Forties Foray

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Deep Blue Things

Last week we talked about Blurred Lines, the years that mark the end of one era and the beginning of the next.  Inspiration and creativity don’t simply stop and start with the exact years of each period… for example, the Art Deco age didn’t spontaneously commence on the first day of 1919 and conclude on the final day of 1939.  In the days, weeks and months before and after the designated years, there were small and perhaps seemingly insignificant changes that led to each entirely new and exciting era.  

The most notable characteristics of Art Deco jewelry include the use of white metal, geometric lines, shapes and patterns, innovative stones cuts, and masterful use of color.  As I mentioned, the Art Deco period spans from 1919-1939.  The next remarkable era is Retro…  which stretches from the late 1930’s to the early 1950’s.  Gold was the quintessential metal of choice, often in shades of rose, yellow and even green.  It was woven, braided and coiled into scrolls, ribbons and bows.  These motifs were often large, showcasing semi-precious stones such as aquamarine, topaz and amethyst.  Precious stones like diamonds, sapphires and rubies were difficult to procure and used sparingly in small sizes.  

This beauty displays whispers of both eras.  Constructed entirely of platinum, the edge of the ring waves up and down in soft elegant curves.  Each contour is diamond set, the outer rows feature step-cut diamonds, while the two center rows highlight rounds.  There are fourteen square and rectangular cut diamonds that have a combined weight of .75 carat; there are sixteen round diamonds with a total weight of .50 carat.  

Shown on the hand, the ring is perfectly sized…  not petite and yet also not overwhelming.  Set at a jaunty angle in the middle of the ring is a deep blue emerald cut sapphire.  This step-cut sparkler weighs approximately 1.40 carats.  Offering details from both the Art Deco and the Retro era, this ring was created around 1940.  Effortless style and timeless elegance captured within a singular ring – this era-bending bling is available for now for $3,250.00.  Click over to our site and check it out for yourself.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 138

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

It was no surprise to discover this sweet little ring tucked away in Joe’s Special Box… it’s everything any antique jewelry lover could want.  Perfectly petite and made from 18-karat white gold, this Art Deco ring is in near perfect condition from top to bottom.  Currently measuring a size 6.25, it can be adjusted up or down to accommodate most finger sizes (within reason).  

Typical of the Art Deco era, the center stone is a square cut simulated blue sapphire.  Artisans often opted for synthetic colored stones due to their color consistency and flawless clarity.  Although it’s not a natural sapphire, the bright blue hue of this little stone provides a great pop of color for this otherwise monochromatic ring.  It is nestled between a matched pair of Old European cut diamonds.  These two gems have a combined weight of approximately .08 carat.  Their high crown angles and open culets speak to the age of the diamonds as well as the ring itself.  All three stones are framed by a milgrain-edged elongated hexagon border.  

Situated just outside that beaded edge is a secondary perimeter – this one is accentuated by a hand-engraved pattern of diagonal lines mixed with round arches.  The decorative etching continues down the apex of each shoulder with a chevron pattern that gets smaller as it descends.  Further filling in the shoulders and both sides of the ring are two distinct filigree designs… one is a series of curves and the other resembles a row of columns with a scalloped top.  

All of this intricate and precise detail is accomplished on a miniature scale – this ring measures just half an inch across the top.  It’s dainty, darling and available!  It’s priced at $800 – a steal for a ring that looks like it’s never been worn.  Check it out in our 144 South Broad Street showroom or on our website.  

“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 62

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

With yellow gold reigning supreme as THE metal of choice, our cases are overflowing with exceptional examples of this warm rich medium.  Although gold is great on its own, it’s also the ideal accent for gemstones of every color… especially sapphires.  There’s nothing like the deep full-bodied tone of 18-karat yellow gold paired with vibrant vivid blue sapphires.  

This ring is a bold statement piece.  Measuring just over a half-inch wide on the top and tapering to a quarter-inch at the back – it’s sturdy and strong. Featuring five distinct rows of stones, this ring alternates diamond, sapphire, diamond, sapphire and diamond.  The outside edges are set with fifty round brilliant diamonds while the center row highlights two step-cut square diamonds and two tapered baguettes.  These fifty-four diamonds have a total weight of .64 carats.  Nestled into the rows between are twenty-eight square sapphires.  Reminiscent of your favorite denim jeans, the tone of these sapphires is the perfect medium blue.  They offer 2.50 carats of subtle shine.

Seated atop this beautiful broad acre of glittering gems is one octagonal step-cut natural sapphire.  Graded by the Gemological Institute of America, the stone hails from Thailand – a country that produces some of the finest sapphires in the world.  This stunner weighs exactly 2.65 carats and flawlessly matches the color of the other twenty-eight blue beauties.  

This ring is a prime example of the advantage of a modern piece.  Expert manufacturing complete with clean-out holes behind every stone ensure the longevity of the ring.  Diamond rates as a 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and sapphires (aka corundum) rank at a nine; these gems aren’t just pretty, they’re durable too.  Every element of this ring from the superb construction to the stone choice promises that this ring can be worn every single day.  It’s a piece of jewelry made to be loved and enjoyed.  Priced at $6,500.00 – this is the choice that will last a lifetime.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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