell to the expanse of Cupid’s forehead.  

  

Look at it side by side with a more ordinary shell cameo – the Cupid piece displays ultra high relief.  The shell used to carve this extraordinary piece would have had to be incredibly large as well as thick to achieve this level of height in the sculpture itself.  Truly remarkable.  It’s available in our showroom for just $2500.00.

Come to Joden, where after 48 years, our motto continues to hold true…

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 4

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Wow!  It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month since we started the “Joe’s Special Box” series.  I am excited to share this week’s selection with you – it’s a rarity for me…  an emerald piece that I adore.  Being a May baby, emerald is my birthstone – but I’m usually more of a sapphire girl.  Until today.  Until this necklace. 

Everything about it is perfect.  I don’t have one single complaint.  This pendant dates back to the turn of the 20th century, making it late Edwardian or Early Art Deco.  It’s intricately crafted from platinum with a clever little-coiled wire heart motif at the top and bottom.  A singular emerald is set in east/west fashion across the base of the piece, with natural pearl and diamond accents.  It is simple elegance, and I love it! 

Affordable pendants from this period are rare – this one is not to be missed.  Make it yours for just $1600.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Luxurious Lace

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and the Art of Filigree Things

Whether it’s made from woven wire or silken thread – the intricate patterns created are undeniably similar.  Both lace and filigree are made in much the same manner…  curled, twisted, and plaited threads crossed over, under, and finally united at all points of contact.  Time has not diminished the value of either, but rather made them all the more desirable. 

Here is a close-up segment of a filigree bracelet juxtaposed with a piece of lace called Carrickmacross.  Both showcase open meshwork, a treasured decorative element.  No one can resist the delicate beauty of filigree jewelry. Even novices are drawn to Edwardian and Art Deco pieces resplendent with the airy patterns painstakingly created wire by wire.  Ladies, both young and old, are equally enchanted – including me!  Check out this trio of bracelets – each one lovely, but also each with a personality all its own. 

 Here they are individually…

This piece is from the Depression Era, circa 1930’s, featuring die-struck metal that was then hand finished.  The center stone is a square synthetic sapphire (authentic and original to the bracelet).  It is flanked by a pair of white stones and then two additional synthetic sapphires.  It’s moderately priced at $1100.00.

This stunner, signed J.E. Caldwell, speaks for itself.  Handcrafted in platinum using an alternating sequence of two link styles, it contains 120 diamonds totaling over 10 carats!   Aficiondos and amateurs agree – this piece is simply magnificent.  Call me for more details and pricing. 

Finally, we have my favorite of the bunch!  I love the style of the filigree, it reminds me of the petals of a chrysanthemum flower – blooming out from the tiny gem-set center.  Crafted with a nod toward the Edwardian era – this bracelet has a yellow gold frame that is overlaid with a white gold top. 

 

Special attention has been paid to this bracelet – even the back is polished!  For more details and photos, visit our site!

Unlike the lace on a christening dress or a wedding gown, each of these bracelets can be worn and enjoyed every day.  Their lacey appearance is not reserved for special occasions but rather meant to delight… day after day, year after year.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

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