Symbolism Archive

Micro Mosaic Memorial

May 25, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Special Things

Many don’t realize that Memorial Day is not meant to be a celebration, nor should we be wishing others a “Happy Memorial Day”. Recognized on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is meant to be a solemn recognition of those who died while serving in the military. It’s a time of deepest respect and reverence for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Victorians were incredibly sentimental. Many pieces of jewelry from the 19th century are filled with symbolism and emotion. In my quest to find a piece of jewelry suitable for Memorial Day, I came across this brooch. As I began to truly study the piece, I realized just how perfect it was.

Made entirely of 18-karat yellow gold, this brooch takes the form of a sword, complete with a hilt, guard and curved blade.

From grip to tip, this arched blade features three shields. The handle and each shield are painstakingly decorated with intricate micro mosaic pictures. First, let’s examine the handle… it’s a classic grip and guard style. The grip showcases two pink roses. These lovely blooms convey appreciation, gratitude and recognition.

The guard of the sword is decorated with three daisies. In the Victorian era, the white daisy represented innocence and loyalty.

The first shield offers a field of forget-me-not flowers on a background of deep red. These five-petaled blossoms were a favorite of the era… when these tiny blooms were given to someone, it was a promise that you would always remember them and keep them in your heart.

The second bulwark highlights a white dove surrounded by pink roses. Hope, love, and honesty are just a few of the things represented by the dove. In the Bible, a white dove was a symbol of the Holy Spirit bringing a message from heaven.

Finally, the third shield is decorated with a bouquet of pansies… one yellow, one purple and one blue. The pansy bouquet expresses sympathy at a time of loss. These multi-hued flowers also exemplify compassion, remembrance and nostalgia.

And, of course, the sword itself… a time-honored symbol of protection, strength and courage. I simply could not have found a better piece to remember Memorial Day than this lovely micro mosaic sword.

Priced at just $725.00, this brooch is the latest addition to our website. I wish you a meaningful Memorial Day.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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

Baubles, Bling and Special Things

Baubles, Bling, and Talismanic Things

Baubles, Bling, and Illuminated Things

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