Joe’s Special Box – Volume 165

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Thing

Just a week or two ago, I vehemently declared that I absolutely did not want to see another white gold diamond ring.  I had reached full saturation and simply could not lay eyes on another one; I certainly couldn’t dream of a single new thing to say.  But that was then, and this is now.  Luckily, the antique and estate jewelry business is ever-changing.  We get fresh inventory every single day.  Admittedly, most of it goes directly to the refinery.  The pieces that we keep are truly special, like this darling little ring.  I simply couldn’t pass it up.  

Sweet as can be, this dainty ring was made from 18-karat white gold in the Art Deco era.  Completely authentic and original, this ring contains one French-cut simulated sapphire in the center.  Many people don’t know that manmade gemstones have been around since the late 1800’s.  The first synthetic sapphire was produced using the flux method in 1873.  Flux is a solid material; when melted, it dissolves other materials in the same way that water dissolves sugar.  When the dissolved solution cools, synthetic crystals form.  This method is time-consuming and requires quite a lot of patience.  The results can take up to a year.  However, when compared to the millions of years it takes a natural sapphire to form, one year is pretty darn quick!

At the turn of the twentieth century, synthetic stones were rapidly gaining popularity.  Manufactured stones were perfect and much less expensive; jewelers believed that synthetic stones would surpass natural gems.  Although they never did, that is why we see so many manmade colored stones in vintage jewelry like the one in this ring.  The blue center is flanked by a matched pair of Old European Cut diamonds.  Together, they have a weight of .70 carat.  Three-stone rings have been popular for centuries; they offer timeless, classic appeal.  

The synthetic sapphire center is just one Art Deco detail; others include milgrain beaded edges, filigree wire work and engraving.  The mounting that houses the three stones is every bit as lovely as the stones themselves.  The shoulders of the ring have been hand-engraved with a leaflike pattern that continues the entire way around the shank.  The outer sides showcase a delicate filigree design that mimics the engraving.  One final detail reveals interesting information…  inside the ring is this hallmark “Belais 18K”.  It refers to Belais Manufacturing Company who was one of the first manufacturers of white gold.  In fact, their slogan was “Belais made means well made”.  This ring, in excellent condition more than 100 years after it was made, is proof of that!  Make it yours for just $1,275.00.  ♥

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

What’s New – Volume 92

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

Even though I am smitten with all things yellow gold right now, I have to admit that this sweet little ring had me doing a double-take.  After evaluating the 2023 holiday season, we definitely noticed a surge in yellow gold sales…  but there’s no doubt that Art Deco jewelry is still a hot commodity.  All of our vintage jewelry lovers will be drooling over this 1930’s ring.  

Made entirely of platinum, it offers all the best bits from the Golden Age.  Each detail blends seamlessly into the next to create the vibe of the ring.  When I look at it, I see the beauty and elegance of the complete piece, not one particular element.  It’s low-profile, rising barely 2mm above the surface of the finger.  Three Old European diamonds span the center – a rectangular segment broken into three squares.  Featuring high crown angles and open culets, these gems have a combined weight of .50 carat.  

The outer edges of the ring are mirror images of each other.  A softly sculpted line creates the border – the shape is subtle like the Cupid’s bow of the upper lip.  Utterly feminine, these gentle curves dip deeply to meet the narrow shoulder on each side.  Six single-cut diamonds accent the ring with an additional .09 carat of sparkle. Eight elliptical cutouts add a hint of filigree to each dimple and column of the bow-like silhouette of the ring.  

Totally harmonious and altogether lovely, this ring is available now for just $1175.00.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

What’s New – Volume 20

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and The Latest Things

I can just hear Stevie Wonder crooning…  “Isn’t she lovely?  Isn’t she wonderful?”  This latest edition to our estate department is both of those things.  Crafted near the turn of the century in the early 1900’s, this Edwardian dream is a vision of 14 karat yellow gold with a platinum top.  

With an elongated shape, it flatters and lengthens the finger.  Shown up close, you can see the intricate details that created the overall ambiance of the ring.  Delicate wires spiderweb between the rectangular center and the sculpted sides.  A kite-shaped accent nestles into the opening of the split shank.  

A combination of Old European and rose cut diamonds add a dazzling array of sparkle.  Glittering from every angle are twenty-one diamonds with a combined weight of nearly .75 carat.  

From behind, you can see the beauty of the open wire work as well as the cut-outs on the edge.  New to our site, this gem is moderately priced at $2,450.00.  Check it 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

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