This or that Archive | Page 2

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

This or That – Volume Three

April 12, 2021 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Two Little Rings

There is no more perfect gift than jewelry. From silver hoops to diamond rings, pretty little baubles bring ear to ear smiles – sometimes even tears. Jewelry is personal… it takes time and consideration to select just the right piece. It’s an absolute pleasure to play a small part in each one of these experiences.

In recent years, we have noticed a strong trend in the market… guests are shopping for themselves. Women are buying earrings, necklaces and right-hand rings. Our customers avidly check our website for new arrivals. They send us messages on Instagram and Facebook, asking questions about each treasure we post. Ladies come in often to see our latest finds and conversions. Jewelry has become a gift that you give yourself.

In the jewelry world, we always say that we sell what we love. Dana and I have proven that to be true time and again. We are constantly on the lookout for our next obsession. For the last couple of weeks, this sweet Mid Century Modern ring has been talking to me. When I brought it to Dana to photograph, she mentioned that she had been drawn to it as well. We have a winner! Made in the 1950’s from 14 karat white gold, it combines bold swirls with tiny beaded trim and the smallest hint of sparkle. I love the east/west orientation of the oval shape, it adds a contemporary spin. Priced at just $250.00, it offers a big look for smaller budgets.

This ring, also made in the 1950’s, is every bit as appealing as the first one. Even though it’s vintage, it’s new to us. It, too, rocks that east/west vibe. I love the three diagonal diamond rows that form the top of the band. Set with a series of sixteen single-cut diamonds, this ring has .30 carat of bling. My favorite detail are those two tiny triangular windows… they open up the design, allowing just a peep of skin to show through. This 14 karat white gold gem is available now for just $675.00.

These Mid Century beauties are just SO good. If you’ve never purchased a piece of jewelry for yourself, these are two prime candidates. I know which one my favorite is… but tell me which would you buy for yourself? Are you crazy over this budget-friendly charmer for only $250 or would you prefer that diamond dazzler for $675? 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 Contemplative Things

Baubles, Bling and Contemplative Things

Baubles, Bling and Two Little Rings

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