Conversion Diversion

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Recreated Things

My mother’s jewelry box was always a mystery to me as a child.  I can see it in my mind so clearly…  a hinged lid that when opened, revealed two drawers of little square compartments overflowing with assorted trinkets and treasures.  I loved digging down into the layers, pulling out my favorite pieces…  a silver charm bracelet with mechanical charms (a tiny rotary telephone with a moving dial, a baby buggy with spinning wheels), a matching earring and necklace set comprised of a series of small wooden beads, and a Retro style ring with a synthetic ruby center.  Piece after piece, each one more intriguing than the next to my six-year-old eyes.  The box always sat on my mother’s dresser, neatly centered in front of the oversize mirror.  Unfortunately, she never wore the pieces inside. 

I know this resonates with many of you.  We all have those pieces that seem to float around the bottom of our jewelry box – getting pushed aside time and again as we sift through  searching for our favorites.  For many of us, the items that don’t get worn are pins…  circle pins, lapel pins, lingerie pins, and stick pins. 

At Joden, we have drawers full of stick pins…  hundreds of them.  We have enameled flowers, seed pearl accented love knots, hearts, and clovers, there are animals of every kind, sparkling gemstones, both silver and gold.  Stick pins are a great accessory and still look good threaded through a scarf or necktie – but if you’re just not a pin girl, here are some charming options. 

 

The photo on the left shows a sampling of former stick pins that have been converted to tiny charms.  The photo on the right showcases one of them on a delicate gold chain.  It’s a perfect pendant; able to be worn every day.  It’s a signature piece that can be worn alone or layered with another necklace or two. 

 

Maybe you have more than one stick pin, or perhaps you would like to start collecting them.  The bracelet on the left is a progression of cabochon gemstone charms- moonstone, amethyst, turquoise, jade, and opal.  The theme of the bracelet on the right is diamond trim – while each charm is uniquely different, the diamond accents bring it all together. 

Whether you have pins of your own or perhaps you need to check out the selection available at Joden, it’s all about conversion – giving new life to an old treasure.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

A Metamorphosis

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Transforming Things

As 2016 is drawing to an end, and we are on the cusp of a new year – I find myself reflecting over the past month.  The holidays are a magical time…  we gather together with family and friends, we share stories and give gifts, we celebrate, and we eat.  Everywhere you turn, there are treats both savory and sweet.  Every year, I over-indulge.  I turn into The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle). 

“On Saturday he ate through one piece of chocolate cake, one ice-cream cone, one pickle, one slice of Swiss cheese, one slice of salami, one lollipop, one piece of cherry pie, one sausage, one cupcake, and one slice of watermelon.” 

But instead, it’s more like…  She ate through one mound of cheesy potatoes, one Oreo bonbon, half a wheel of brie, a bowl of marinated mushrooms, a pile of fresh veggies, too many shrimp to count, three peanut butter buckeyes, one pepperoni ball, several snickerdoodles, and one brown sugar and cinnamon Pop Tart. 

Unfortunately, I am unable to weave myself into a cocoon and emerge as a beautiful butterfly.  But if I could, perhaps it would be one of these… Georgian or Art Nouveau, each of these winged creatures brings a smile to my face.  And hopefully yours as well.

This pristine brooch was hand crafted nearly 200 years ago of yellow gold and silver, set with old cut rubies and sapphires, and accented by rose cut diamonds.  I love everything about it – from the wiry golden legs to the tips of the antennae – it’s a steal at just $1500.00.

This is Art Nouveau at it’s finest.  Made like a stained glass window, the gold framework of this butterfly brooch has been filled with irridescent transparent enamel; reflecting multicolor tones of amber, peach, and orange.  This technique is known as Plique A´ Jour.  The tips of each wing feature vibrant blue enamel with glittery flecks to further enhance its beauty.  Seven rose cut diamonds form the body, completing the piece to perfection. 

Butterflies have long been symbols of change, hope, and life.  I can’t think of a better way to end 2016.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

From Garnets to Zircons

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Birthstone Things

For the third gift of Christmas, it’s all about birthstones – that special stone corresponding to the month you were born. There are various lists out there and alternate choices for some months, however, this one seems to be generally accepted:

birthstones

Did you know that more babies are born in August than any other month? It’s true; making peridot the most common birthstone. The peridot jewelry made during the Art Nouveau period was anything BUT common. Check out this exceptional example from the late 1890’s.  Originally available for $4500, it is now a featured Pick of the Week and has been price adjusted to just $3,650.00.  It’s an Art Nouveau must!

peridot-bracelet

September boasts the second highest number of births – making sapphire quite a popular birthstone as well. These Edwardian earrings appeal to my love of converted jewelry.  Once, they were graced the cuffs of a gentleman’s shirt, now they are a fantastic pair of earrings featuring intricate patterns of engraving and two tiny cabochon sapphires. Yours for just $400!

sapphire-earrings

Rounding out the top three most popular birth months is July – giving us lots of ruby babies. At Joden we offer a wide selection of Victorian rings…  these five are among the cream of the crop. Each of them is in pristine condition utilizing seed pearls and diamonds to enhance their ruby centers. These rings are all available in our showroom; priced between $600-$1900 each. Take one home today!

Whatever your birthstone may be, Joden is THE place to find your perfect birthstone piece.

Go to our site and look, or come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

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