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

What’s New – Volume 30

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and The Latest Things

At first glance, jewelry can often appear to be simple – straightforward.  But with the help of a loupe and a trained eye, we can begin to appreciate each detail.  Recently we acquired a real Art Deco stunner.  Like most pieces from the era, this vision is made entirely of platinum.  The shank of the ring is narrow and delicate…  at the shoulder, it forks into three fingers.  The outer two are basic clean lines but the center one is an artfully tapered leaf-like form.  It flares out at the top and then comes back to a point.  This elegant element is duplicated on the other side.  

Those six fingers cradle the center component – two diamond squares.  The outer equilateral figure is filled with twelve round diamonds that have a combined weight of approximately .50 carat.  They form a border for a single center diamond.  This square emerald cut sparkler weighs approximately .70 carat and is set within a milgrain-edged border.  The appeal of a step-cut diamond is different than that of a brilliant-cut stone.  Step-cuts offer an enchanting sophisticated charm.  The two outlines that encase the twelve round diamonds also feature the same beaded edge.  Milgrain is a classic detail that was very prominent in the Art Deco period.  There is a perfectly symmetrical gap between the center stone and the halo that surrounds it.  This seemingly irrelevant detail is my favorite part of the ring.  The space between the inner and outer squares accentuates the crisp, clean refinement of the center stone.

The ring is striking on the hand.  It’s in superb original condition considering it was made in the 1930’s.  Soon to be a featured piece on our site, this estate ring is available now for $4,900.00.  

“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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