What’s New – Volume 107

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

There are some things that you simply cannot admit.  And if you do, you have to brace yourself for the reaction.  For example…

  • I’m not a dog person.  And no, I don’t think dogs need to go everywhere their human goes.
  • I prefer the quiet solace of my sewing room to the company of most people.  
  • There is a zero-percent chance that I will watch the Super Bowl.
  • I hate pearls.  

After more than twenty-five years in the jewelry industry, I can say for sure that I do not now nor have I ever liked pearls.  I can recognize quality pearls when I see them.  I appreciate the amazing process that creates pearls.  I just don’t find them particularly appealing.  Usually.

This necklace is not your stereotypical strand of pearls.  It is, in fact, thirty-five strands of micro-tiny seed pearls.  Hand strung on silken cord; these delicate gems are quite incredible.  Less than 1 mm in size, each one offers a lustrous, creamy hue.  A singular strand doesn’t look like much.  Five strands isn’t much better… but somehow, thirty-five strands is absolute perfection.

There are approximately 462 pearls on each strand; the total number for the complete necklace is 16,170.  Seed pearls are natural, organic gems that measure less then 2 mm.  Primarily harvested from wild saltwater oysters and the fresh water mussels of the Persian Gulf, India and China, seed pearls became popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras.  With a length of 20-inches, this necklace is modern with a 14-karat yellow gold clasp.

I could not have imagined that I would be completely smitten by a strand of pearls.  And, technically, I’m not.  I have fallen in love with thirty-five strands!  It’s not just about how they look, but also how they feel.  The necklace is light and airy, caressing the skin like fine satin sheets.  It can be left loose, with the individual lengths laying one on top of the other.  Or, it can be gently twisted for an elevated, elegant look.  

Priced at $1,850.00, it’s a steal…. just 11.5 cents per pearl.  If you’re like me and pearls have never been your jam, give these a second look.  They’re simply irresistible.

“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 – Volume 158

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Here in Pennsylvania, it’s very cold.  Over the next few days, the weatherman is calling for the temperature to dip below zero.  And since I haven’t hit the lottery (probably because I don’t play the lottery), I still have to go to work.  Heading out in subzero temperatures can only mean one thing… it’s sweater weather!  One of my favorite things about bundling up in a thick, cozy sweater is accessorizing.  A turtleneck is the perfect place to showcase a pretty little pin… and this dainty charmer is SO good!

Measuring just over an inch from side to side, this turn-of-the-century brooch is ideally sized.  Shown from behind, the rich hue of the gold framework features a lovely patina that darkens the color.  Taking the shape of a sideways navette, the center segment also boasts a glass-covered hair receiver.  Beneath the glass, the woven ivory fabric is still pristine – with nary a hair in sight.  This tiny compartment has never been used.  Note the beautiful scallops that envelop the outer edge.  Six carefully sculpted contours have been intricately set with five seed pearls in each one.  

My favorite detail of this pin is the lovely enameling that decorates the front.  A deep garnet-colored enamel done in guilloche fashion coats the center.  Small, regular hashmarks were etched into the surface of the gold before the enamel was applied.  Because the enamel is translucent, this subtle patterning can be appreciated through the enamel.  A slightly raised border fully surrounds the center; it has been coated with an opaque white enamel.  Evenly spaced on top of the white enamel are sixteen minute black dots… a small detail that makes all the difference.

Splayed across the top of the red enamel is a singular flower.  Made from various sizes of creamy seed pearls, this five-petaled blossom is like the icing on a cake – finishing the brooch to perfection.  Beautifully made and utterly feminine, this piece can be enjoyed all year long.  Pin it to your sweaters in the winter, jackets in the spring and fall, and on a collar or cuff in the summer.  Moderately priced at $1500, this pin brings a welcome pop of color on a cold January day.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 147

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

At their peak of popularity, around the turn of the 20th century, lavalier necklaces graced the necklines of ladies of all ages.  These charming pieces are comprised of a series of smaller links or swirls with a singular dangling gem at the base (most often this was a pearl). 

Delicate and dainty, these late Victorian darlings also often featured small colored gemstones, like this one.  Made entirely of 9-karat yellow gold, this little number from Joe’s Special Box is adorned with not one but two round garnets.  

A charming botanical theme brings this pendant to life.  The outline is accented by three small six-petaled flowers with a tiny seed pearl in the center.  Alternating with these blossoms are three pairs of leaves.  This foliage is also set with small ivory-colored seed pearls.  

Shown on the neck, you can appreciate the ultra feminine vibe of this late 1800’s necklace.  At Joden, we have quite a collection of lavaliers with a wide assortment of gems.  With so many to choose from, you’re sure to discover your birthstone or the birthstone of someone you love.  For January babies or garnet lovers, this particular one is available for just $1,250.oo.  Give us a call to make it yours today.

“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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