Joe’s Special Box – Volume 1

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Behind the golden oak door of Joe’s desk are three worn cardboard boxes.  Each is hand-inscribed with a thick, black Sharpie…  “Joe’s Special Box”.  The edges of the boxes have split apart and been repaired with clear tape.  Each one is filled to overflowing with delicious little treasures – the best of the best. 

For as long as I can remember, Joe has kept this small stash; a jewelry lover’s dream.  It all began with one small box for one small girl…  Joe’s daughter, Sara.  When Joe found a piece that was particularly sweet – he tucked it in the box with the intention of giving it to Sara someday.  None of the items were terribly expensive, but they were pristine.  Each one even more lovely than the last.  Did I mention that the items inside were not for sale?

As the years went by and the business grew, so did the box.  Now that it has expanded into three boxes, Joe is willing to make some of the items available to you.  Each week, I will be sharing an item from the box.

I adore these conversion earrings!  Originally they were cufflinks that graced the cuffs of a gentleman’s sleeves  – since then, they’ve been converted to the earrings you see here. 

The center of each one is a hand-carved piece of deep-sea red coral – cut into a Victorian square.  The coral is accented by four platinum marquises… each one set with three tiny rose cut diamonds.  The outer ring is created from a circular sculpted piece of black onyx.  The deceptively simple design is the epitome of Edwardian elegance.  Available now for just $800.

Don’t forget to tune in each Monday for the newest item from Joe’s Special Box.  Until then…

Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

The “B” Word

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Financial Things

Let’s face it…  the “B” word – it’s the word that makes all girls cringe – BUDGET!  While it may be awkward to talk about, the budget is one of the most crucial pieces of information in the quest to find the ideal engagement ring.  Some girls are economical, frugal even…  others are definitely budget busters!  We have rings for both, and everyone in between. 

Now let’s take a closer look at three of my favorites…

  

Made entirely of platinum, this sweet little beauty dates back to the end of the Art Deco period – 1940.  A .22 carat transitional cut round brilliant diamond is nestled in a classic square-cornered setting.  Additional vintage details include milgrain beaded edges, angular lines, and single-cut diamond trim.  Priced at just $1500, this one won’t break the bank!

  

For me, this one is all about that killer Old Mine Cut diamond in the center…  weighing in at 1.23 carats, it is simply stunning.  This diamond strikes the perfect balance of the four C’s  – that cushion cut, that beautiful white color, no visible imperfections, and it weighs just over one carat.  What more could a girl want? 

 

This ring is like a darling little bow tied on top of your finger.  Handmade from 18 karat white gold, the loops of the bow curl around the delicate diamond trim.  The center is reminiscent of the first ring, with a .25 carat diamond set in a square-cornered design.  Also budget friendly (priced at $1400.00), it won’t last long.

One, two, even three months salary…  these can seem like very daunting numbers.  And yet, many experts recommend using these guidelines to determine your engagement ring budget.  Consider them exactly that – a guideline, a suggestion.  Whether your budget is $100 or $100,000 – your ring is at Joden Jewelers.  Come visit me…  you’ll see for yourself that the only thing greater than our selection is our customer service. 

Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

A Revival

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Rejuvenated Things

Four months…  that’s how long it’s been since I sat down to share a story, a treasure, or a lovely little trinket with you.  I’m excited to be back – I feel rejuvenated! 

In business and in life, a new year often inspires (or requires) us to do inventory – whether it be a mental accounting of our own day to day habits or an actual itemization of our assets and possessions.  Joden is no exception.  The month of January (and often February) has us going over every single piece of jewelry…  Every.  Single.  Piece.

The most mundane part – the absolute worst part – of inventory is writing new tags.  Those tiny gold tags that are attached to each item.  I hate writing tags.  A lot.  I prolong it.  I ask my coworkers to write them for me.  Anything for a distraction.  My favorite form of procrastination is trying on jewels – especially rings!  I like to stack them on my left hand so that I can admire them while writing those darn little tags! 

That’s exactly how I discovered these beauties.  I was digging through a tray of vintage rings (not writing tags!) and there they were.  Just waiting for me.  Imagine this pile of rose gold goodness stacked on each finger, three or four rings high – maybe a midi band (a charming little ring worn between your top two knuckles) or two… Victorian treasures too good to resist!  These antique bands were all the rage during the 1880’s and 1890’s.  Sometimes referred to as “Cigar Bands”, they feature deeply engraved patterns in an eclectic mix of styles. 

There are flowers and leaves, tiny four-leaf clovers, lacey edges, and scrolled lines.  Some are gold-filled while others are crafted from 10 or 14 karat.  Each one is over 150 years old – some still have initials and wedding dates carefully inscribed inside.  I love them all…  especially the fourth one from the top.  It’s mine.  I wear it on the middle finger of my left hand.  Its soft rosy glow is a perfect complement to the cool platinum and buttery 18 karat yellow gold of my wedding rings (shown below).

They are ideal wedding bands, right-hand rings, middle and index finger rings.  They’re adorable midi rings, and perfect for everyday wear.  Each is unique with a style all its own.  Come visit me at Joden – you’ll be as enchanted as I am!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

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