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

His and Hers – Volume Two

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Modern Rings

These days, anything goes with wedding bands.  The choices are eclectic and varied – everything from classic to contemporary with a bit of whimsy thrown in for fun.  I love the challenge of helping each couple find the pair of bands that speaks to them.  It’s the only tangible evidence of the commitment they’re about to make – as such, these rings should be the perfect combination of beauty and function.


One of our newest pieces in the estate department is this ultra modern gents band.  Made from a subtle combination of 14 karat white and rose gold, this ring is sleek and sophisticated.  The outer perimeter creates a gently rounded square that has been accented by a series of parallel grooves.  The white gold edges feature a high polish finish, while the rose gold center has a satin sheen.    One shining diamond accents the ring, a princess cut weighing exactly .32 carats.  Moderately priced at $1,275 – this is one handsome wedding band!

Once I had the men’s band in my hand, I began the search for the ideal complement to it.  I wanted something equally as elegant, and I think I found the perfect choice!  Made from a colorful trio of 18 karat gold, this contemporary gem is a real find!  It, too is part of our estate collection.  Would you ever guess that those three bands spin?  They do!  Each one turns independently, creating what just might be the best fidget spinner ever!  Twenty-four round brilliant diamonds add a quarter carat of sparkle to this Oh-So-Cool ring.  It’s available on our website for just $1,550.

If you and your significant other are searching for wedding bands, consider an estate piece from Joden Jewelers.  You won’t be disappointed.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

A Revival

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Rejuvenated Things

Four months…  that’s how long it’s been since I sat down to share a story, a treasure, or a lovely little trinket with you.  I’m excited to be back – I feel rejuvenated! 

In business and in life, a new year often inspires (or requires) us to do inventory – whether it be a mental accounting of our own day to day habits or an actual itemization of our assets and possessions.  Joden is no exception.  The month of January (and often February) has us going over every single piece of jewelry…  Every.  Single.  Piece.

The most mundane part – the absolute worst part – of inventory is writing new tags.  Those tiny gold tags that are attached to each item.  I hate writing tags.  A lot.  I prolong it.  I ask my coworkers to write them for me.  Anything for a distraction.  My favorite form of procrastination is trying on jewels – especially rings!  I like to stack them on my left hand so that I can admire them while writing those darn little tags! 

That’s exactly how I discovered these beauties.  I was digging through a tray of vintage rings (not writing tags!) and there they were.  Just waiting for me.  Imagine this pile of rose gold goodness stacked on each finger, three or four rings high – maybe a midi band (a charming little ring worn between your top two knuckles) or two… Victorian treasures too good to resist!  These antique bands were all the rage during the 1880’s and 1890’s.  Sometimes referred to as “Cigar Bands”, they feature deeply engraved patterns in an eclectic mix of styles. 

There are flowers and leaves, tiny four-leaf clovers, lacey edges, and scrolled lines.  Some are gold-filled while others are crafted from 10 or 14 karat.  Each one is over 150 years old – some still have initials and wedding dates carefully inscribed inside.  I love them all…  especially the fourth one from the top.  It’s mine.  I wear it on the middle finger of my left hand.  Its soft rosy glow is a perfect complement to the cool platinum and buttery 18 karat yellow gold of my wedding rings (shown below).

They are ideal wedding bands, right-hand rings, middle and index finger rings.  They’re adorable midi rings, and perfect for everyday wear.  Each is unique with a style all its own.  Come visit me at Joden – you’ll be as enchanted as I am!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

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