Monthly Archive: August 2024 | Page 3

Bold Bling

August 9, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Statement Things

Many stores offer a “wishlist”… a line-up of products that you love but aren’t quite ready to purchase yet. It’s a great tool for big retailers like Amazon and Target – stores that sell products that are mass produced. Even some jewelry stores have a wishlist program, tagging must-haves like stud earrings, tennis bracelets and statement rings. At Joden, nearly all of our pieces are one-of-a-kind, a fact that makes wishlists challenging. Because we specialize in antique and estate jewelry, we rarely have two of the exact same thing. That being said, we do have hundreds of wish-worthy jewels like these two bold rings.

If you want to make a statement – look no further. Both of these rings speak volumes about personal style and design aesthetic. Measuring an expansive 18.7mm wide, the all diamond band is made entirely of 18-karat yellow gold. A close-up study shows a unique pattern of channel setting that resembles a hedge maze. Five horizontal rows intersect with five right angles in geometric glory! Set within the gold channels are fifty-eight princess cut diamonds. These diamonds have a combined weight of 5.82 carats. Bright white, these sparklers have an average color grade of E-F and an average clarity grade of VS. The ring tapers slightly, from 18.7mm to 12mm at the back. This allows for a more comfortable fit. Measuring a finger size 7.5, this ring cannot be sized. It is priced at $6,500.00.

The second ring is a bit narrower, but still makes quite an impression. Also made from 18-karat yellow gold, this band consists of five rows of channel set gemstones. The two outside rows are set with a series of princess cut diamonds with each row containing ten square diamonds. Combined, these diamonds offer 2.00 carats of scintillating sparkle. Near colorless, these diamonds have an average clarity grade of VS. Nestled between the diamonds are three horizontal rows of square-cut rubies. These natural gemstones appear to be pigeon blood in color, a hue that is recognized as the finest color of ruby. There are twelve gems in each row for a total of thirty-six rubies with a combined weight of 4.50 carats. Measuring 16mm at the top, this band tapers to just shy of 10mm at the back. It measures at a finger size 9.5 and cannot be sized. Priced at $5,000.00, this ring is true statement jewelry.

Either of these bands could be worn as a wedding ring, an anniversary band or a right hand ring. I love a wide band on an index or middle finger! No matter how you wear them, these eye-catching beauties are sure to get some tongues wagging! Add one to your personal wishlist today… they’re available in our showroom. Call or dm to claim one for yourself.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Pretty Peridot

August 5, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Botanical Things

Now that August is upon us, let’s talk about the birthstone for this month… peridot. Glowing with a bright lime green hue, this gemstone forms deep inside the Earth’s mantle and is only brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Unlike many other gemstones, peridot only comes in one color. It ranges in hue from a soft yellow green to a deep brownish-olive green depending upon how much iron was present when it formed.

Not only is peridot the birthstone for those born in the month of August, it is also chosen to mark the 15th wedding anniversary. Peridot ranges in hardness from a 6.5-7.0 – however, it is sensitive to scratching and fracturing. A protective setting is preferred to maintain the natural beauty of the stone.

The Victorian era celebrated peridot and used it in many pieces of jewelry. This recent acquisition hails from the 1880’s. Made from 15-karat yellow gold (a fineness that was often utilized in England), this lovely pin/pendant boasts a singular oval peridot in the center. A milgrain-edged bezel wraps the entire girdle of the stone, suitable for protecting the gem. The center is further accented by a delicate halo of eighteen natural seed pearls, each one held in place a series of tiny golden prongs.

The peridot centerpiece is crowned with a trio of leaf-like fronds. A long loop drapes from one side to the other completing the wreath that encircles the vibrant green middle. Each portion of the frame is decorated with creamy white seed pearls, just like the ones that surround the peridot. The overall effect is ethereal and more than a little lovely.

Shown from behind, the removable bail is placed to the side. This allows the jewel to worn as a brooch. Alternately, a simple gold chain could slide through the bail, thus permitting the piece to be worn as a pendant. The ability to be worn in multiple ways was common in Victorian jewelry. The color palette of this antique charmer (the warm gold, the creamy pearls and the bright celery green) complement every season. Moderately priced at $2,450.00, it will quickly become a favorite that you reach for over and over. Call to make it yours today.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Orange Blossom Beauty

August 2, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Botanical Things

Orange blossom jewelry dates back to the Victorian era when the actual blooms were worn fashionably. The pure white flowers were believed to be a symbol of innocence and fertility. When Victoria married Albert in 1840, a wreath of orange blossoms graced her head. After taking note of her fondness for this particular flower, Albert gifted her with a set of porcelain, enamel and gold ones… a lovely representation of the real thing. Jewelers began incorporating engraved orange blossoms into rings and bands – this trend continued well into the Edwardian and Art Deco years.

In the early 1900’s, the Traub company trademarked “Orange Blossom” jewelry. These designs featured garlands of blossoms that were hand-chased and hammered onto the gold surface. The Traub name became synonymous with masterfully crafted, superior quality engagement rings and wedding bands. These sweet and sentimental designs were quite popular and inspired generations of young couples.

In later years, the company was sold and the original molds were lost forever. Some sources report that the designs were actually destroyed… a rumor that makes my heart sink. The missing molds were cast using real orange blossoms. Several modern manufacturers have tried their hand at re-creating the iconic designs, but none have measured up to the originals. Just a few weeks ago, I discovered this Mid Century beauty.

It’s bold and yet utterly feminine at the same time. Measuring a full 7.5 mm at the top, the band tapers ever so slightly to 7.0 mm at the back. The deep warmth of the 18-karat gold is softened by a subtle satin finish. I am crazy over the tiny dip in the middle – the band nips in creating a shapely sideways hourglass figure.

Gracefully draped across the center is a singular three-leaf clover. Stylized and elegant, this tiny seedling is made from white gold. It creates a lovely contrast against the yellow gold band. Each of the three leaves are set with two single-cut diamonds. These diamonds have a combined weight of .18 carat.

Stamped inside, crisp and clear, are two words… Orange Blossom. Etched beside it is the gold purity mark, 18K. Experience tells me that this is a later design – it’s definitely a Mid Century Modern. Measuring a finger size 8.5, this band can easily be sized up or down. The three leaves of the clover symbolize faith, hope, and love. I cannot help but be reminded of some of my favorite verses in the Bible…

“If I speak in tongues, of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging symbol. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13.

If ever there were a time to remember these words, surely it is when entering into marriage. Faith, hope, and love are paramount for taking two individual lives and combining them into one. A wedding band is a physical reminder of the promises made. This simplistically beautiful band is a perfect wedding band. Priced at just $895.00, this ring is available on our site.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Baubles, Bling and Statement Things

Baubles, Bling and Botanical Things

Baubles, Bling and Botanical Things

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