What’s New – Volume 101

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

With all the hoopla surrounding lab-grown diamonds, many young couples are opting put.  They’re looking for something more artistic that appeals to their unique identity as a couple.  AI has had a huge influence on the possibilities; however, artificial intelligence does not account for the lack of durability in many gemstones.  For example, we have had numerous customers requesting moss agate.  The appeal is undeniable; it’s a beautiful variety of white chalcedony quartz with green inclusions that look like moss.  It’s a stunning organic gem that, unfortunately, is not suited for daily wear.  For couples seeking something unusual, my go-to recommendation is always a sapphire.  

Sapphire comes in nearly every color of the rainbow… there are peachy pinks, sunshine yellows, cornflower blues and midnight hues.  There are luxurious lavenders, vivid violets, and every lush shade of green on Earth.  Speaking of green – this week’s latest find features an antique cut hunter green sapphire.  Weighing 1.30 carats, this stone is glorious.  Next to a diamond (a 10 on the Mohs scale), sapphire is the most durable choice.  Ranking at a 9 on the hardness scale, it is quite suitable for daily wear.  Even if the surface of the sapphire becomes abraded over time, it can be repolished to its original beauty.  

Nestled in an original late 19th century ring, the cushion-cut sapphire center is flanked by six Old European cut diamonds.  Arranged in a triangular formation, these dazzling diamonds have a combined weight of 1.00 carat.  Hinting at the age of the ring, the finish on the gold is softened from wear but is still in excellent condition.  Six individual prongs hold each stone in place in a low-profile fashion.  This beauty gives me all those “nymph in the woods, fairytale, Sleeping Beauty” vibes.  The deep green center sapphires surrounded by sparkling diamonds evokes images of the enchanted forest and the light of true love that breaks the spell that has ensnared Aurora.  

You don’t have to be a fan of fairytales to love this Victorian ring.  Made in the 1890’s, it’s available on our site for $3,950.00.  Having already survived more than a century, this beautiful piece is sure to last at least one more lifetime.  Hop on over to our site or stop by the store to try it for yourself.  

“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 122-B

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

On February 9, 1840, Albert gifted Victoria with a stunning and now iconic brooch.  Featuring a glorious sapphire center (the weight of this stone has never been revealed to the public!) surrounded by twelve diamonds, it was her “something blue” for the wedding ceremony.  In the years since, Queen Elizabeth has been spotted wearing this historic heirloom.  

141 years later on February 3, Charles proposed to Diana with a ring that bears a strong resemblance to the brooch.  Chosen from a catalog at Garrard, this was not a custom piece but rather a ring available for anyone to purchase.  It was rumored that Diana selected the ring because of it’s striking resemblance to Victoria’s famous brooch.  

This week, from Joe’s Special Box, we have an antique ring that is giving us all the feels.  It bears a strong likeness to both pieces…

Made from 14 karat yellow gold, this tiny treasure boasts an oval 1.00 carat natural blue sapphire in the center.  This deep azure beauty is completely surrounded by a ring of twelve Old Mine Cut diamonds that have a combined weight of .45 carat.  Made in the 1880’s, near the end of the Victorian period, this ring is a dainty size 3.  

If you have an affinity for royal style and would like to nab a similar piece for yourself – hop on over to our website.  Priced at just $1,200, this precious prize won’t last long!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe and other internet sources

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