Joe’s special box Archive | Page 5

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 2

September 16, 2023March 19, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Simply stunning. Truly. This ring, hand-fabricated in the 1870’s, is a classic example of a Mid Victorian engagement ring. It features all the ear-marks of the Grand Period…

Silver was discovered in Virginia City, Nevada in 1860. It was very popular during the mid-1800’s and was often combined with low karat gold. Here, the darkened silver overlays a 14 karat gold base.
Two of the most utilized diamond cuts were Old Mine Cuts and Rose Cuts – this beauty has both. Three Old Mine Cut diamonds (.50 carat total) create the center. They are surrounded by a scalloped halo of twenty-four rose cut diamonds (.25 carat total). These bright white sparklers twinkle with every turn of your hand.
The Old Mine Cut diamonds are held in place with “claw” prongs – a new style for the period.

My favorite detail of this ring has taken nearly 150 years to develop. Just look at the gorgeous patina on the band of the ring! The oxidation of this piece brings it to life, showcasing each design element – from the split shoulder to the hand-carved lines. It’s absolute Victorian perfection.

Priced at just $2000, this ring is a steal – a true antique in pristine condition. Take our heirloom and make it yours.

“Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 1

September 16, 2023March 11, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Behind the golden oak door of Joe’s desk are three worn cardboard boxes. Each is hand-inscribed with a thick, black Sharpie… “Joe’s Special Box”. The edges of the boxes have split apart and been repaired with clear tape. Each one is filled to overflowing with delicious little treasures – the best of the best.

For as long as I can remember, Joe has kept this small stash; a jewelry lover’s dream. It all began with one small box for one small girl… Joe’s daughter, Sara. When Joe found a piece that was particularly sweet – he tucked it in the box with the intention of giving it to Sara someday. None of the items were terribly expensive, but they were pristine. Each one even more lovely than the last. Did I mention that the items inside were not for sale?

As the years went by and the business grew, so did the box. Now that it has expanded into three boxes, Joe is willing to make some of the items available to you. Each week, I will be sharing an item from the box.

I adore these conversion earrings! Originally they were cufflinks that graced the cuffs of a gentleman’s sleeves – since then, they’ve been converted to the earrings you see here.

The center of each one is a hand-carved piece of deep-sea red coral – cut into a Victorian square. The coral is accented by four platinum marquises… each one set with three tiny rose cut diamonds. The outer ring is created from a circular sculpted piece of black onyx. The deceptively simple design is the epitome of Edwardian elegance. Available now for just $800.

Don’t forget to tune in each Monday for the newest item from Joe’s Special Box. Until then…

Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Joe’s Special Box

September 16, 2023June 22, 2017 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

It all started with a little cardboard box. It was stored in the left-hand cabinet of Joe’s desk. Written on the lid (in Joe’s chicken-scratch style printing) were the words “Joe’s Special Box”. What those words really meant was – “For Joe’s Eyes Only” Occasionally, you might glimpse a piece before it disappeared into the box – I can remember one in particular: a dainty platinum Art Deco ring with a pair of half moon diamonds in the center. The next time I saw the ring, it was on the pinky finger of Joe’s daughter, Sara. You see, “Joe’s Special Box” was filled with a cache of riches that he was saving for Sara.

Over the last few years, the box has grown. Actually, it’s now three boxes. Some of the pieces inside are labeled “For Natalie” – Joe’s granddaughter. However, many of these exceptional examples (like the ones shown here) aren’t labeled at all, which means they’re available for purchase!

Each of the three pieces in the above photo are carefully crafted from fine sterling silver and enamel… dated just before and just after the turn of the 20th century.

Both of these vintage lockets feature a pattern of soft pink roses on a white guilloche enameled background. Guilloche is a unique type of enamel in which the metal is first hand carved with a repetitious pattern where upon layers of colored ground glass beads are then baked – this allows the underlying engraving to show through the enamel creating tiers of dimension and beauty. Available on our site for just $450.00 each… add photos or mementos to create your own heirloom.

This lovely piece looks like a locket, but is actually a vinaigrette – a trinket specially created to hold a perfumed piece of cotton inside. Ladies held it to their nose while out and about to prevent the odors of the streets from permeating their delicate senses. It highlights a lady of leisure on the lid, enjoying the foliage of a Victorian garden while the scene on the back depicts a pair of lovers also luxuriating in a lush garden.

Next time you’re at Joden, ask about Joe’s Special Box and the treasure-trove of riches hidden inside…

“Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.”

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to have Joden Girl delivered straight to your inbox.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

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