Signature Series – Volume 11

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Quality Things

When asked “How do you come about creating your designs?”, Jose Hess answered simply “It’s a flower, it’s the morning rising sun, it’s a tree, the leaves.  It’s all love.”  This beautiful sentiment and countless others are captured in “The Beauty in All” – a coffee table book penned by Jose’s wife, Magdalena Hess.

Hess and his family fled Nazi Germany in 1938 when Jose (then called Josef) was just five years old.  By the time he was 14, Jose began working in the jewelry industry learning the art of fabrication and hand-setting gemstones.  Just three years later, he immigrated to the United States where he continued to work in the industry, graduated high school and began studying at the Gemological Institute of America.

At 25, Jose began pursuing a career under his own name.  In 1963, he won his first award – the DeBeers Diamonds International Award for a diamond leaf brooch.  The rest as they say, is history.  He garnered over a dozen more awards during the course of his career.  While perusing their website www.josehess.com, I discovered this line…

“We utilize the finest materials, and each piece is handmade to order.  It has always been our personal belief that that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated and our brand continues to hold that philosophy sacred.”

That’s the spirit that inspired and created these statement earrings.  Made entirely of 18-karat yellow gold, these heart-shaped beauties are the latest addition to our estate department. 

A curvaceous double-line borders the outer edge of each earring – capturing forty-three round brilliant diamonds inside each one.  Combined, these eighty-six diamonds have a total weight of 4.50 carats.  Shimmering from every angle, these earrings shine with style and sophistication.  

Omega style fold-over backs keep this impressive beauties perfectly positioned on the ear.  Shown from behind, even the back side of the earrings present a high-polish sheen.  

Peep the classic Jose Hess signature plaquard – the mark of true craftsmanship.  Take a moment to admire these designer darlings on the ear, then stop by the store where they’re available for just $4,750.00.  With the holidays just a few weeks away, begin and end your shopping at Joden.  We have something for everyone on your list.  

“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 54

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

One of the best parts of my job is that there is always something new to learn.  Before writing the blog each week, I consult with Joe or Jay.  We chat about the pieces… why I selected them, important details, any background information and the selling price.  

Today, I held up the small plastic bag with these cool modern earrings inside.  Jay glanced at them and said in an offhand way…  “Oh yeah… those antique poker chip earrings.”  Um, what?  With just a few quick keystrokes, Jay was able to show me exactly what he was talking about.  

In the early 19th century, Chinese artisans carved mother-of-pearl pieces to be sold to Britain.  There were ovals, circles, rectangles and even fish shapes.  With a myriad of sizes and designs to denote different denominations, these counters were used for gambling.  In more recent years, these unique and unusual tokens were converted into jewelry.  So cool.  I absolutely love learning new things!

Initially, I was drawn to the simplistic shape and sleek design.  These marquise slices of iridescent shell have a simple low-relief pattern etched into the surface.  It’s carved on both the front and the back, making the earrings lovely from every angle.  A 14-karat yellow gold bezel encapsulates the outer rim of the shell.  The entire piece dangles from a small round gold bead.  

Lightweight and easy to wear, these earrings are the perfect accessory.  Priced at just $550, they offer a big look for a little bit of money.  Check them out in the store today.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Vintage Victorian

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Quiet Things

Defined as big and bold, statement earrings were all the rage in 2021 – these attention grabbing stunners encapsulated everything from large diamond studs to Victorian chandeliers.  Perhaps you indulged in a killer pair of gold hoops or daring shoulder-sweeping fringe earrings.  These have become your go-to accessory for the days when your confidence is through the roof and also for the days when you need a pick-me-up.  They’re audacious and an absolute “must-have” in your jewelry box.

But what about the in-between days?  The comfortable, feel-good, normal days…  the cozy sweater and leggings kind of days?  On an average Wednesday, reach for these quiet beauties.  

Made from two shades of 14-karat gold, these earrings are everything you never knew you needed.  With articulated moving parts, they swing enchantingly in the ear.  The details are soft and subtle…  with voluptuous curves and small engraved patterns, they’re lightweight and comfortable in the ear.  The overall feel is botanical combining the rosy gold that Victorian jewelry is known for with the brighter, more yellow-y hue of high-karat gold.  

The lower portion of the earring is original and authentic from the late 1800’s, although the shepherd’s hook tops are a more modern addition.  A tiny c-shaped catch keeps the wire closed, a nice safety feature.  Four dainty navette-shapes dangle from the bottom of each one, adding even more movement and charm. 

These are earrings that you will find yourself wearing more and more often.  They speak softly, adding a touch of loveliness to an otherwise ordinary day.  While they may not be considered statement earrings by most, they could easily become YOUR statement earrings…  a testament to quiet joy and the happiness of a mundane day.  They’re available on our site for just $950.00 – make them 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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