Precious Posie

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Turquoise Things

“Let us live like flowers, wild and beautiful and drenched in sun.”  -Ellen Everett

What an image-  wild, beautiful and drenched in sun!  It’s the most perfect way to describe this week’s featured piece.  Bearing the mark 9999 on the under side of the rounded contour of the band, this engaging jewel is made entirely of 24-karat gold.  That’s pure gold – no alloys or other metals – and it’s glorious.  The color is more than buttery (a term often used to describe 18-karat);  it’s deeply saturated with a glow like nothing else.  The luster of pure gold is hypnotic and it never fades – it’s forever drenched in sunlight.

Continually captivated by flowers of every kind, I was immediately drawn to this oversize blossom.  Measuring nearly an inch across, this five-petaled posy exudes joy.  Sitting at a size 7.25, it’s quite comfortable on the middle finger of my right hand.  The band offers a sturdy width – over a quarter of an inch at the shoulder and tapering to an eighth of an inch at the back.  High karat gold is quite soft and ductile which makes this heavier shank not just a feature but also an important function that makes the ring wearable.

Each of the five petals has a raised, high-polished edge – as it reached the center of the flower, it turns into a prong that holds the center stone. The surface of the petals offer a light texture (perhaps sandblasted) and is veined with deep grooves that provide an authentic, lifelike feel.  Nestled in the center is a striking blue turquoise.  This 11mm round gem has a smooth surface and strong consistent color.  With a glossy surface and delightful greenish-blue hue – this beauty completes the ring to perfection.  

In the United States, 10, 14, and 18-karat gold jewelry is manufactured regularly – 24-karat is a rarity.  However, it is the norm in India, China and the Middle East.  It is believed to bring good luck.  With a color unlike any other, it is readily recognized and has been used as currency all over the world for centuries.  Additionally, the flower is a symbol of prosperity – this one is on our site for just $1,950.00.  The combination of the two meanings (24-karat = good luck and the flower = prosperity), the wearer of this ring is destined for happiness….  and a life that is wild, beautiful and sun drenched.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

A Dainty Darling

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and a Turquoise Ring

I love tiny treasures.  Miniature marvels.  Dainty darlings.   Although most of the jewelry from the 1800’s was large and over-sized to complement the opulent fashion of the time; in stark contrast, those same years were also filled with lovely little jewels.  Whether you prefer rings, pendants or pins, those wee baubles were every bit as lovely and well-made as their sizable counterparts.  

Turquoise, a relatively soft and porous mineral, was one of the most popular gems of the 19th century.  Queen Victoria often opted for the robin’s egg blue hued stone.  She wore it regularly herself and gifted it to others even more, including her own bridal party.  Famed for its powers of protection, turquoise was not just beautiful, it was also used as a talisman.  

Usually cut in cabochon styles and polished to a high shine, this original December birthstone is every bit as popular now as it was in the 1800’s.  Here, five oval stones in various shades of blue lay across the finger.  These bright gems are nestled between two rows of European cut diamonds.  These eight diamonds have a combined weight of .25 carat.  Shown on my hand, you can truly appreciate how tiny this ring is.

Currently a size 5, it’s available on our website for just $825.00.  Made in the 1890’s, this ring is an authentic Victorian treasure. 

“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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