Pick of the Week- Volume 91

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Discounted Things

As you know, this blog is a team effort…  I am the words and my co-worker and dear friend, Dana, is the pictures.  Even in the midst of the ChatGPT and AI era, I still write each blog myself and Dana takes each photo.  Without her expertise, I could not do my job.  It’s often a small detail or a particular angle that Dana captures that allows me to see something I didn’t see before; sometimes, a simple snapshot gives me fresh perspective.  Today, we’re focusing on a Mid Century Modern brooch.  This is the third set of pictures that Dana has taken for this particular jewel.  First, she captured it’s essence for an earlier blog, Birds of a Feather. Originally penned in 2022, that blog talked about two pieces made by the legendary Raymond Yard.  One of the pieces sold, but this brooch remains.  

The above picture was taken as part of a series for our website where this brooch is listed.  Made entirely of 14-karat yellow gold, it’s quite lovely.  Called a reverse crystal (or Essex crystal), this type of jewelry is made by carving into the back of a piece of rock crystal quartz.  After the image is carved, it’s painted.  Finally, it is affixed to a sliver of mother-of-pearl.  Once complete, it looks three-dimensional.  Oak branch and leaf fauna provides a haven for this lifelike depiction of a Downy Woodpecker.  Known for his small size, short bill and red patch on the back of his head, this little cutie can be found all over North America.   Completing the framed piece is a sculpted oak branch with a pair of leaves and two acorns. 

These final photos capture the wear-ability to perfection.  Peep the fold-over bail that allows it to be worn as a pendant and the sturdy pin-stem that enables the wearer to fasten it to everything from a blouse to a wool coat.  Having pieces of jewelry that can be worn multiple ways is a key element in a well-balanced wardrobe.  At the bottom of the back, the “Yard” signature is in full view, adding to the value.  Previously offered for $5,250.00, we are lowering the price to just $3,300.00.  You need this Yard bird in your life; so, take advantage of these incredible savings today. 

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Pick of the Week Holiday Edition – Volume 8

Joden Girl

Baubles and Bling with Unbelievable Pricing

One of the most advantageous aspects of estate jewelry is the ability to purchase a desirable designer piece at a price that makes sense.  For more than fifty years, Joden Jewelers has worked tirelessly to curate a collection of antique and estate jewelry that is not only beautiful but also great value.  Quite often, we are able to acquire true couture jewels from iconic designers like Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef, and Raymond Yard.  We truly love bringing our customers the best of the best at an affordable price.

This reverse crystal brooch brings the acorn woodpecker to life.  With animated features, this charming feathered creature is showcased within the lofty branches of an oak tree.  Reverse crystal (Essex crystal) jewelry begins with a cabochon piece of rock quartz.  An image or picture is etched into the back side of the quartz and is then handpainted.  When viewed from the top, it appears to be three-dimensional. 

Created by Raymond Yard, this charming piece can be enjoyed as either a pin or a pendant.  My favorite detail of the brooch is the styling.  The nature vibe doesn’t stop with the reverse crystal, it continues into the frame.  Mr. Yard carved a 14-karat yellow gold branch to nestle the large oval showpiece upon.  The sculpted and lifelike feel of the branch sings in harmony with the scene painted within. 

Previously priced at $5,250.00, this enchanting piece is available now for just $4,475.00!  If this beautiful bird is singing your song, fly over to our site and make him yours today.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Birds of a Feather

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Feathered Things

In Pennsylvania, it often feels like we experience more than simply spring, summer, fall and winter…  there’s even a joke referencing twelve different seasons!  This week, with temperatures in the mid-50’s, we entered into the “Spring of Deception”.  Although Punxsutawney Phil has guaranteed that winter isn’t over yet, it was absolutely delightful to hear the birds chirping this morning.  Their cheerful song put a smile on my face.

This charming bracelet by famous maker “Raymond Yard” depicts five birds that are native to Pennsylvania.  Each colorful fowl has been artfully crafted in the form of a reverse crystal.  These unique portraits are made by carving into the back of a piece of rock crystal.  Next, they’re painted and then backed with mother-of-pearl, making each one seem three-dimensional.  From left to right, there is a bright cardinal, a red-winged blackbird, a blue jay, a redheaded woodpecker and finally an oriole.  Each tiny painting is a miniature work of art, complete with branches, leaves and vibrant flowers.

Perhaps my favorite part of this bracelet are the extra links between each bird.  Yard, a master of detail, didn’t use simple gold links between the crystals.  The 14 karat golden links are carved in the form of tiny nests and enchanting birdhouses.  This Mid Century Modern gem is available now for just $4,980.00.

Pair the bracelet with this bewitching brooch.  Showcasing a Downy Woodpecker, this reverse crystal painting is intricately detailed and too good to miss.  Doubling as a pendant, the oval-shaped pin is also signed “Raymond Yard”.  Perched in an open oak tree, the natural beauty of this black and white creature has been captured to perfection. 

Every element sings in unison, right down to the carved golden branch with acorns that lays at the base of this brooch.  Priced at $5,250.00 – this North-American bird is sure to bring a smile to your face…  even in the Spring of Deception.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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