His and Hers – Volume 11

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Complementary Rings

A circle has no beginning and no end.  A wedding ring is also eternal, signifying that the marriage has no end and will last forever.  Evidence of marriage dates back to Mesopotamia in 2350 B.C.  This was the first recorded documentation of one man being joined to one woman.  In those days, the union had little or nothing to do with love.  A woman was given to a man by her father for the sole purpose of producing biological heirs.  In the event that the woman was unable to bear children, she could be given back and the man would be able to marry another.  Luckily, over time, many of these couples learned to love and respect each other.  

Love didn’t become a motivating factor for marriage until the Middle Ages.  With devotion, passion and fondness entering the equation, the playing was leveled a bit.  For the first time, marriage wasn’t simply practical but also romantic.  Fast forward to the 1920’s when women won the right to vote… perhaps the most pivotal change in the institution of marriage.  In the 1960’s, laws prohibiting interracial marriage were abolished.  And finally, in 2015, the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in all fifty states.  From these facts, we can ascertain that marriage has undergone more change in the past 100 years than it did in the 5000 years prior.  

One tradition that has stood the test of time is that of a ring.  Whether it was a betrothal ring, a wedding band, a promise ring or an engagement ring…  the commitment made is nearly always cemented by one or more rings.  These endless circles are the only outward sign of the pledge between two people.  Today, we have a pair of complementary rings.  They’re not an exact match, but rather similar bands that still offer a hint of their own personality.  

Both rings are made from 10-karat yellow gold; they are late Victorian from the end of the 19th century.  Her ring measures a finger size 8.5.  It has lovely scrolling patterns on each shoulder.  The center medallion features a scalloped edge and one Old Mine Cut diamond.  This stone has a small table and high crown angles – it weighs approximately .04 carat.  It is set within an engraved starburst pattern that is typical of Victorian styles.  Priced at just $475.00, this ring can be sized if needed.  His ring measures a generous finger size 12.  The style showcases a series of three oval emblems with smooth edges.  Fanciful scrolls fill in the gaps between each oval and decorate the shank.  In the center of each medallion is one European Cut diamond.  Together, the three stones have a combined weight of approximately .25 carat.  Priced at $675, this ring is also able to be sized if needed.

This duo would be perfect for wedding bands or anniversary rings.  They’re great for any reason or no reason at all.  Both beauties are authentic and original, offering a unique sense of style at a very affordable price.  Stop by or give us a call to claim them today. 

“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 140

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Our store is located in the heart of a small town.  Founded in 1950, Joden is one of the oldest and most successful businesses in Grove City.  Our tiny town also boasts one of the best private Christian colleges in the Northern United States.  Each year, as the students begin to venture off campus and meander downtown, a few stop by to admire our engagement rings.

It has been rumored for years that a well-known slogan on campus is “Ring by Spring!”  This cheeky phrase has brought more than one young man through our door.  Faces flush with excitement, they’re intent on finding the perfect ring.  

My advice to anyone starting the journey of purchasing an engagement ring is always the same… 

  • Set a budget by evaluating your financial position.  Decide what your priority is between the size of the diamond, the quality of the diamond and the overall style of the ring.  
  • Save for the ring.
  • Find something you both will love that stays within your budget. 

This year, the national average spent on an engagement ring is $6000.  A mere 8% of shoppers will spend under $1000.  At Joden, we have dream rings for every budget.  This week’s choice is a sweet Victorian beauty made from 14-karat yellow gold.  The buttercup setting holds a .18 carat European cut diamond in the center.  Graded as an F-G in color and SI2 in clarity – this small stone shines.  

With softly scrolled and sculpted shoulders, this antique darling was, is, and will always be someone’s dream ring.  It’s listed on our site for just $500!  Affordable for any budget, it’s perfect as an engagement ring, a promise ring or simply a just-because ring.  Hop over to our site or check it out in the store, you too can have a ring by spring.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Getting Personal with the Personnel – Volume 6

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Insider Information

With a passion for cooking, she’s the queen of “Hello Fresh”.  Morning conversations with her always revolve around last night’s dinner or inquiries about what we’re ordering for lunch that day.  She’s always game for a McDonald’s run and she’s the first one to bring in a plate of homemade Christmas cookies to share.  She’s sugar, spice and everything nice…  meet Amy.

She just celebrated five years with Joden Jewelers.  Having spent most of her professional career in retail sales, she was a natural fit for our team.  She came highly recommended; we were lucky to steal her away!  With a cheerful smile and outgoing personality, it didn’t take long for customers to start asking for Amy by name.  She has a knack for finding the perfect piece for everyone, Amy truly treasures the rapport that she has developed with a few special customers.  

Occasionally we’ll have a quiet Saturday morning at the store and over the years Joe has utilized this time to teach us about jewelry and salesmanship.  Like mini history lessons or science instructions, we have learned about everything from the origin of a particular gemstone to the historical relevance of mourning jewelry.  According to Amy, this is the most unique aspect of working at Joden… each day there is something new to learn.    

The best part of writing about each of my co-workers has been discovering what everyone’s most and least favorite pieces of jewelry are.  Amy was no exception – although she didn’t exactly follow the rules (no surprise there!).  For her favorite piece, Amy selected her own ring – this lovely Victorian three-stone ring (shown above on her middle finger).  It’s a intricately detailed 14-karat two tone filigree band with three old cut diamonds.  Since Amy already claimed that beauty for herself, she selected this little charmer just for you.

Made from 18-karat gold, this authentic ring features a 1.30 carat Old European Cut diamond in the center.  Set flush with the octagonal-shaped top of the ring, this beauty has a hint of color that brings warmth to the stone.  The accompanying certificate grades the stone as a K-L color and VS1-VS2 in clarity.  Featuring hand-engraved patterns and pierced openings, this ring is appraised for $9,350.00.  At Joden, we are offering it for just $6,375.00.  It will be on our site soon. 

Amy selected this unusual bracelet as her least favorite piece.  The trumpet-like design of the bracelet is bold.  Made from 18-karat yellow gold, it is set with alternating cabochon stones of green chalcedony and caramel colored carnelian.  Each of these stones is capped with yet another stone of a contrasting color.  The green chalcedony has a tiny ruby on each while the carnelian has a small round tsavorite.  The overall design is striking, both in size and color.

While there is no doubt that the craftsmanship of this bracelet is superb, this prominent piece is simply too flashy for Amy.  If you love audacious jewels that speak for themselves – this bracelet is available for $6,900.00.

You can see these beauties (Amy and the jewelry) in our store.  Stop by and introduce yourself.  Amy is sure to either find you the perfect piece of jewelry OR she’ll share a recipe or two.  Perhaps both!  Either way, you win!

“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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