Patina Archive

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 136

October 18, 2021 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

If you’ve been searching for a ring that is truly unique, look no further. This unusual find from Joe’s Special Box dates back to the Mid-Victorian period. Made entirely of silver, this beauty offers a lovely elongated shape that sits perfectly on the finger.

Each of the twelve diamonds set in the ring are rose cuts. Every one is held within an open back setting, a detail of Victorian era gems. Earlier Georgian pieces utilized closed-back construction. These openings allow for light to reach the diamonds and also add ease to the cleaning process. The primitive rose cut showcases a flat back with a domed and lightly faceted top. Said to sparkle best in candle light, this early diamond cut reached a peak of popularity when candles became readily available to everyone, not just the wealthy. Diamond sales surged with the advances in the candle making process.

The center rose cut is a pear-shape. It is surrounded by a series of eleven more diamonds set in the leaf-like details of the ring. The combined weight of all twelve stones is approximately .50 carat. Over the past 160 years, the silver framework of the ring has tarnished to black… this patina is the very thing that makes me love this ring. It speaks to the age of this antique gem and although it could be cleaned, it would change the feel of the ring entirely. Now a featured item on our website, this beauty from the mid-1860’s is available for $2,500.00.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Silver and Gold

May 21, 2021 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Crossover Things

There are no clear cut lines when one period ends and another begins. Though we have assigned years to each of the eras, the lines between are more smudged than those time brackets indicate. Instead, the style of one era bleeds into the next, inspiring new ideas and still harkening back to the beauty that came before. Some of the loveliest pieces are challenging to pigeonhole into a particular period. They’re a crossover – carrying the best of one time period into the next, sparking imagination and creativity.

Georgian pieces are often made from a combination of silver on a gold base – a color pairing that continued on in the early and mid Victorian period. Now, nearly 200 years later… the silver portion of these gems has tarnished in the best possible way.

These beautiful earrings have a dark, rich patina settled into every curve and line. It accentuates the bright diamonds and soft tone of the yellow gold framework. Made in three distinct sections, these earrings are set with twenty Old Mine Cut diamonds of varying sizes. Combined, these gems have a total weight of 1.20 carats! Because the earrings are articulated, they move with you… sparkling from every angle.

These diamond dangles were made in the 1850’s – true antiques. If you go by the date, they’re early Victorian. But if you go by the look, they’re more Georgian. Either way, these earrings do not disappoint. They’re in near perfect condition and are an ideal size. Measuring just over an inch, these can be worn casually but are also a great choice for a night out! I love the look of these earrings… I’m a sucker for patina and the versatility of these beauties makes them even more appealing. Priced at $2,100.00 – these will quickly become your new favorites.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

A Pop of Pink

October 30, 2020 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Pink Things

October is breast cancer awareness month. Pink has become so much more than just a color. It’s a battle cry and quiet reverence at the same time. Many survivors and family members proudly wear this pale hue. It’s a celebration of the lives saved and a way of honoring those that we’ve lost.

Made at the turn of the 20th century, this Edwardian beauty brings the pink with an elegant flair. This short era (1901-1910) marked by the reign of King Edward VII represents one of the most iconic looks in jewelry history. Early pieces, like this one, were entirely hand-fabricated. Each swirl and curved line was individually cut, rolled and assembled.

A base of yellow gold was used as a vehicle to introduce a new and initially under-valued metal into the market – platinum. The value of gold was widely accepted – but platinum was unknown. The combination of the two, layered one on top of the other proved to be an unbeatable combination. Close inspection of this delicate pendant reveals a special kind of patina. The artisan utilized yellow gold based solder to weld each piece together. Over time, those solder joints have yellowed providing provenance and authenticating it as a true antique.

A stylized heart shape is constructed from botanical branches featuring tiny leaves and a pair of triple-looped bows. Primitive rose cut diamonds catch the light with just a hint of sparkle and one small natural pearl is fitted to the lower portion. A duo of pink zircons provide a pop of color in an otherwise monochromatic theme. Each of these stones is set within a yellow gold bezel. Milgrain beaded edges finish the overall look with classic Edwardian style. Moderately priced at $2,550, this utterly feminine jewel will delight anyone lucky enough to wear it.

Honor someone special in your life with this antique gem available exclusively at Joden.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe