Old mine cut diamond ring Archive

What’s New – Volume 83

October 16, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

This week, we’re going to do something that we don’t do nearly enough… we’re bragging on one of our favorite employees. Having been with us for 2.5 years, Debbie is still the new kid on the block. She’s been team Joden since day one… she is the first bench jeweler that we’ve had who is as enthusiastic about conversion jewelry as we are! Inspired by trends in vintage jewelry, we began designing and creating upcycled jewelry pieces seven or eight years ago. These tiny treasures quickly became favorites with our customers. Since then, we have continued to design new and innovative ways to re-imagine vintage pieces. Not only has Debbie tackled all of our whimsical ideas – she’s has also fabricated some visions of her own. This week’s piece is truly special.

It began its life as a bar pin in the late 1800’s. Composed from the complimentary tones of 18-karat green, rose and yellow gold, this brooch showcased simple elegance. One softly curved branch measuring approximately 1.5 across was accented with a pair of curled green gold leaves and a three-dimensional flower in the center. Lovely as it was, this beauty wasn’t selling. In fact, it wasn’t even getting looked at.

It had good bones – and could be made into something more relevant than a brooch. After a meeting with Dana – we agreed. This was going to be our next victim… perhaps even a work of genius. Peep the before version, shown above. Once the decision was made, we left it in Debbie’s expert hands. The only instruction was to make it into a ring.

And boy did she deliver! Pairing elements of the antique brooch with a 14-karat yellow gold discarded shank, Debbie made this ring! In the eyes and hands of an artist, the curves of the leaves were carefully fitted to the bypass shank. The flower was nestled between the two leaves and Voila!; a darling ring was born. I love everything about it… it’s light and comfortable to wear. The flowers and leaves span the top of the finger leaving a plain, solid shank in the back for easy wear-ability.

An Old Mine cut diamond sits in the center of the petals. Held in place by five claw prongs, this gem weighs approximately .08 carat. It adds just a hint of sparkle within the matte-finished flower petals. So, please allow us to boast about our girl, Debbie. She is the reason and artistic talent that keeps our conversion case filled to the top with charming creations. Priced at just $675, this conversion ring is available in our showroom now. Stop by and check it out for yourself; and say “Hi!” to Debbie while you’re here.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

This or That – Volume Six

September 15, 2023January 23, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Contemplative Things

How can two things be so similar and yet worlds apart at the same time? And when you’re faced with such a conundrum – how would you choose between the two? That’s the question I have for you today. We recently acquired two Victorian diamond cluster rings.

This pair of antique beauties has so much to offer. Both rings are made from yellow gold… one is 14-karat (Let’s call it Ring A) while the other is 20-karat (Ring B).

Ring A has a rosy appearance to the gold. Nine Old Mine Cut diamonds create a floral pattern, with one in the center and eight more forming the petals. Old Mine cuts are notoriously irregular and these are no exception. One seems squarish while the next more oval. Together, these diamonds have a combined weight of 1.15 carats. Ring B is also set with old miners… one in the center with eleven more surrounding it. The large cushion-shaped stone in the middle weighs approximately 1.35 carats while those in the halo add an additional 1.30 carats (2.65 carats total!).

Ring A, circa 1870, showcases engraved patterns on the shoulders and shank of the ring. Curved lines combine with small beaded edges.

Ring B, circa 1885, also exhibits etched patterning. A bit worn from wear, the remaining lines swirl around providing a mere glimpse of the previous decoration. Both rings are dazzling. The light glints off each antique diamond with charming allure.

And so… we’re faced with a real dilemma. Perhaps one additional piece of information will help. Ring A, with 1.15 carats of diamonds is priced at $2,450.00. Ring B, with 2.65 carats of diamonds, is priced at $6,650.00.

Each one is an antique cluster ring. Both are made from yellow gold and are set with Old Mine cut diamonds. Each ring features hand-engraved patterns… so, which would you choose? This or that?

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Natural Beauty

October 15, 2021 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and A Diamond Ring

Lately, there’s a lot of buzz about lab-grown diamonds. They “look the same”, tend to be less expensive, and all the big block stores are carrying them… these are some of the arguments for purchasing a lab grown diamond. To be completely honest, my knowledge on these stones is minimal, at best.

My expertise lies in the antique and estate rings that Joden is known for. These unique beauties from the 1800-1900’s feature handcrafted details that are absolutely to-die-for. This week’s piece is the epitome of late Art Deco style.

Constructed entirely of platinum, the aspects that set this ring apart and take it to the next level include:

Hand-pierced filigree on the outer edges that incorporates a lovely swirled scroll motif
Sixteen single-cut diamonds are nestled into each curve and contour of the domed top. These diamonds, an unusual cut consisting of just seventeen facets, were prized during the Edwardian and Art Deco periods for the particular sparkle they provide.
Engraved patterns on the shoulders of the ring, another favored technique of jewelers from the early 1900’s

The most striking element of this ring is the Old Mine Cut center diamond. This shape, with softly rounded edges, resembles a modern cushion cut. Old Miners originated in the 1700’s. It was the cut of choice in the mid-1800’s and was still being utilized in the early 1900’s.

Grown beneath the dirt under millions of pounds of pressure and extreme heat, natural diamonds are like snowflakes, no two are exactly the same. Each one offers distinct details that can be mapped out for grading and identification. This diamond is accompanied by a report from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This laboratory is the most recognized facility in the world for the grading of diamonds and colored stones. In specific, this glorious gem weighs in at exactly 1.63 carats. It hits the chart as a K color and SI2 in clarity. The report also includes a map of the diamond, pinpointing each individual mark on the stone. It’s a blueprint, highlighting the very things that identify this particular diamond.

The ring as a whole has been appraised by a second laboratory, the International Gemological Institute of America. Much like the other report, this one also contains precise particulars about the entire ring that would clearly identify it from all others. The professionals there combined the knowledge from the GIA Report with their own expertise in the retail market to assign a Replacement Value of $11,135.00 to this ring. At Joden, we are offering this one of a kind beauty for just $8,990.00 – well below the appraised value.

When you’ve finally met the one and you’re searching for the perfect ring, choose something as unique as they are.

“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 the Latest Things

Baubles, Bling and Contemplative Things

Baubles, Bling and A Diamond Ring

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