Month: October 2023

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

This week, we’re going to do something that we don’t do nearly enough…  we’re bragging on one of our favorite employees.  Having been with us for 2.5 years, Debbie is still the new kid on the block.  She’s been team Joden since day one…  she is the first bench jeweler that we’ve had who is as enthusiastic about conversion jewelry as we are!  Inspired by trends in vintage jewelry, we began designing and creating upcycled jewelry pieces seven or eight years ago.  These tiny treasures quickly became favorites with our customers.  Since then, we have continued to design new and innovative ways to re-imagine vintage pieces.  Not only has Debbie tackled all of our whimsical ideas – she’s has also fabricated some visions of her own.  This week’s piece is truly special.  

It began its life as a bar pin in the late 1800’s.  Composed from the complimentary tones of 18-karat green, rose and yellow gold, this brooch showcased simple elegance.  One softly curved branch measuring approximately 1.5 across was accented with a pair of curled green gold leaves and a three-dimensional flower in the center.  Lovely as it was, this beauty wasn’t selling.  In fact, it wasn’t even getting looked at.  

It had good bones – and could be made into something more relevant than a brooch.  After a meeting with Dana – we agreed.  This was going to be our next victim…  perhaps even a work of genius.  Peep the before version, shown above.  Once the decision was made, we left it in Debbie’s expert hands.  The only instruction was to make it into a ring.  

And boy did she deliver!  Pairing elements of the antique brooch with a 14-karat yellow gold discarded shank, Debbie made this ring!  In the eyes and hands of an artist, the curves of the leaves were carefully fitted to the bypass shank.  The flower was nestled between the two leaves and Voila!; a darling ring was born.  I love everything about it…  it’s light and comfortable to wear.  The flowers and leaves span the top of the finger leaving a plain, solid shank in the back for easy wear-ability.  

An Old Mine cut diamond sits in the center of the petals.  Held in place by five claw prongs, this gem weighs approximately .08 carat.  It adds just a hint of sparkle within the matte-finished flower petals.  So, please allow us to boast about our girl, Debbie.  She is the reason and artistic talent that keeps our conversion case filled to the top with charming creations.  Priced at just $675, this conversion ring is available in our showroom now.  Stop by and check it out for yourself; and say “Hi!” to Debbie while you’re here.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe