Monthly Archive: June 2024 | Page 2

This or That – Volume 13

June 17, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Mythical Things

Described as “the hoofed master of the ground and the winged master of the air”, the pegasus has long been a symbol of strength and speed. In Greek mythology, this majestic creature is fabled to be sired by Poseidon and foaled by Medusa. Legend says Pegasus was killed by Zeus for attempting to reach Mount Olympus. For centuries, he has been honored as a constellation in the night sky.

This allegorical winged horse has often been the subject of art, literature, and pop culture. Even in the Victorian era, the pegasus appeared in paintings, architecture and jewelry.

An 18-karat yellow gold frame completely encapsulates the outer edge of this late Victorian cameo. Unlike most cameos, this carving doesn’t focus on the profile of a man or woman. Instead, this hard-stone sculpture features a winged horse beside a female figure. Her clasped hand holds the bridle of this mythical beast. Hand carved from a singular piece of banded agate, the image is three dimensional and lifelike.

When shown from behind, a hinged loop appears. When worn as a brooch, this ring tucks away from view. However, when the hinge is opened, the ring allows this ethereal cameo to be worn as a pendant as well. In pristine condition, this pegasus carving is available for $3,750.00.

Not simply a subject for the Victorian era, these modern earrings also feature the pegasus. This is a different type of carving. Instead of the winged horse rising off the surface of the stone, this one is etched INTO the stone. It’s called intaglio. The image in engraved beneath the surface of the stone.

Made from 14-karat yellow gold, these leverback style earrings present a pegasus cut into a cushion-shaped piece of translucent blue stone. A second stone, a cabochon ruby, is prong set under the winged horse. Three clusters of gold beads accent the frame of the ruby. Bearing the mark of “H.W. Burdick”, these earrings are available now for just $825.00.

Both this cameo and that pair of earrings highlight the mysterious pegasus. Both pieces utilize a form of carving to creature the image. I can’t help but wonder which is your favorite. Do you prefer this pegasus cameo or that pair of pegasus intaglio earrings? This or that?

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Signature Series – Volume 17

June 14, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Quality Things

The recent craze for yellow gold jewelry has coincided with a surge in the popularity of Mid Century Modern pieces. For those who aren’t familiar with the Mid Century period, it’s name does give a fabulous clue. It was the post WWII era, spanning two decades… the 1950’s and 1960’s. Some experts argue that the Mid Century period also encompassed the 1970’s.

The rich, warm tone of yellow gold remained in style, but gained modern elements of twists, turns and texture. Jewelry was bold, eclectic and fun. Satin finishes, fringe, bright colored stones and clusters of diamonds added an air of adventure and a hint of prosperity to these already luxurious accessories. Iconic giants like Cartier and Tiffany brought whimsical designs to the forefront with a broad range of animal brooches. These lighthearted motifs included creatures of the land and sea.

One of the most sought after brooches from the 1960’s is the sea urchin. Made by Tiffany & Co., these spiky skinned sea stars were crafted in various sizes with the largest one measuring 1.5 inches across. Recently, we were lucky enough to snag one of this ocean beauties for our estate department. Symmetrical and dome-shaped, sea urchins are found on the floor of every ocean. Their spiney appendages can help them propel from one area to another.

Constructed entirely of 18-karat yellow gold, our urchin is the large size and is quite weighty. In fact, a double-pronged hinged pin stem is utilized to help support it when worn. The top spiked portion of the urchin features a matte, satiny finish while the high-polished back shines.

Our urchin is embellished with a singular small flower. A round brilliant diamond that weighs approximately .15 carat marks the center while six crimson red rubies surround it. These bright gems have a total weight of .40 carat. Tiffany & Co. made this brooch with a variety of flowers… all diamond, turquoise, emerald, sapphire, and of course, ruby. Figural brooches have never gone out of style and are some of our most requested items. Sure to be a fast favorite, this hypnotic sea star is available now for $5,200.00. Stop by to see it in person and peruse our additional sea urchin jewelry (peep the ring and charm hiding in the back of these photos!).

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

A Cherry on Top

June 10, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

In recent months, we have seen an uptick in the number of brooches that are selling. Customers are leaning into nostalgic childhood memories of their grandma pinning a brooch to her dress for church on Sunday or their father sliding a stick pin through his tie before going to the office in the morning. As a little girl, my mom was a dedicated Avon shopper – each holiday brought whimsical pins to delight a child’s heart. One of my favorites was a winter snowman wearing a pink scarf. It hinged open and had a lightly scented perfume inside.

Brooches have been around for centuries. Utilized for everything from dazzling ornamentation to silent communication – pins have played an integral part in our lives. Brooches have memorialized loved ones, held ashes and locks of hair; they have held our undergarments together and our kilts from showing too much. They have conveyed relationship statuses and secret love affairs. Buttons or pins have revealed political leanings, college affiliations and showcased treasured photos of our own student athletes. It is no surprise that these multipurpose darlings are making a comeback.

This playful beauty is a new addition to our estate department. Made in the Mid Century Modern era, this triple cherry wonder was a fast favorite. An 18-karat yellow gold frame forms a twig, each stem and the structure that holds the leaves. The twig has been etched with a satin finish while each cherry stem was polished to a shine.

A pair of leaves, complete with ruffled edges and interior veins have been carved from deep green nephrite jade. Each one is contoured in lifelike fashion and features a matte surface. Dark red, deep sea coral has been artfully sculpted into a trio of cherries. Succulent and sweet, these tiny fruits are the perfect finishing touch on this summer brooch.

If you have been looking for a fun and flirty piece of jewelry to add personality to your wardrobe, look no further. Pin this little darling to your favorite denim jacket. It instantly amps up your style and your mood. Ideally sized at just over 1.5 inches, this piece was made in the late 1950’s or early 1960’s. Our cheerful cherries are available now for just $750.00. Call us 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

Baubles, Bling and Mythical Things

Baubles, Bling and Quality Things

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

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