What’s New – Volume 98

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

At Joden, something “new” is rarely a freshly manufactured, brand-spanking new piece.  Instead, it’s most often something that is new to us and our inventory.  It’s not an exaggeration to say that we get a superfluous influx of jewelry every single day.  The range of style and quality is vast…  everything from literal scrap gold to a rare antique diamond ring.  One of my favorite things to do is sort through a lot, designating each item to its next destination.  Some things will go directly to the refinery, either because they’re simply too damaged to salvage or undesirable in today’s market.  Once the scrap is removed, the remaining pieces will be evaluated, cleaned and/or repaired and then filtered into our system.  This, of course, is when we find some of our favorite things…  vintage charms, thick gold bands, unique stud earrings and so much more.  These are the treasures that find their way here, and ultimately to you.

This ring is a perfect example.  Made 10-karat gold, this Retro ring is simple elegance.  Bezel-set in the center is a 7mm round blue zircon.  Offering cool Caribbean water vibes, the color of this gemstone is everything!  Zircon is perhaps the most under-utilized gemstone.  Available is a myriad of colors, this stone is one of the most brilliant non-diamond gems.  Blue is the most popular hue; the depth of the tone is directly related to the price.  The deep rich blue color commands a higher ticket price and is nearly always the result of heat treatment.  Zircon is a very clean stone internally, a fact that makes it an ideal choice for a ring.

Flanking the center stone are two small diamonds.  Each one is bead set inside the kite-shaped trim at the top of the shoulder.  My favorite part of this vintage ring is the patina that has developed over the past eighty years.  The gold looks rosy is some areas and yellow in others.  Deep in the crevices and around every contour, the tarnish is a wonderful shade of purplish black.  I gave the ring a good steam bath to remove any dirt and debris from the underside without erasing that patina.  I cannot fathom why anyone would want to polish away that luxurious shading that took decades to develop.  Like the perfect pair of jeans, it hugs and highlights all the best parts of the ring.  Measuring a generous size 9.5, I like the way it looks on my index finger.  Priced at just $675.00, this one is available on our website.  It won’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

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 161

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Thing

The Retro era is perhaps the most underrated of all the jewelry periods.  Encompassing the late 1930’s through the 1940’s, the Retro era coincided with World War II.  It was the single most defining event to directly impact the jewelry market.  Platinum was reserved for the war effort – it was a crucial element in making rifle and engine parts, explosives and armaments.  Because it was absolutely essential elsewhere, this precious metal was strictly prohibited for use in jewelry.  That fact closed the door on Art Deco and opened a window for something fresh and new.  Creative genius stepped in; the gold that was available was alloyed with a higher percentage of copper resulting in a strikingly beautiful pinkish hue.  Rose gold would become the face of the Retro era.  Jewelers also experimented with other alloys, a process that introduced more colors of gold.  Oftentimes, multiple hues were used in the same piece, like this one…

Measuring just shy of 12mm wide, this band is a delightful confection of color.  Made entirely of 14-karat, the main body of the band is rose gold. The surface has a raised, textured finish…  hundreds of tiny beads are speckled from one scalloped edge to the other.  A botanical pattern has been appliqued to the rose gold band.  There are white gold blossoms with rose gold centers, yellow gold sprays, and small rose gold flowers artfully arranged around the circumference of the ring.  It’s made in an eternity style, with no beginning and no end.  This band is size 8.25.  Much like Cinderella’s slipper, it needs to be a perfect fit as it cannot be sized.  I’ve tried it on all of my fingers, but alas, I am doomed to the fate of an ugly stepsister… it just doesn’t fit.  Maybe you will be the lucky one!

 

 

There are eight round diamonds decorating the band.  With a combined weight of .65 carat, they offer a hint of sparkle to this whimsically-inspired look.  If you’ve been searching for a signature look – something special that can be worn daily – look no further.  This bold beauty is moderately priced at $1,975.00.  Stop by to determine your fate… will you be an ugly stepsister like me, or will you be Cinderella?

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Click To Call!