Monthly Archive: November 2024 | Page 2

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 152

November 15, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Sometimes I have to be sneaky when I’m scouting for blog picks… especially when they’re for the “Joe’s Special Box” blogs! Joe tends to be a bit territorial when it comes to his private collection. Much like a hoarder, he has an eye for the very finest treasures and he likes to keep them to himself. From Victorian to modern, if something a little extra is needed – the place to look is in Joe’s stash. Every single time Joe catches me digging through those boxes, his voice sharpens a fraction when he asks… “What are you looking for?” If I tell him that I need blog inspiration, he relaxes a bit but still wants to know which one of his prized pieces has piqued my attention.

This lovely little pendant reminds me of a daisy. Pretty and petite, the design is unique. Made from a combination of 18-karat white gold and platinum, the flower itself is centered on a sixteen-inch cable link chain. Two bezel set round diamonds connect to a pair of pavé-set diamond leaves. Three diamonds accent each little leaf. Just below the delicate foliage is the featured flower. The middle of the blossom is oval in shape and it is also pavé-set. Ten round brilliant diamonds fill the oval from top to bottom. Perhaps the most interesting component are the “petals”. A singular piece of wire has been coiled into a uniform spring that completely encapsulates the diamond center. Showcasing a matte finish, I love this unusual design element.

There are eighteen diamonds in all with a total weight of approximately .80 carat. Bright white, these colorless diamonds have an average clarity grade of VS. The back of the piece is engraved with a series of hallmarks… “Michael B., © 96, plat, 18K”. Like a key for a map, these hallmarks reveal details about the pendant. It was made in 1996, from both platinum and 18-karat gold by legendary modern designer Michael B.

Michael began honing his craft at the tender age of ten in Istanbul, Turkey. By the age of sixteen, he came to California to pursue his dream. Working primarily in bridal designs, Michael B. went on to win countless awards. He became known for micro pavé setting, which is showcased to perfection in this pendant. Although the brand lives on, Michael B. passed away in 2014. This particularly fine example of his work is available for $2,150.00. Who wouldn’t want to find this beauty under their Christmas tree? ♥

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

This or That – Volume 15

November 14, 2024November 11, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Symbolic Things

I have always loved three-stone rings. My sentimental side vibes with the symbolism of each stone… one for the past, one for the present and one for the future. Aesthetically, I appreciate the balanced, symmetrical appeal of a classic three-stone. This traditional style has captured hearts for centuries.

The inventory at Joden boasts more than one of these nostalgic rings. In fact, we have them in every department… antique, estate, and of course, modern. Today, I’ve selected a unique duo. Each one offers it’s own unique charms. I can’t wait to see which one you prefer.

First, we have a modern beauty by J. B. Star. Made from platinum, this classic style is crisp and clean. Each diamond is secured with four prongs with the center stone rising above the sides. Weighing 1.21 carats, the main diamond has been certified by the Gemological Institute of America. Shining bright, this diamond has a color grade of J and a clarity grade of VS2. The two side diamonds have a combined weight of .65 carat. Keeping with the modern style, the high-polished shank of the ring offers a nice weight and feel.

Simplistically sophisticated, this ring works perfectly as an engagement ring or an anniversary ring. Sitting tall on the hand, it’s moderately priced at $7,000.00.

Showing a softer side is this late Edwardian three-stone beauty. Comprised of platinum, this ring sits low and hugs the finger. Three diamonds are nestled within a diamond accented border. The European cut center diamond weighs approximately .85 carat, and the two side stones offer an additional 1.00 carat of sparkle. Eighteen single-cut diamonds surround the three main stones, amping up the brilliant bling.

The vintage feel of this ring is absolutely charming. The shank is narrow, adding to the delicate feel of the ring. Priced at $6,100.00, this antique gem is tough to beat.

Both rings have so much to offer… it’s difficult to choose! Do you vibe with the vintage flair of this Edwardian three-stone or are you smitten with the classically clean feel of that modern marvel? Which one is your favorite… this or that? Check them both out on our site today!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Hot or Not – Volume 18

November 8, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

For the past decade or so, those of us in the jewelry industry have been promising the comeback of two things… yellow gold and brooches. Quite honestly, for most of those years, we didn’t believe that those assurances would actually come to fruition. Because we are avid buyers of antique and estate jewelry, our inventory is laden with hundreds of pins… most of them are made from yellow gold. And so, imagine our delight when BOTH of these promises were fulfilled in 2024.

Yellow gold began inching back into the spotlight a few years ago. But… it takes a while for trends to make it all the way to rural Pennsylvania. Nevertheless, it has happened! And we are here for it. Thanks to celebrities, professional athletes and fashion influencers, brooches have also exploded back to center stage as well. The most popular pieces are often whimsical and even a bit cheeky.

Coinciding with both of these hot trends is the rapidly escalating price of gold. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), with gold at an all time high, people everywhere are cashing in on their jewelry. For the first time in a long time, we are buying jewelry as quickly as we are selling it. Some truly unique finds have made their way into the store in the past months, like this playful arrow-pierced heart brooch.

Measuring 2.5 inches from the point of the arrow to the tips of the fletching, this pin is just one such discovery. It’s constructed entirely of 18-karat yellow gold. Oh-so-appropriately placed in the center of the brooch is a heart-shaped citrine. Presenting with a lovely honey tone, this gem weighs approximately 8.00 carats. Surrounding the heart in a softly sculpted halo are twenty round brilliant diamonds. Each one is held in place by just two prongs; combined, they have a weight of .80 carat. Accenting the shaft of the arrow itself are eleven square sapphires. Displaying a brilliantly blue hue, these sapphires offer 1.50 carats of bright bling.

Equally suited to a man or a woman, this brooch could be pinned to a lapel, a hatband, a cuff or even the folded edge of a knitted beanie. Sophisticated elements combine with a simple shape giving the pin an ageless quality – it could easily worn by the very youngest or the very oldest jewelry lover. As my own tastes continue to evolve, I am surprised by how much I like this hearts-and-arrows beauty. Priced at $2000.00, I can’t wait to hear your reviews of this charming piece. What do you think… is it hot? Or not?

“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 A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling and Symbolic Things

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

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