Symbolism Archive

A Star Was Born

August 28, 2019 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Talismanic Things

I was immediately drawn to this ring. Bearing all the markers of the Art Deco period, this platinum piece positively glows. I loved the subtle star motif, it was so unique! I nabbed it right away, knowing that this is exactly the kind of ring that gets the most response on Social Media… you guys go crazy for diamond bling! I tucked it into the bag of blog pieces and didn’t think another thing about it.

It wasn’t until Dana and I started reviewing the blog pieces for the week that she said… “You know that’s an Eastern Star ring, right?” I didn’t know. I had noticed the star, but somehow missed the tiny gavel on one shoulder and the number 38 on the other.

Symbols have been widely utilized in jewelry for hundreds of years. It’s a method of communication… representing information and ideas that may either be personal or shared. Often, these emblems link like-minded individuals by providing a visual sign of their common ground and mutual beliefs.

The Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S.) is a division of the Masons, founded by Robert Morris in 1850. As a mason himself, he felt strongly that women would be a huge asset to the organization and would only increase the goodwill and deeds being done by them. O.E.S. is the largest fraternal order that accepts both men and women with over one million members worldwide.

As for the ring, it boasts a gorgeous Old European Cut diamond in the pentagon shaped center of the star. This diamond weighs approximately .45 carat. Another twenty-three single-cut diamonds have been artfully set into the five arms of the star and surrounding metalwork; these diamonds have a combined weight of .25 carat. Delicate milgrain edges and lightly engraved shoulders add Art Deco appeal. This beauty is available now for just $2,450.00.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Let Your Light Shine Down

September 16, 2023April 22, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Illuminated Things

“In nature, light creates the color.” – Hans Hoffman

Plique à Jour… this French phrase loosely translates to “let the daylight in”. In jewelry, it refers to a style of enameling akin to stained glass…. and like a finely stained glass window, it comes alive when you hold it up to the light. The framework seems to disappear, leaving a shimmering rainbow glow.

This piece has laid on the shelf behind Joe’s desk since the day he bought it… somehow it has managed to avoid being placed in with the regular inventory. It’s been passed over 100 times or more – maybe even forgotten. I think it’s because when it lays on the shelf, it doesn’t look like much. Just metal and glass. But the moment you pick it up and hold it to the light… that’s when the magic happens.

It’s a complete metamorphosis. My eyes hardly know where to look first… the blue, green, and purple hues are completely captivating. Suddenly, I wanted to see more.

Symbolism abounds in this early Art Nouveau creation, and it’s all about an awakening – a resurgence of life… Did you see the lotus blossom at the top? The lotus has long been a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and rebirth. Every night this resilient flower submerges itself beneath murky waters only to re-bloom the next morning without a single drop of residue on its petals, completely immaculate.

Now, feast your eyes on the brilliant blue butterfly at the center of the piece – perhaps a Blue Morpho. Butterflies are thought to exemplify endurance, change, and hope. They are the ultimate symbol of resurrection. Notice that the face of the butterfly is a cherub. Cherubs are thought to keep vigil over those in need of strength, faith, and renewal. The hidden meaning knows no bounds.

Holding it to the light, I am bewitched… and when it rests in my hand, I am beguiled and bewildered. First, bewitched by the vast array of color (i.e. remember your first box of 64 Crayola’s?); then beguiled and bewildered by the complexity of the mind that was not only able to dream of this artistry, but also bring it to life.

Call for special pricing and availability.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Shells, Stones, and Sometimes Bones

September 16, 2023April 4, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Sculpted Things

Thoughts of antique jewelry often evoke images of carved cameo brooches and vintage lace collars. As far back as the 3rd century B.C., artisans have been etching faces and figures onto the surface of an abundance of materials – shell, agate, coral, lava, gemstones, bone or ivory, and even glass. At Joden, we have an extensive collection of fine cameos… we recently added the rare beauty shown above.

It’s an intricate miniature sculpture of Cupid, complete with his bow and quiver. The cameo is fully surrounded by a coiled snake frame. Cupid is the god of desire, erotic love, attraction, and affection… while a coiled snake is a symbol of eternity. The brooch clearly embodies everlasting love.

Many people mistakenly believe that cameos are made in two separate pieces, a carved figure adhered to the surface of a contrasting colored shell or stone. Actually, they are carved from one singular stone that grows in layers of color like the ones shown here. The artisan exploits the variances in color to create visual interest.

It is perhaps the most rare shell cameo we have ever owned. Not only is it rich with symbolism, but the carving itself is quite remarkable. Seen in profile, the cameo measures nearly 1.5 inches from the base of the shell to the expanse of Cupid’s forehead.

Look at it side by side with a more ordinary shell cameo – the Cupid piece displays ultra high relief. The shell used to carve this extraordinary piece would have had to be incredibly large as well as thick to achieve this level of height in the sculpture itself. Truly remarkable. It’s available in our showroom for just $2500.00.

Come to Joden, where after 48 years, our motto continues to hold true…

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Baubles, Bling, and Talismanic Things

Baubles, Bling, and Illuminated Things

Baubles, Bling, and Sculpted Things

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