Victorian Vision

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Primitive Things

I have several necklaces littering the bottom of my jewelry box… three or four conversion pieces, a few tiny pendants and countless charms.  Each one is special in it’s own way – but none of them are what I would call a statement piece.  They are nothing like the two showstoppers featured here.  

This beauty dates back to the late Victorian period, circa 1880.  The high karat gold shines with a rosy glow on each articulated link, hand set with glittering diamonds of both rose and old mine cut varieties.  Five natural pearls add a soft, romantic feel.  I love the botanical vibe created by the six-petaled blossom at the top and the smaller flower at the bottom.  

With a total of 3.00 carats of diamond weight, the impact of this piece can be felt even from a distance.  Although rose cut diamonds don’t have the precise symmetry of their modern counterparts, the scintillation (or sparkle) is dazzling.  Primitive rose cuts were developed in the 1500’s; and even now, more than 600 years later, their appeal is undeniable.  These flat-backed gems are most known for their rounded crown of faceting, utilizing anything from three to twenty-four facets.  Each of these flat surfaces effectively reflects light back to the eye…  although Victorians much preferred candle light.  Make a statement in your wardrobe with this piece for $5,750.00.

Or perhaps this negligee style necklace is more to your liking, it’s a mid-Victorian diamond bar with a pair of asymmetrical drops suspended from it. 

A half-moon shaped mirror-cut diamond sits center stage surrounded by a halo of rose cuts.  The two drops end with a pair of identical round clusters that are set with twelve rose cut diamonds each.  Four small bow-like accents add even more flair to this beauty.  There are thirty-one stones in all for a total of three carats!  The variance in size and shape of these diamonds make it quite rare as well as valuable.  Although the rose cut had a decline in popularity at the beginning of the 20th century, these early examples are now commanding premium prices.  This one can be yours for $8,500.00.

At Joden, we are known for statement pieces.  Our curated collection of antique and estate jewelry is overflowing with fine period gems.  After nearly fifty years, our motto continues to hold true…

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 73

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

$4400…  that’s just $100 a year for every year that I’ve been alive.  I think I’m worth it, right?  This ring from Joe’s Special Box has me feeling some kinda way, if you know what I mean.  It’s so unique.  Unusual.  Different.  And isn’t that what jewelry is all about?  I don’t know about you, but I don’t want what everyone else has.  Why settle for ordinary when you could have extraordinary?

It reminds me of a flower…  a diamond daisy.  Sixteen platinum petals fan out from the center, each one is carefully set with either two or three Old Mine Cut diamonds.  These thirty-eight stones have a combined total weight of approximately 1.00 carat.  Nestled into the heart of the ring is one round brilliant diamond that weighs about .80 carat.  This modern beauty is the perfect addition to the ring…  but I don’t think it’s the original center stone.  Small clues, like the cut of the stone and the way it’s been fitted to the ring lead me to believe that it was added later.  Perhaps it was a remount, a re-fashion, or a conversion piece.  In any case, someone took a vintage ring and made it their own.  And now it’s ours.  Perhaps soon it will belong to one of you.  ♥

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 38

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

During the Georgian Period (1714-1830), the jewelry you wore was determined by the time of day.  This subtle and understated beauty was probably utilized during the morning and afternoon hours.  Elaborate diamond confections were saved for the evening.  Gracing the hand of any lady with a pair of natural pearls, this gem was crafted in a classic bypass style from 18 karat rose gold with silver accents. 

Over 200 years old, the metal has aged to perfection showcasing a glorious patina.  Six Old Mine Cut diamond accents add a hint of sparkle.  Each of the two pearls is set with closed back construction, a trademark Georgian characteristic.  In near perfect condition, this lovely piece sells for $2,700.  The age, condition, and aesthetic appeal landed this rare ring in Joe’s Special Box.  Come visit us today and try it for yourself.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photo by Shelly Isacco

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