Pick of the Week – Volume 87

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Discounted Things

The turn of the 20th century was a magical time in the jewelry world.  Three unique periods collided to create some of the most iconic jewels of all time.  Technically, the Victorian era ended with the death of Queen Victoria on January 22, 1901 – however, her influence reached far into the 1900’s.  The Art Nouveau period has been recorded as the years between 1890-1910 – just two short decades, but arguably one of the most important periods.  Concurrently, the Edwardian era lasted from 1901-1910.  You don’t have to try to imagine the beauty that can come from three exemplary periods coming together, we can show you…

Utterly feminine, this small brooch exemplifies characteristics of the Victorian, Art Nouveau and Edwardian times.  The base of the piece is yellow gold that has been topped with a thin layer of platinum, a detail often seen in the very early 1900’s.  The platinum has been micro-set with sixty-four rose cut diamonds that offer .75 carat of twinkling sparkle.  This primitive cut was prevalent in the mid to late 1800’s.  The rough material was fashioned with a flat back and a faceted, rounded top.  Due to its resemblance to a flower, it was dubbed a “rose cut”.  

Enclosed inside the diamond halo and protected with a thin, glass crystal is a whimsical painting of a young woman. These kinds of paintings and elaborate enamel works often featured the female form and were all the rage in the Art Nouveau period.  Enjoying a breezy day, she is having an afternoon dalliance with a pair of dragonflies.  Her scarf billows out behind her while her dress blows against her legs, gathering behind her.  Both of her arms are raised; her hands acting as a tether for the two kite-like dragonflies.  Like a great conductor, she is guiding the ethereal insects along a melodious gust of wind.  

This brooch is in excellent condition, and has been part of our antique collection for quite some time, priced at $4500.00.  In our efforts to bring back the brooch, we are now offering it for just $2,950.00.  Already an antique, this beauty is sure to be a treasured family heirloom for generations yet to come.  

“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 Meets Pick of the Week – Volume 67

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and A Collector’s Things

Oftentimes, we acquire a piece that is reminiscent of something we already have; not like twins separated at birth, more like cousins.  There’s a strong family resemblance, and they definitely work well together but also offer their own unique personality and charm.  A couple of months ago, the loveliest pair of earrings became part of our antique and estate collection.  

Made from a glorious pairing of low-karat gold and silver, these earrings dangle enchantingly from the ear.  A dainty white pearl is affixed to the top of the post.  (The post itself is modern, made from 14-karat yellow gold.  A fair assessment would be that the earrings were originally non-pieced and were converted at a later date.  The remainder of the earrings is authentic and original.)  Just below the pearl is a stem of four rose cut diamonds, each one in a collet setting.  

Finally, my favorite portion of the earrings is the small flower at the base.  I’m a sucker for daisies – and this is no exception.  Sixteen rose cut diamonds have been expertly fitted into the eight petals that surround the natural pearl center.  A subtle patina has added a slight color to the surface of the metal, allowing the diamonds to pop.  Made near the 1860’s, these ethereal beauties are early Victorian.  The forty rose-cut diamonds have a combined weight of approximately .40 carat and offer the perfect amount of sparkle.  Dancing enchantingly from each ear, these earrings are available for $1500.00.

As soon as I saw the earrings, my mind instantly flashed back to another early Victorian flower.  Featured in a blog a few years ago, this silver and gold beauty is also covered in rose-cut diamonds… forty-eight of them, in fact.  Sparkling with every turn, they’re prong-set into two graduated rows of petals.  These primitively cut gems offer 2.00 carats of brilliance.  I love the rich, dark patina that has developed on the surface of the silver.  It’s the ideal complement to the bright, white diamonds.  The final touch is a singular creamy white pearl nestled in the center of the blossom.  
The pin stem has a threaded mechanism that attaches it to the back of the flower.  Removable features like this often indicate that the piece was once able to be worn in multiple ways.  Perhaps the flower threaded onto a pendant, or even a ring.  It’s a mystery that can never be solved.  This brooch has been on our site for quite a while, priced at $3,500.00.  Today, we’re changing that.  As a Pick of the Week, we are now offering it for just $2,500 – a savings of $1,000.00!  

These two pieces aren’t identically matched.  Each one has details that make it special and each one is lovely in its own rite… but together, they’re magical.  With today’s price drop, you can make BOTH pieces yours for just $4,000.00 – it’s a deal too good to pass up.  

 

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

Pick of the Week – Volume 66

Joden Girl

Baubles and Bling with Unbelievable Pricing

This special edition of our weekly blog postings is reserved for true treasures that have been a part of our collection for an extended period of time.  These old favorites have long been overlooked for one reason or another.  This week’s selection is so lovely, I cannot fathom why we still have it.  In fact, I’m completely mystified.

Albeit sizable, this Edwardian pendant offers ethereal charm from every angle.  Because it was created from platinum, a dense and very ductile precious metal, the artist was able to achieve a light and airy framework.  Platinum, strong and malleable, was the only choice to craft the delicate, lacy patterns that early 20th century jewelry was known for.  Studying the pendant from behind, there is no doubt that the framework was made specifically for a uniquely cut gem.

The overall shape of the pendant resembles a heart (minus the divot at the top) with swirling vines and scintillating sparkle.  Seventy-three rose cut diamonds are sprinkled throughout the filigree frame; combined, these diamonds have a total weight of 1.25 carats.  As I mentioned before, this framework was made with a very specifically-shaped spot in the center…  the hexagonal hole has been set with a deep purple step-cut amethyst.  The color of royalty and weighing approximately 25.00 carats, this gemstone is the crowning glory of this Edwardian pendant.  

We have had this beauty for some time, in fact, I blogged about it once before in a post titled “Feeling Fancy Friday“.  We have paired it with a vintage 14-karat white gold chain that measures 24-inches in length.  The chain features an alternating pattern of elongated open links and oval links with scrolled centers.  The pendant could also be worn on a short chain for an evening look.  It’s hard to believe that no one has snagged this antique treasure!  The only objection I can imagine anyone making would be the price.  And so, we’ve decided to remedy that.  Previously available on our site for $5,650.00, we are now offering it for just $4,750.00!  If you’ve had your eye on this old favorite, now is the time to make it yours.  ♥

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

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