Patina Archive

Precious Patina

October 25, 2019October 23, 2019 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Oxidized Things

Made pre-1860, it’s impossible to say whether this crescent moon brooch is late Georgian or early Victorian. What I can say is that it is near perfection. Two rows of rose cut diamonds have been handset into individual sculpted seats, while a third center row is raised and fitted with eight buttercups. Carefully fixed into each one is an Old Mine Cut diamond. A ten-petaled flower sits atop the crescent. Yet another Old Mine Cut diamond forms the middle of the blossom and is orbitted by ten pinched collets also featuring rose cut diamonds. This romantic detail is one of my favorite parts of the brooch.

These photographs illustrate the labor intensive work that was needed to expertly craft this elegant beauty. Ornate metal work is a trademark of the early 1800’s as is the two tone color of the profile… rosy yellow gold has been topped with a layer of silver… another little aspect that I adore. My absolute favorite design element has to be that gorgeous patina. Hundreds of years of exposure to air allowed this thin layer of oxidation to settle over every nook and cranny of the crescent moon. This aging process adds another dimension to the piece that, to me, is everything. Cleaning it would be a sin!

Pair the pin with these earrings to complete your look. Movement is the key to these gems! The top portion (a lovely flower) stays stationary on the lobe, while the lower part swings freely. This motion allows light to dance across the surface of the diamonds, creating a dazzling effect. A matched pair of deep red rubies form the center of each earring. They are surrounded by a ring of ten pinched collets – perfectly mimicking the design of the crescent moon!

The two tone vibe of the brooch is also duplicated in the earrings as well as that dark patina, drawing yet another parallel between these vintage charmers. Wear them alone or together, the choice is yours. Make the brooch yours for $3,480 and the earrings for $4,700. These pieces and so much more are available every day at Joden.

“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 78

September 4, 2019 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

A beautiful cross pendant… very few things have as much meaning as this simple yet significant piece of jewelry. For thousands of years, this symbol of faith has been crafted from a myriad of materials… stone, wood, and precious metal. From the most primitive to the highly ornate, nothing could be more iconic.

These two beauties are no exception… a pair of vintage pieces featuring superb craftsmanship and classic elegance.

Silver on 15 karat yellow gold – it’s a true antique treasure! The patina on this Georgian cross is glorious. I love how it pools heavily in each crevice then nearly fades away on the rounded arches. Six natural pearls and eighteen rose cut diamonds bejewel the front side of this pendant. It slides on a platinum pearl chain and is available now for $3,850.00.

This gem is an Edwardian showstopper made from 15 karat yellow gold topped with a layer of platinum. The body of the cross is accented with a series of 15 pearls and one round diamond center. The lace-like appearance is achieved utilizing milgrain edging, rose cut diamond trim and a hand pierced pattern. Worn on an 18 karat white gold chain with black enameled segments, this cross is available for $2,750.00.

Actions speak louder than words. Show your faith with an exceptional cross from Joden.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

All Tied Up

July 18, 2019 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Edwardian Things

This charming turn-of-the-century necklace has us all tied up in knots. From the crest of each bow loop to the tip of those bezel set diamond dangles – it is absolutely enchanting. A soft yellow gold has been topped with a layer of platinum, aged to perfection. A glorious patina (heavier in the nooks and crannies) coats the surface and highlights each diamond detail. These are clues, revealing the age… early Edwardian, made around 1900. Here are some photos from behind, showcasing the classic two tone style.

If only we could all look this good at nearly 120 years old! The pendant itself measures less than two inches in length and hangs from a 17 inch split chain. Each half of the delicate chain attaches to the loops of the most adorable little bow. Made from fine filigree, it features a series of sixteen rose cut diamonds that are hand set into the scalloped edges and pointed tips of the tails. One fully faceted diamond creates the knot in the center of the bow. It is set within a tiny milgrain-edged bezel and completes the bow to perfection.

The final and perhaps most engaging element of this Edwardian pendant are the two drops… one slightly longer than the other. The narrowest of wires connects to the base of the bow with a nearly invisible hinge. These drops get wider as they get longer and each one is set with three individual diamonds… the largest of the stones finishing the dangle. So much detail is encompassed within this relatively small piece! A piece of jewelry like this, in pristine condition, commands a big price. This beauty is available now for $1,480.00.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe