His and Hers – Volume 16

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Complementary Things

The estate jewelry business is a real eye-opener into the hearts and minds of people today.  With gold and silver pricing on the run, we are spending every day at the sales counter… however, we aren’t doing the selling.  The roles have reversed and we are, in fact, doing the buying.  Everyone is cleaning out their jewelry boxes, safe deposit boxes, and family heirlooms in search of a windfall.  With few exceptions, there is little to no sentimental attachment, just “how much can I get”?  I was not lucky enough to inherit jewelry, but if I had, I wouldn’t be selling it off to the highest bidder.

Previous generations were much more nostalgic than today’s youth.  World War II sparked a fire inside of engaged or newly married couples.  Instead of purchasing one wedding band (to be worn by the bride), these young sweethearts selected a pair of matching rings.  One would be worn by each of them as a symbol of their enduring love and commitment.  The tradition of matching bands actually dates all the way back to 3000 BCE and the ancient Egyptians.  Woven from reeds or animal hide leather, couples wore these infinite circles on the fourth finger of the left hand.  That’s more than five thousand years of custom and tradition that is rapidly being wiped out in just a decade or two.  Gone is the desire for twin symbols of unity, replaced by notions of personal style and individuality.

Personally, I am very sentimental.  I still wear my original engagement ring and wedding band.  I haven’t “upgraded” or traded them in.  I always feel a twinge when a customer comes in to sell their grandmother’s ring for some quick cash.  Five years ago, we began this edition of the blog… His and Hers.  While these two rings are not an exact match, they’re certainly complementary.  Nearly every duo shared here has sold, and I have no doubt this one will, too.  

Both rings are made from 10-karat yellow gold.  Smaller and more daintier, the ladies ring measures a finger size 7.5.  A clipped-corner slice of black onyx fills the entire top of the mounting with a single round diamond set in the center.  Each shoulder features a small ribbed detail that narrows to form the remainder of the band.  Priced at just $375.00, this is a real steal!  A true rectangle of black onyx is the focal point of the mens piece.  Nestled within a yellow gold frame, this dark stone showcases a small round diamond in the center.  Scrollwork decorates both shoulders and linear details adorn the top.  It’s currently a finger size 9.75; it’s available for just $1,275.00.  

Perfect for any couple, these two rings could be worn on either the left or right hand.  The classic design and timeless appeal will make these vintage beauties into the heirlooms of your future.  Stop by and check them 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

His and Hers – Volume Six

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Complementary Rings

Crafted over four decades apart, this unique duo of rings offer a harmonious blend of cool white gold and stark black onyx.  These rings have been a popular go-to choice for nearly 100 years.  The classic color combination of black and white is a style that appeals to a wide audience of jewelry lovers everywhere.  

Many of these simplistic beauties were made near the end of the Art Deco era in the 1930’s.  This ladies ring is one such example.  With an artfully sculpted hourglass shape, the 10-karat white gold ring has an elegant allure.  The onyx center stone presents with a softly arched profile that takes up almost the entire top of the piece.  A narrow framework holds it in place with prongs located at 12, 3, 6 and 9:00 o’clock.

One tiny single-cut diamond is nestled within a diamond-shaped setting on top of the onyx stone.  Graceful lines pair with polished sophistication in this 1930’s gem, priced at just $275.00.

It’s handsome counterpart was crafted in the 1970’s.  Designed for a larger hand, this ring is made from 18-karat white gold.  Polished to a pristine shine, the wide shank meets the center section at a perpendicular angle.  The middle of this ring is set with a curved black onyx.  It is the same shape as the onyx in the ladies ring, although this one is set in an east/west orientation.  

Flanking the onyx are two lines of diamonds.  Each one is set with four single-cut diamonds – these stones have a combined weight of .25 carat.  Adding a hint of sparkle to this otherwise stark ring, the diamonds are a much needed bright spot in this ring – it’s available now for $950.00.

These two ring aren’t wedding bands – and they don’t match.  However, they sing together in perfect harmony.  If you and your sweetheart are looking for an outward symbol of your connection, this pair of rings is ideal!  They’re available on our website – click on over and check them out. 

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

 

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 129

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Some people are crazy over diamonds, some love sapphires.  Maybe you’re a pearl fan.  For me, it’s the little things.  I can’t resist tiny treasures… not just small in size, but also small in price.  I adore trinkets that I can buy for myself, guilt free!  This week, we have a pair of rings that are practically perfect in every way AND won’t break the bank.

Pick your poison – white gold or yellow, each of these two rings feature a shell cameo.  Simplistic in design, the yellow gold ring resembles a picture frame.  Made from 10 karat gold, it offers an uncomplicated style that is easy to wear.  In contrast, the other ring is overflowing with fine points.  Fourteen karat white gold wire is carefully woven into an intricately beautiful setting that holds the brown and white shell cameo.  Further enhancing the band of the ring are subtle engraved patterns.  And my favorite feature is the tiny diamond necklace the adorns the neck of the figure!  Both visions of vintage delight, right?

But wait!  There’s more…  check out this clever element.  The center of each ring spins on a pivot pin, allowing it to flip over.

Once fully locked in place, these two rings each have a smooth black onyx stone where the seashell cameo was just a moment before.  These unique gems are often called flip rings.  These pieces have dual personalities, offering two distinct looks in just one ring.  

Like a game of hide-and-seek, these photos allow a unique peek from the back.  This behind the scenes perspective clearly illustrates the ability for each side to hide behind the other.  Two looks for the price of one.  Speaking of price, as promised, these beauties are affordable.  The yellow gold flip ring is available for just $375 and the white gold one sells for only $475.  The tiny treasures are indicative of the kinds of things you’ll find in Joe’s Special Box.  If you love them as much as we do, call the store or stop by for additional details. 

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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