Rock crystal quartz Archive

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 171

January 31, 2026January 12, 2026 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Detailed metalwork and delicate design were the earmarks of the Edwardian era. Exquisite lace-like 10-karat white gold combines beautifully with a singular piece of rock crystal quartz. Utterly feminine, the romantic style of the early 1900’s whispers softly of grace and beauty.

Carved and frosted, an oblong piece of rock crystal sits center stage in this alluring enchantress. Ensconced within a frame of coiled wires and beaded edges, this quartz has one diamond in the middle. A single-cut with a mere seventeen facets, this diamond weighs just .03 carat. Small but mighty, it twinkles and shine with every turn of the wrist.

Ten sculpted links create the remainder of the bracelet. Open in the center, each link is just like the one before. It’s as light as a feather; barely perceptible on the arm. Authentic and original, this bracelet is a true piece of antique jewelry. Impeccable condition and irresistible charm combine in perfect harmony. Priced at just $1,275.00, this bracelet is available now. Stop by and check it out for yourself!

“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- Volume 91

November 3, 2025 by Joden Girl

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

Hot or Not – Volume 22

May 9, 2025 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

Heart-themed jewelry is always a brave choice. It tends to create strong feelings; people either love it or they don’t. There’s no middle of the road. You’re either all in or all out. For a very long time, I was firmly in the latter category. I was vehemently against any and all heart jewelry. But over time, my own heart has softened. Don’t get me wrong… there is still an over-abundance of tacky heart jewelry. But we also have some great heart pieces, too! In fact, there are several on our site, like these…

There is something to love about each of these pieces. Estate jewelry like this has much to offer, including great value. Sometimes I find myself on the fence about a piece, especially when there are some great aspects but also something that gives me pause. Recently, we added these vintage heart earrings to our collection. They’re made from 18-karat yellow gold. Higher karat gold nearly always signifies jewelry that is particularly well-made and stylish.

A 10mm flat-backed gold bead sits atop a heart-shaped piece of rock crystal quartz. Silky smooth to the touch, this colorless gem has been frosted – giving it a foggy appearance. A high-polish fitted bezel surrounds the heart and is attached to the bead. As earrings often do, these unique pieces mirror each other. One has a bezel set ruby on the left side and the other has one on the right side. These opaque rubies showcase a hue that is more pink than red and have a combined weight of approximately 1.00 carat. They measure 1.5 inches from the top to the bottom. Typically, I choose small earrings. I don’t care for anything that is heavy or awkward in the ear. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that these hearts are comfortable.

A peek at the back of the gold ball reveals a couple interesting details. There is, of course, the “750” hallmark, noting the purity of the gold. There is also a star, and the letters “VA”. The letters tell us that the earrings were made in Varese… a city in Northern Italy. The star tells us that they were made after 1970. A hinge between the two pieces allow them to sway back and forth with the movement of the body. Italian gold jewelry is celebrated for its superior quality and craftsmanship; these modern earrings are in excellent condition and priced at just $1400.00. It’s truly a question of personal style… what do you think? Are these heart earrings hot? Or not?

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling and Discounted Things

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

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