Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things
This week, I am sharing an old favorite. I can’t remember when we acquired this lovely pendant, I can only say that I can’t remember a time when it wasn’t here. Much like the platinum and gold wires that are woven together to form the chain, this necklace is woven into the fiber of Joden Jewelers. It’s been photographed, and I believe it has made it’s way around the store more than once… traveling from case to case. Some time ago, it landed in Joe’s office. Nearly forgotten, it’s slung across the top of a black velvet bust; pushed back against the wall, it’s barely noticeable at all… a fact that breaks my heart just as little as it’s such a beautiful necklace.
Made near the 1870’s from a blended combination of low-karat gold and silver. A stunning patina covers every nook and cranny – deep and dark, the tarnish has taken on an iridescent quality that can only develop over years, decades and even centuries. I can only imagine the secrets it holds – of romantic rendezvous, stolen kisses and tender moments. An east/west oriented navette-shape creates the frame of the pendant. Twenty individual bezels are spaced at regular intervals, each one set with an old cut diamond. Dainty milgrain beading decorates the edge of each bezel.
Delicate and dainty, a looped bow decorates the outermost tips. The leaflike tails of the bows flank a singular flower cluster center. The largest diamond in the necklace (an Old Mine Cut) is completely surrounded by a tiny diamond halo. To complete the look, a series of three dangles swing enchantingly from the bottom of the pendant while three more old cut diamonds add a bit of sparkle to the bail. Combined, there are eighty-six diamonds that have a total weight of 2.00 carats. The pendant itself hangs from a fifteen-inch bicolor link chain. Elongated platinum links alternate with trios of small oval rings. Although it is probably not the original chain, it is the perfect companion to this mid-Victorian beauty.
At least once a day, I find myself telling customers to wear their jewelry – don’t leave it sit in a box or the safe. Every person involved – from the jeweler who made it to the person who gave it – in giving a jewelry gift intends for it to be worn. They want to see you wearing it and enjoying it. This sweet necklace hasn’t been worn in a very long time, it’s sad to see such artistry go to waste. Moderately priced at $3,980.00, this necklace can bring joy to someone in your life for another 150 years.
“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”
Written by Carrie Martin
Photos by Dana Jerpe
