Windows to the Soul

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Lover’s Things

Called a lover’s eye, or an eye miniature, these are some of the rarest and highly collectible pieces of antique jewelry. Just as their name states, they are tiny watercolor paintings (most often done on ivory) of an eye… and nothing else.  The painting is usually surrounded by a decorative frame and covered with a piece of protective glass.  You may be wondering, “Why just an eye?”

Sources say that the eye belonged to a loved one, usually a forbidden love.  It was believed that if the painting only featured an eye, it would be nearly impossible to identify who is depicted.  Because in the case of a clandestine affair, anonymity is everything.  Only the person wearing the piece would know the secret identity.  Very romantic…

Most lover’s eyes were made from the late 1700’s to the early 1800’s.  Experts believe that fewer than 1000 of them are still in existence.  Here at Joden, we have three.  The one pictured above has already been purchased by a private collector, these two are available now. 

 

Near the end of the 1800’s, Queen Victoria revived the lover’s eye.  However, Victoria had them created of all of her loved ones:  her children, family, and friends.  Often, they became mourning jewelry, as many of them featured a hair receiver on the back.  The use of pearls often symbolized tears.  What a beautiful treasure!

 

Come to Joden to see these incredible love tokens,  and remember…

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Go Green

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Emerald Rings

Wednesday was my birthday – the 31st of May…  making emerald my birthstone.  It’s rare that I find a piece of emerald jewelry that appeals to me, and when I do – the price usually exceeds my comfort zone.

To be considered fine quality, these gems must exemplify two attributes – an intense green hue that can only be described as “emerald green” and a high degree of transparency.  Stones like this are rare.  And usually quite expensive.  So, when I saw this little beauty – I was pleasantly surprised.  I love the whimsical flower design (of course!) – AND it’s affordable. 

White gold, natural pear-shaped emeralds, and tiny diamond accents combine perfectly to create this five-petal blossom.  For me, it’s a right hand ring… I love the way it looks on a middle finger!  You will, too.  Go to our site and check it out.

If you’re looking for a classic style, these two pieces are ideal.  Both rings feature delicate diamond halos encircling round emeralds – traditional elegance with a bright pop of color.  Choose one for your right hand, or your left…  you can’t go wrong! 

 

Now that you’re positively green with envy – go to our site and turn ours into yours!  Get Joden Girl delivered right to your inbox by clicking on the newsletter link and subscribing today. 

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Talk to Me

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Old School Things

This past March marked our 46th year of business, over half a lifetime for owner Joe Murawski; undeniably time well spent.  Most days Joe can be found in his office, the helm of Joden Jewelers – steering the ship.  Joe is usually lounging in his chair, Italian leather loafers resting on the edge of the desk, a strong cup of coffee steaming in front of him, with the phone pressed to his ear.  To the casual observer, it looks like chit chat; friendly banter.  Those people couldn’t be more wrong.  This is where the real business happens.  Jewelry skates across the desk at an alarming pace.  Connections are established, maintained, and solidified.

Last week, I introduced you to the work of Carlo Giuliano.  I mentioned the enameled cross, pictured below.  What I didn’t tell you was that this piece was acquired as the result of several telephone calls.

giuliano-cross-sideways

While these photos are quite good, they can not begin to share the exquisite details of this rare beauty.  The body of the cross is comprised of six rectangular sections, each one centered on a precious gem, either a diamond, emerald, or sapphire.  Each of these stones is surrounded by a border of white enamel with black and blue swirls.  To further accent this piece, the side and back of each segment are enameled as well, in more complex patterns featuring the addition of powder blue and soft pink enamel.  No matter where you look, you will find a new detail:  a natural pearl, a French cut ruby, or a tiny gold bead.

            

In a time where most businesses are dependent on computers, here at Joden, we’re kicking it old school.  We’ll stick with the telephone.  You never know who or what might be on the other end.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

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