Victorian pendant Archive

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 147

April 9, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

At their peak of popularity, around the turn of the 20th century, lavalier necklaces graced the necklines of ladies of all ages. These charming pieces are comprised of a series of smaller links or swirls with a singular dangling gem at the base (most often this was a pearl).

Delicate and dainty, these late Victorian darlings also often featured small colored gemstones, like this one. Made entirely of 9-karat yellow gold, this little number from Joe’s Special Box is adorned with not one but two round garnets.

A charming botanical theme brings this pendant to life. The outline is accented by three small six-petaled flowers with a tiny seed pearl in the center. Alternating with these blossoms are three pairs of leaves. This foliage is also set with small ivory-colored seed pearls.

Shown on the neck, you can appreciate the ultra feminine vibe of this late 1800’s necklace. At Joden, we have quite a collection of lavaliers with a wide assortment of gems. With so many to choose from, you’re sure to discover your birthstone or the birthstone of someone you love. For January babies or garnet lovers, this particular one is available for just $1,250.oo. Give us a call to make it yours today.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

What’s New – Volume 93

February 2, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

Though I am drawn to pieces from every time period, there’s no question that Art Nouveau has always been my favorite. Spanning the years from 1890-1910, it overlapped the end of the Victorian period as well as the entire Edwardian period. Art Nouveau celebrated the female form combined with all things nature… flowers, leaves, vines and buds. It was an awakening.

Often, a piece of jewelry will have one foot in the past and one in the future – a veritable bridge between two distinct worlds. This lovely pendant is a perfect example. Made entirely of 14-karat yellow gold, it’s a little bit Victorian and a little bit Art Nouveau.

Shaped like a sideways kidney bean, the top portion of the necklace is curvaceous and feminine. Twenty-seven tiny and iridescent pearls fill every contour. Each measuring less than one millimeter, these little beauties are called seed pearls. Victorian jewelry often showcased these organic orbs in decorative borders or accent trim. Incorporated into the center of this pearl frame is my favorite part of the entire piece… a sculptural leaf-like vine decorated with subtle shades of plum, rose and a hint of green enamel.

Suspended from this decorative top is a large oval amethyst gem. Weighing approximately twenty-five carats, this aubergine stone is held in place by twenty-one prongs. These prongs are part of the decorative border that wraps around the edge of the amethyst. The Victorian elements combine beautifully with the Art Nouveau details in this pendant. Make it yours today for just $1,350.00.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Pitter Patter Goes My Heart

September 17, 2021 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Shapely Things

The years from 1820-1900 are known as the Romantic Era… this time frame coincides with and almost completely overlaps the Victorian period (1837-1901). The royal love story of Victoria and Albert is a well-known and beloved part of British history. Their love influenced the theme and style of the jewelry that she wore as well as the jewelry worn by her subjects and the rest of the world.

The jewelry of the era was rich with symbolism and sentimentality. Recognized as the shape of love, the heart has been a favored emblem since the 13th century, however, this curvaceous silhouette reigned supreme during the Romantic Era. This combination pendant/brooch from the mid-1860’s is no exception.

Not much larger than a quarter, this beauty was handmade from a 14 karat yellow gold base and a silver top. It centers on one round opal that glows with turquoise blue and green fire. The underlying structure forms a six-pointed star with a bright pink ruby at each tip. These vibrant stones have a total weight of approximately 1.45 carats. Nestled between each ruby is a superbly cut heart-shaped opal. These six stones are alive with the same fire as the center. Crowning each heart is a singular rose cut diamond while an additional eighteen rose-cuts encircle the middle and decorate the bail. With a combined weight of 1.20 carats, these primitively cut diamonds sparkle and shine.

Although superstition had shrouded opals for hundreds of years, Victoria was undeterred. She shunned the rumors of bad luck that followed this fragile gem, collecting multiple opal pieces. Her unwavering favor helped to eradicate the bad reputation of the opal and reestablished it’s former popularity.

The true brilliance of this piece goes beyond beauty… it’s pure engineering genius. Comprised of four distinct parts, it converts from a pendant to a brooch with ease. Pictured here, you can see the threaded mechanism that connects the pin stem and the uniquely shaped bail that fastens to a hinged ring at the top of the jewel itself.

Every element performs faultlessly, even after more than 150 years. Antique jewelry was often multipurpose, giving additional opportunities to enjoy each gem. If you love Victorian jewelry, have a heart (or six) with this lovely piece for just $3,750.00.

“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 A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

Baubles, Bling and Shapely Things

joden_jewelers