This or that Archive

This or That – Volume 9

September 5, 2023September 1, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Sapphire Things

It’s September… in our house, that means school and of course, football. With a player and a coach in the house, our lives are consumed by practice, mounds of sweaty laundry, endless food preparation and Friday night lights. At work, September means sapphires – it’s the birthstone for this month. I couldn’t resist kicking off the month in style.

Juxtaposing an antique piece against a modern one often inspires conversation. This unique pairing celebrates the halo style, a look that has been utilized for hundreds of years. For the past few years, these delicate rings of diamonds have dominated and defined the engagement ring industry… whether they been sculpted, hidden, dainty or bold, there’s no question that halos are here to stay.

These modern 18-karat yellow gold earrings are a staple in every jewelry wardrobe. A luscious pair of cornflower blue sapphires form the center of each earring. Held in place by four prongs, they have a combined weight of 2.16 carats. The color is simply divine – the perfect sapphire shade.

Completely surrounding each one are twelve round brilliant diamonds, twenty-four in total. The complete weight of these sparklers is 1.20 carats! The border of the earring follows the contour of the diamond forming a soft scalloped edge. Offering classic appeal, these earrings are available in our showroom for just $2,950.00.

Complementing the modern vibe of the earrings is an Edwardian dream. A crisp layer of platinum tops a rich 18-karat yellow gold base. This hinged bangle features one round sapphire as the center stone. Presenting a deep blue hue, this midnight beauty weighs approximately .85 carat. Eight old cut diamonds surround the center in demure fashion – the magic of the moment happens in the bangle itself. Sixty-seven diamonds fully wrap the wrist.

It’s an eternity bangle. How incredibly lovely and romantic! In total, the seventy-five diamonds have a complete weight of 5.00 carats! Made near the turn of the century, this stunner is the latest addition to our antique and estate department and our website. Luxury at its finest, this bangle can be yours for $8,700.00.

If you can’t have both, which piece would you choose? This pair of modern sapphire and diamond halo earrings or that antique eternity bangle? This or that?

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

This or That – Volume Six

September 15, 2023January 23, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Contemplative Things

How can two things be so similar and yet worlds apart at the same time? And when you’re faced with such a conundrum – how would you choose between the two? That’s the question I have for you today. We recently acquired two Victorian diamond cluster rings.

This pair of antique beauties has so much to offer. Both rings are made from yellow gold… one is 14-karat (Let’s call it Ring A) while the other is 20-karat (Ring B).

Ring A has a rosy appearance to the gold. Nine Old Mine Cut diamonds create a floral pattern, with one in the center and eight more forming the petals. Old Mine cuts are notoriously irregular and these are no exception. One seems squarish while the next more oval. Together, these diamonds have a combined weight of 1.15 carats. Ring B is also set with old miners… one in the center with eleven more surrounding it. The large cushion-shaped stone in the middle weighs approximately 1.35 carats while those in the halo add an additional 1.30 carats (2.65 carats total!).

Ring A, circa 1870, showcases engraved patterns on the shoulders and shank of the ring. Curved lines combine with small beaded edges.

Ring B, circa 1885, also exhibits etched patterning. A bit worn from wear, the remaining lines swirl around providing a mere glimpse of the previous decoration. Both rings are dazzling. The light glints off each antique diamond with charming allure.

And so… we’re faced with a real dilemma. Perhaps one additional piece of information will help. Ring A, with 1.15 carats of diamonds is priced at $2,450.00. Ring B, with 2.65 carats of diamonds, is priced at $6,650.00.

Each one is an antique cluster ring. Both are made from yellow gold and are set with Old Mine cut diamonds. Each ring features hand-engraved patterns… so, which would you choose? This or that?

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

This or That – Volume Five

December 23, 2022 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Contemplative Things

Jewelry shopping is filled with conundrums…

Big Chain Store or Family Business?
Shop online or Shop in Person?
Antique, Estate, or Modern?
Authentic Antique or Vintage-inspired?
Below Budget or Budget Buster?

Let’s just get that first question out of the way…. we believe the only answer is a family-owned jewelry store. In fact, we believe that there’s only one store to buy jewelry – Joden Jewelers, of course. And if you ask our customers, they will agree. Offering the best of both worlds, we combine the hometown experience with an inventory that puts those big city stores to shame. Even if you aren’t local, we offer more than one way to shop at Joden. Many clients travel quite a distance for a Joden “fix” – some have even boarded a plane and crossed the ocean to get here. Our website has a delectable array of gems and jewels (check it out for yourself www.joden.com) that is updated daily. In addition, many of our customers shop via phone call, text message, and even email.

As for the remaining three questions – I have a pair of rings to help us decide. Here’s the scoop.

THIS ring on the left is an authentic Art Deco beauty. Made entirely from platinum, the ring has an Old European Cut diamond center that weighs approximately .60 carat. The shoulders of the ring feature six fancy-cut natural emeralds and an additional twenty round diamonds. These diamonds offer .20 carat of sparkle. In near mint condition, this superb ring also showcases milgrain edges, hand-engraved patterns and pierced filigree designs. It’s authentic, antique and more than a little lovely. All of this can be yours for $3375.00.

THAT ring on the right is a vintage-inspired charmer. It’s also made entirely from platinum with a round brilliant diamond center that weighs approximately .43 carat. Four square cut natural emeralds flank the center stone while an additional twenty-four round diamonds encircle the entire section. While it does offer milgrain edges, there’s no engraving here… just a dainty high-polished shank. This modern ring is available for just $1,300.00.

Both of these lovely rings are available in the store. The question remains… Would you choose the authentic antique ring for $3375 or would you opt for the vintage-inspired ring for just $1,300? What do you think… THIS or THAT?

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Baubles, Bling and Sapphire Things

Baubles, Bling and Contemplative Things

Baubles, Bling and Contemplative Things

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