Joe’s Special Box – Volume 162

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Thing

Last week, we shared a piece of jewelry from the Retro era (the late 1930’s-1940’s) – a bold band that is SO good.  Those years not only designated the Retro period but also the Great Depression.  Arguably the most devasting economic downturn in United States history, the depression saw unprecedented unemployment rates, businesses going belly up and a radical decline in economic activity.  It wasn’t until World War II started that things started to turn around.  Preparing for war fueled industrial production which created jobs.  The war efforts also gobbled up all of the platinum using it for manufacturing rifle and engine parts as well as explosives.  Rather than inhibiting jewelers, the loss of platinum inspired them to create an entirely new trend.  By alloying gold with a higher ratio of copper, rose gold entered the picture in a big way.  

The majority of Retro jewelry was big and bold.  Statement pieces were all the rage – gold was manipulated into scrolls and volutes; it was woven, braided and entwined.  There were leaves, ribbons and my favorite… bows.  This simple yet incredibly feminine form has been adorning jewelry for centuries.  Bows were particularly beloved during the Edwardian era.  It came to the forefront once again in the 1940’s.  Vintage bow brooches are readily available as are pendants and necklaces.  But rings are rare.

This sweetheart just arrived and we are in love!  Uncomplicated and effortless in design, this beribboned ring offers endless charm.  Made of 14-karat rose gold, it’s a finger size seven.  It sits perfectly on the index and middle fingers of my left hand.  The knot in the center of the bow is white gold and is set with an Old European Cut diamond that weighs approximately .10 carat.  Adding the perfect amount of sparkle to this triple loop bow.  A small space separates each loop and remnants of the original milgrain beading remain on the edges of those loops.  The tails of the bow drape down the shoulders of the ring, completing the look.

Perfect for so many occasions, this vintage ring is priced at just $465.00.  Although it was well loved by previous owners, there is still plenty of life left in it.  Choose it for any reason or no reason at all – it’s just too sweet to let it go!  Check it out on our site today.  

“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 71

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

At first sight, many may not know what this gemstone is – some might even suspect that it isn’t a genuine stone.  Pale pink in color, this fair beauty has occasionally been referred to as an American stone because is was first discovered in California.  

A little-known variety of the mineral Spodumene, this pastel gem was discovered by George Frederick Kunz in 1902.  One year later in 1903, it was officially dubbed kunzite in honor of its founder.  Kunz had been a rock hound since early childhood.  He began working for Tiffany & Co. in 1879.  By the age of just 23, he had risen through the ranks to become the Vice President of Gemology for the iconic company – a position he held until his death in 1932.  

Showcased within an 18-karat rose gold ring, this emerald-cut kunzite weighs approximately 40 carats.  It is not uncommon to find this gem in large sizes.  In fact, kunzite crystals have been discovered that are over 40 feet long and 5 feet wide!  

 This Retro ring highlights the soft hue of the gem to perfection.  Flanking the large center stone are six single-cut diamonds.  Each one, set within a square setting, is stacked in a horizontal trio.  These diamonds have a combined weight of .35 carat – just a hint of sparkle.  

Shown on the hand, the ring reaches from knuckle to knuckle.  It’s impressive in size but soft and understated in style and color.  Perfect for spring, pair this natural beauty with your favorite oversized sweater for on-trend statement appeal.  Moderately priced at $3,380.00, this ring is available in our store now.

“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 19

Joden Girl

Baubles and Bling with Unbelievable Pricing

This sweet little treat was highlighted in our holiday gift guide for 2019.  Made in a subtle three-stone style, it has all the earmarks of a quick-seller –

  • All aglow with the shine of 14 karat rose gold, this is a true beauty.
  • Delicate styling (including three tiny halos) makes this gem perfect for any hand.
  • A classic round brilliant diamond sits center stage, bringing the bling to this ring. 

I have to wonder…  why hasn’t it sold?  Perhaps you’re thinking it’s the color of the metal.  Just a couple of years ago, I might have agreed with you.  I was certain that rose gold was going to be a passing fancy, a trend.  There have only been a handful of times in jewelry history where this pink-hued metal reigned supreme.  Admittedly, not every customer who comes through the door is looking for it, however rose gold is still a very popular request here at Joden.  

Maybe your guess is that it’s the design.  Typically, I am not a halo girl – but there’s something about this ring.  It’s so charming!  Often halos seem to swallow up the center stone, detracting from it’s inherent beauty.  But in this case, those dainty diamond circles add just a touch of sparkle in all the right places – they enhance that .71 carat round brilliant diamond to perfection.

All of this has me thinking that the only possible reason that this ring hasn’t sold must be the price!  It’s been certified by the International Gemological Institute of America, declaring the retail replacement value to be $6,125.00.  

Let’s crunch the numbers –

  • International Gemological Institute of America Value:  $6,125.00
  • Original Joden Price:  $4,590.00
  • Pick of the Week Price:  $3,750.00

Hop on over to our website and check it out for yourself.  With the new unbelievable pricing, this enchantress won’t last long!

“Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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