Turquoise ring Archive

Turquoise Treasure

December 1, 2025 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Vintage Things

When I think of jewelry from the 1940’s, my mind conjures images of bold rose and yellow gold, often featuring large gemstones like citrine or aquamarine. These bright center stones were often accented with a few small rubies, sapphires or diamonds. Jewelry from the Retro period was almost exclusively rose gold and for good reason.

World War II affected every aspect of life; the jewelry industry was no exception. Platinum had reigned supreme for the previous thirty years. The delicate appearance of Edwardian jewelry and the geometric beauty of Art Deco jewelry were both made possible by the unique properties of platinum. Those same properties – innate strength and resistance to high temperatures – made this noble metal strategic in the war efforts. It was an ideal choice for use in jet engines, armaments and electronics. As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention – a glamorous new look emerged unlike anything that had come before.

Did you notice that I said that Retro jewelry was ALMOST exclusively rose gold? This week’s featured piece was made in the 1940’s. If the white metal used to make this unique ring isn’t platinum, what could it be? The answer is a combination of silver and palladium. Although not as dense or durable as platinum, palladium is quite a good substitute. There can be no doubt that this ring was made specifically for this stunning cabochon turquoise stone. Exhibiting a color that can only be described as robin’s egg blue, this gem is known as White Cloud Turquoise, hailing from the Sleeping Beauty Mine in Arizona.

A singular curlicue of diamonds wraps around one side of the stone. Nestled within the swirl are twenty-two round diamonds that have a total weight of .50 carat. The asymmetrical style is unexpectedly whimsical. Like many other Retro rings, this piece has a great presence on the hand and is a steal at just $975.00. Not yet on the website, call or stop by to make it yours.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 159

February 25, 2025 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Very few pieces of jewelry sell as quickly as sweet little antique rings. At our store, the best ones can almost always be found in Joe’s Special Box. Like a squirrel storing nuts for the winter, Joe hoards these charming beauties for the perfect person. Although the box resides in his office, if I’m clever, I can peak through from time to time. And perhaps nab a ring or two…

This dainty darling was too good to leave in a box! Made near the end of the 1800’s in the Victorian era, this ring features a round turquoise in the center. Boasting the hue of a robin’s egg, this small gem is held in place with six prongs. Surrounding the center stone and bringing the perfect amount of sparkle to this vintage ring are six old cut diamonds. Also prong set, these diamonds are separated by little gold bars.

The shoulders of the ring are still original and feature lovely sculpted swirls and a hint of milgrain beading. When I looked inside the ring with my loupe, I knew immediately that the shank of the ring had been replaced. A singular engraved letter remains… an H, and then nothing. Whoever’s name or initials that were once memorialized inside this ring are gone. And while the logical part of my brain is delighted that someone saved what they could of this treasured antique, my sentimental side mourns the loss of the one who once wore it.

Made from 9-karat rosy gold, this ring is the latest addition to our antique department. It’s also a new arrival on our website. Hop on over and make it yours for just $575.00.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

Precious Posie

August 4, 2023August 4, 2023 by Joden Girl

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

Baubles, Bling and Vintage Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling and Turquoise Things

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