Patina Archive

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 142

September 16, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

When I showed this ring to Jay, he wrinkled up his nose and made a face. Then I told him that I got it from Joe’s Special Box and that it was going to be a featured blog piece. Another nose crinkle and an “Ugh!” later and I haven’t changed my mind. Jay doesn’t like it AT ALL. Joe likes it so much that he squirrelled it away in his office. I’m somewhere in between – there’s something about it.

Made in a band style, this three-row ring is crafted from 18-karat white gold. A somewhat unusual patina has developed on the gold, giving it a dark appearance around the diamonds and a slight yellowish cast to the metal. This can easily be removed with a visit to our shop. In the hands of an expert, a fine polish and rhodium plating could have this ring looking like new. If you’re wondering why we haven’t done that already, the answer is simple. I love patina. It’s character that develops over time, usually years. Though it can be removed in a moment, there’s no going back. It can’t be replaced. In the vintage jewelry world, alterations and cleaning must be carefully considered.

Five round cabochon jadeite gems span the center. Two rows of eight single-cut diamonds provide a border for those bright green stones with one row on each side. Offering a combined weight of .25 carat, they add a hint of sparkle to this unusual band. It would make a great non-traditional wedding band or simply a fun right-hand ring. Style is subjective; it’s unexpected and even controversial. Perhaps you are team Jay and give this ring a definite thumbs down; maybe you side with Joe and think it’s special and worthy of saving. Or maybe you’re like me and find yourself sitting on the fence. With a price of just $500, there’s no doubt that it will bring a pop of color to your life.

“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 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

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling and Crossover Things

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