Ruby Red

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Birthstone Things

Often described as the color of love and passion, red is undeniably one our favorite colors.  Worldwide, it is the second most popular with over 15 percent of people choosing it.  At least nineteen different gemstones come in red – rubellite, spinel, diamond, garnet, and topaz just to name a few.  The most beloved crimson gem is, of course, the lovely ruby.  

As the birthstone for the month of July, ruby naturally occurs in a broad range of color.  It is the most significant factor in determining the worth of a ruby.  The finest shade is a pure, vibrant red known as “pigeon’s blood”.  Additional varieties include purplish red and orange-red.  The intensity of the color also contributes to the worth of the ruby – not too dark and not too light.  The shade must be just right.  These factors combine to calculate the monetary value of each individual ruby.  

This understated beauty has been in our collection for awhile.  Made in a classic three-stone style, the 18-karat yellow gold ring cradles a rich red oval ruby in the center.  Weighing exactly 1.24 carats, the precious stone is held in place by four prongs situated at the 2, 4, 8 and ten o’clock positions.  The bright scarlet tone of the ruby is delightfully accented by a matched pair of yellow diamonds.

Sculpted into hearts, these natural fancy yellow diamonds have a combined weight of 1.08 carats.  The red and yellow color combination is unusual; it’s not often seen in the jewelry world.  Both tones are on the same end of the color spectrum, so they complement each other quite nicely.  The red ruby shimmers quietly between the dazzling brilliance of the two yellow diamonds.  

There are so many possibilities… a birthstone ring, a right-hand ring, an anniversary ring, or even an engagement ring.  A classic style set with a unique color pairing, this ring is available now for $7,850.00. 

“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 19

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Quality Things

There are quite a lot of iconic jewelers…  huge names like Cartier, Bvlgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston.  Known around the world, these names are nearly untouchable for most people.  Other than on a phone or a computer screen, many of us will never see much less own a piece of jewelry made by one of these luxury brands.  

However, there is another world famous jeweler that has become a household name.  Known for their bold use of vibrant gemstones and natural colored diamonds, this American manufacturer was founded in 1950.  Arguably one of the most requested brands in our store, this particular company has made luxurious jewelry affordable.  Known as the King of Turquoise in the 1970’s and the King of Tanzanite in the 1990’s, the company that brought us the chocolate diamond… LeVian.  

Each piece of LeVian jewelry begins with a simple pencil and paper.  In their nearly 75-year history, LeVian has created over 100,000 original designs.  They combine tantalizing terminology with some of the most beautiful colored gemstones in the world – the results are undeniable.  Much like Joden, LeVian is a private, family-owned business.  They value their customers and treat each one like family – another thing they have in common with Joden.  

A recent acquisition, these stunning 18-karat rose gold earrings feature a matched pair of pear-shaped gemstones.  The color is luscious.  Intensely saturated, this shade of topaz is breathtakingly beautiful.  Dubbed “deep sea blue” by LeVian, these two gems have a combined weight of approximately 5.00 carats.  Each rich blue gem is surrounded by a double halo of round brilliant diamonds.  

The top of the earring is a small round hoop with three links that connect it to the tear drop bottom.  The entire surface glitters with diamonds….  one hundred and ninety of them, to be exact.  These diamonds have a combined weight of 2.00 carats.  Each earring snaps shut with a satisfying click, ensuring that it is secured and can be worn without worry.  The expert craftsman at LeVian created the earrings to hinge at each connection, allowing them to swing with every movement of the body. 

Perhaps LeVian charmed you with the promise of chocolate diamonds.  Or maybe they drew you in with their innovative designs and kaleidoscope of colored gemstones.  LeVian is a true style icon that has made fine jewelry affordable.  If you’ve been longing for a piece of LeVian jewelry, you can add these fabulous estate earrings to your collection for just $2,980.00.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Glittering Garlands

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Enameled Things

I love to research pieces of antique jewelry.  Going over each one with my loupe, I am always seeking hallmarks or maker’s marks.  It’s even better when a jewel is still enclosed within the original fitted case.  Often there are words (or clues) inside the lid to aid in my detective work, like this unique find.  “U Vieux Paris” translates to “in the Old Paris”.  12, Rue de la Paix.  Established in 1806, the Rue de la Paix is perhaps the most well-known street in Paris.  In the two hundred plus years since it’s creation, this charming area has boasted countless couture shops.  In the early days, boutiques like Cartier, Charles Frederick Worth and so many more sold high-end jewelry, cutting edge fashion, opulent leather goods, and stationary.  Today, iconic brands like Bvlgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel and Dior are well-established in this famous district.  

The time-worn chestnut brown leather covers the outside of a small jewelry box.  Inside is a perfectly matched duo of flocked velvet and shimmering satin fabrics.  Both are a deep merlot tone.  A simple push-button latch locks the lid in place.  A double-bordered rectangle is featured inside the top.  Hand-stamped in metallic gold ink are the very words mentioned above.  Nestled into the recesses of the wine red velvet is a miniature masterpiece the likes of which you have never seen.  

Measuring nearly three inches from top to bottom, this hand-painted enamel pendant is dripping with details.  Two separate enamel portraits flank the center, which is a ribbed 18-karat yellow gold column with a diamond-shaped cutout.  Set within that cutout is a tiny seed pearl flower with a small round ruby collet set in the middle.  The portrait on the left features a winged cherub clutching an arrow in his right hand and a vine of roses and daisies in his left hand.  The portrait on the opposite side also depicts a charming cherub.  This one appears to have a musical horn in each hand with a floral garland at his feet.  These two portraits are done in the same pastel hues and complement each other beautifully.  

Crowning the top of the pendant is a botanical tiara.  A series of three ruby blossoms are accented by sapphire, rose-cut diamond, and pearl buds and emerald leaves.  Each gemstone is held by a pinched collet setting.  A pair of similar swags loop across the bottom of the piece.  These smaller garlands have a singular flower in the center with a couple leaves and buds.  Dangling from the bottom are three gold-capped pearl tassels.  The larger middle tassel has five strands of hand-sewn pearls, while the outer two tassels have four strands.  

Although the name of the designer is not known, we are certain that this stunning representation from the early Victorian era (circa 1850) was hand-crafted by a true master jeweler.  Each tiny detail is delightful and engaging.  It is in excellent condition and is as wearable as it is collectible.  Make this antique beauty yours for $8,800.00.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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