Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

At Joden, something “new” is rarely a freshly manufactured, brand-spanking new piece.  Instead, it’s most often something that is new to us and our inventory.  It’s not an exaggeration to say that we get a superfluous influx of jewelry every single day.  The range of style and quality is vast…  everything from literal scrap gold to a rare antique diamond ring.  One of my favorite things to do is sort through a lot, designating each item to its next destination.  Some things will go directly to the refinery, either because they’re simply too damaged to salvage or undesirable in today’s market.  Once the scrap is removed, the remaining pieces will be evaluated, cleaned and/or repaired and then filtered into our system.  This, of course, is when we find some of our favorite things…  vintage charms, thick gold bands, unique stud earrings and so much more.  These are the treasures that find their way here, and ultimately to you.

This ring is a perfect example.  Made 10-karat gold, this Retro ring is simple elegance.  Bezel-set in the center is a 7mm round blue zircon.  Offering cool Caribbean water vibes, the color of this gemstone is everything!  Zircon is perhaps the most under-utilized gemstone.  Available is a myriad of colors, this stone is one of the most brilliant non-diamond gems.  Blue is the most popular hue; the depth of the tone is directly related to the price.  The deep rich blue color commands a higher ticket price and is nearly always the result of heat treatment.  Zircon is a very clean stone internally, a fact that makes it an ideal choice for a ring.

Flanking the center stone are two small diamonds.  Each one is bead set inside the kite-shaped trim at the top of the shoulder.  My favorite part of this vintage ring is the patina that has developed over the past eighty years.  The gold looks rosy is some areas and yellow in others.  Deep in the crevices and around every contour, the tarnish is a wonderful shade of purplish black.  I gave the ring a good steam bath to remove any dirt and debris from the underside without erasing that patina.  I cannot fathom why anyone would want to polish away that luxurious shading that took decades to develop.  Like the perfect pair of jeans, it hugs and highlights all the best parts of the ring.  Measuring a generous size 9.5, I like the way it looks on my index finger.  Priced at just $675.00, this one is available on our website.  It 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