Patina Archive

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

Little Things

August 5, 2020 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Sweetest Ring

It’s easy to be awestruck by a big diamond ring; blinded by the dazzling display of light reflecting off each and every facet of that bold gem. Joden is known for diamonds that weigh over two carats each – sparklers of every shape and size, the perfect fit for every hand. We have customers across the United States – and even some in other countries who fly in just to shop our decadent array of diamonds. But don’t let those luxury rings scare you away! For every opulent jewel in our inventory there is a super sweet tiny treasure.

Dana and I have been smitten with this little beauty since we acquired it just last month. Made near the end of the Mid-Victorian period (circa 1865) from a rosy 14 karat gold, the simplicity of the design is irresistible. Nestled within a platinum bezel is an oval shaped rose cut diamond that weighs approximately .32 carat. This unique cut was inspired by the shape of a rose bud; the artful arrangement of triangular facets offers an exceptional appearance and distinctive brilliance.

The side profile reveals just a hint of design and a glorious patina that has darkened the crevices where the band meets the center. While that dark tarnish would have some running to the ultrasonic, I am in love. I’m crazy over this small detail that has taken over 150 years to develop. It speaks to the age and character of this little darling. Modestly priced at just $1,125.00… check it out on our site today.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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