Retro ring Archive

What’s New – Volume 41

August 22, 2022 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

Thoughts of Retro jewelry often conjure visions of rose gold accented with diamonds and rubies. The 1940’s accessories of choice were bold statement pieces… large swirling stylized bow brooches and rings that reached from knuckle to knuckle. In addition to the candy red ruby trim, pops of color were provided by center stones choices like aquamarine and citrine.

Dubbed the Retro era, it encompassed the end of the 1930’s through the 1940’s and coincided with WWII. Due to the war, precious metals were rare and even restricted in some cases. Higher percentages of alloys like copper were added to the available gold to make the small quantities stretch farther. With larger amounts of copper, the gold presented with a lovely pink hue.

This week’s find is a petite gem from the 1940’s, however, it doesn’t present any of the telltale signs. Made from a combination of 14-karat white and yellow gold, it feels more like Edwardian revival than Retro.

Shaped like a sideways “Z”, the top portion of the ring is a delightful zigzag filled with diamonds. There are fifteen round diamonds that have a combined weight of .30 carat. These small stones glitter in the light, bringing a bit of sparkle to the hand. Priced at just $525.00, this sweet little ring is the latest edition to our estate department and is available on our website!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Getting Personal with the Personnel – Volume 4

August 19, 2022 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Insider Information

At work, she’s the Thelma to my Louise, the jelly to my peanut butter… she’s my partner in crime. Her name is Dana and she’s been with the company for over seven years. Beginning as a part-time sales associate at a small local chain jewelry store and later managing a major brand store, we were lucky to steal her away. Beginning in 1996, Dana has over twenty-six years of jewelry experience; she brings an engaging personality and a wealth of knowledge to our team.

For the last four years, she and I have joined forces to maximize the internet presence of Joden Jewelers. After nearly a decade of struggling to build an online brand, Dana and I inherited a bit of a challenge. Dana is the face behind the camera. Self-taught, she is gifted with photography. Her photos are the very thing that attract people to our website and social media. Together, Dana and I have tripled our Facebook and Instagram followers. She single-handedly manages joden.com; Dana took it from a basic catalog to a true online store. With her pictures and my words – we were destined for success.

Shortly after Dana started at Joden, she discovered her love of Victorian mourning jewelry. Coming from a small family and being an only child, these nostalgic pieces connected with her sentimental side and passion to preserve the past. Her personal collection boasts several unique treasures… including the two rings and small oval pin shown here. The cushion-shaped brooch is her favorite piece at Joden. A Victorian hair locket from the late 1800’s, this charmer features a frame made from fine wirework, eight natural pearls and eight pink gems. The star of the show are the golden locks of hair intricately braided together and meticulously safe-guarded beneath the glass. This rare find is available for just $2,750.00.

On the flip side, this large Retro ring is near the bottom of Dana’s list. Made from 14-karat rose gold with a platinum top, it presents quite a formidable figure. A deep golden emerald-cut citrine sits in the center – it weighs over 35.00 carats. Trimmed with fourteen square rubies and six round diamonds, this statement ring is a bold choice. Although it is extremely well-made and superior in quality, this 1940’s knuckle duster is simply too large and overdone for Dana’s style.

Enjoy the magic of Dana’s photos every day by liking us on Facebook and following us on Instagram. Then stop by the store and introduce yourself to her… you’re going to love her as much as we do!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

What’s New – Volume 5

November 29, 2021 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and The Latest Things

The word retro is defined as reviving the style of the past. That definition alone makes me think that the 1940’s era known as the Retro period was a bit of a misnomer. The bold jewels created in the years during and after WWII were unlike anything ever seen before. Rather than being reminiscent of the past, as the name suggests, these gems were modern marvels that offered real style and design.

The Retro era is not typically well represented in our inventory. We have a handful of pieces from time to time but not a lot. Recently, these striking beauties have been popping up more and more. I chose a colorful trio of rings that showcase everything the era was known for.

A decorative celebration of rose and yellow gold accented by a hint of platinum, this whimsical ring combines a botanical vibe with asymmetrical flair. The trumpet blossom and berry configuration features eight round diamonds that have a total weight of .20 carat and fourteen rubies that have a total weight of .35 carat. This ring is priced at $1980.00,

Resembling a buckle, this ring is 14 karat rose gold with platinum trim. A spray of eight rubies are set in a semi-circle on the outer edge… these bright red gems have a combined weight of .25 carat. Accenting the tongue portion of the buckle style are four round diamonds that have a total weight of .20 carat. The round shape of the ring is pleasing to the eye… this fun piece is priced at $975.00,

Finally, we have the wonderous ribbon ring featured on the far left side of this threesome. The oversize scrolls are made from 14 karat rose gold. The ring is decorated with twenty-one round diamonds, each set in platinum trim. These diamonds have a combined weight of 1.00 carat. Bringing an element of color to the design are eight round rubies. Set between the diamonds, these bold red gems have a combined weight of .50 carat. My favorite of the three, this ring is priced at $3,250.00.

If you’ve been looking to add something unique to your jewelry wardrobe, look no further. Retro is the way to go.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe