Platinum on gold Archive

Filigree Finery

May 5, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Intricate Things

Less than 24 hours… it’s not a record, but it’s still pretty darn great. That’s how long these earrings lasted on our website. The blog posted Monday, and by Tuesday… sold! Your response inspired us to select a complementary piece for today’s post – we know you’re going to love it too! ♥

Defined as thin metal wire (usually gold or platinum) formed into delicate patterns – filigree is light, airy and incredibly lovely. This style of decorative art pairs lace-like detail with open spaces and delicate coiled wires. The end result is exquisite ethereal elegance. It is one of the most iconic earmarks of vintage jewelry. Filigree is most often associated with the early 20th century.

Encompassing the years from 1901-1910, the Edwardian era is frequently characterized by a yellow gold foundation topped by a layer of platinum.

Shown here, the base structure of this bracelet shines with the warmth of yellow gold iced with a blanket of crisp white platinum. An elongated diamond shape marks the center of the bracelet. Perfectly placed in the middle is a round diamond sunk within a square setting. Flanking the diamond are six natural French-cut sapphires. Bright blue in color, these gems have a total weight of approximately .40 carat. Two additional diamonds are seated within the bracelet – combined with the center stone, these three European cuts have a complete weight of .25 carat.

The remaining seventeen rectangular links showcase a gossamer cobweb of fine wirework. The pattern stars a four-petaled blossom between a pair of leaves. The clasp is cleverly hidden within the final link. Outlining the entire length of the piece is a narrow engraved border – it frames the bracelet on the top and bottom edges.

One final detail brings the vintage vibe full circle… rows of tiny beads cover each line and curve of the bracelet. It’s called milgrain and it is the quintessential mark of Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry. It adds texture and creates defined borders and sharpens the overall pattern and design.

On the wrist, it’s ideally sized for every occasion. Wear it with anything and everything – it’s perfect anywhere and everywhere. In superb condition, you might be surprised to discover that this beauty is available on our site now for just $1,400.00! Pop on over and check it out for yourself. If you love it… grab it. Past experience has proven that pieces like this don’t last long.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Blurred Lines

March 18, 2022 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Cryptic Things

Victorian, Edwardian or somewhere in between? While there have been years assigned to each era, it’s not always possible to look at the artifacts and relics and pin a precise period upon each one. More often than not, the lines are blurred… and the styles blend together in the most beautiful ways.

Once a brooch, this conversion necklace is made from a combination of 14 karat yellow gold and silver. The warm tone of the gold forms the base of the piece although it is only visible from the back. From the front, the look is monochromatic. A light patina is the only detectable hint of darkness. The unique blending of metals is characteristic of both Victorian and Edwardian. In the 1800’s, the feature was created by layering silver over gold – but by the very early 20th century, the introduction of platinum both elevated and refined the concept.

Generally speaking, silver-topped gold indicates Victorian while platinum-topped gold most often suggests Edwardian – although it isn’t always black and white. A lovely array of swirling lines intersect to create the frame. Seven Old Mine Cut diamonds have been bezel set in the heart of the piece. These stones have a combined weight of approximately 1.00 carat. The lip of each collet (or bezel) features a precise row of tiny beads known as milgrain. This detail would become a trademark of the Edwardian era.

Decorating the vines are ten small leaf-like settings, each one containing a bright rose cut diamond. Eighteen of these primitively faceted stones are sprinkled throughout the piece and offer an additional .18 carat of sparkle. The most unusual detail of this design are the five briolette cut gems that dangle from the bottom edge. Nearly colorless, these beauties could easily be mistaken for diamonds – however, they’re not. The faint blue stones are actually aquamarines… the birthstone for March!

Delicately detailed from top to bottom, this pendant combines the best that the Victorian and Edwardian eras had to offer. Priced at just $2,250.00 – this conversion necklace is new to the Joden site and simply too good to resist. But you don’t have to take my word for it, check it 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

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

Baubles, Bling and Intricate Things

Baubles, Bling and Cryptic Things

Baubles, Bling, and Edwardian Things

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