Monthly Archive: January 2025 | Page 2

Signature Series – Volume 28

January 20, 2025 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Quality Things

For one hundred and forty years, the jewelry created by Carrera y Carrera has captured hearts around the world. From a very humble beginning in 1885, the talent and passion of a young jeweler became the driving force that would create an iconic brand. Saturio Esteban absorbed the bohemian spirit of Las Letras (a district in the heart of Madrid, Spain) and let it flow through his hands and into his designs.

The imaginative style of this family-owned business runs the gambit from classically traditional to whimsically figurative. Utilizing a myriad of textures and finishes, the many faces of Carrera y Carrera are captivating. During their long history, millions have fallen in love with their crocodiles, tigers, lions, eagles, snakes and dragons.

Recently, we acquired a small collection of Carrera y Carrera pieces. I’ve selected my favorite to share with you. Admittedly, swans are a bit tame in comparison to their more wild creatures; however, they are every bit as beautiful. They’re quite romantic as well. These majestic birds court each other with a special dance, and ultimately mate for life. Sculpted into earrings, our swans are perfectly sized, measuring less than an inch from the tip of the wing to the bottom of the creamy pearl. Organically shaped, the freshwater pearl fills the body of the bird while a high-polished wing sweeps up and back. Nine round brilliant diamonds are nestled into the feathered body of each swan; combined these eighteen gems have a total weight of .30 carat. The strong curve of the neck and head showcase a wonderfully soft, muted texture while a bright ruby eye gives a coy wink.

Omega backs ensure that these earrings sit properly on the lobe. There’s no movement or sagging… the superior craftsmanship is evident in every piece of Carrera y Carrera jewelry. Whether it be mechanical or aesthetic, these other-worldly creations are true perfection. Moderately priced at $2,900.00, these earrings are our favorite recent acquisition. If you’re as charmed as we are and are looking for the perfect give for your mate; give us a call to make them yours.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 158

January 17, 2025 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Here in Pennsylvania, it’s very cold. Over the next few days, the weatherman is calling for the temperature to dip below zero. And since I haven’t hit the lottery (probably because I don’t play the lottery), I still have to go to work. Heading out in subzero temperatures can only mean one thing… it’s sweater weather! One of my favorite things about bundling up in a thick, cozy sweater is accessorizing. A turtleneck is the perfect place to showcase a pretty little pin… and this dainty charmer is SO good!

Measuring just over an inch from side to side, this turn-of-the-century brooch is ideally sized. Shown from behind, the rich hue of the gold framework features a lovely patina that darkens the color. Taking the shape of a sideways navette, the center segment also boasts a glass-covered hair receiver. Beneath the glass, the woven ivory fabric is still pristine – with nary a hair in sight. This tiny compartment has never been used. Note the beautiful scallops that envelop the outer edge. Six carefully sculpted contours have been intricately set with five seed pearls in each one.

My favorite detail of this pin is the lovely enameling that decorates the front. A deep garnet-colored enamel done in guilloche fashion coats the center. Small, regular hashmarks were etched into the surface of the gold before the enamel was applied. Because the enamel is translucent, this subtle patterning can be appreciated through the enamel. A slightly raised border fully surrounds the center; it has been coated with an opaque white enamel. Evenly spaced on top of the white enamel are sixteen minute black dots… a small detail that makes all the difference.

Splayed across the top of the red enamel is a singular flower. Made from various sizes of creamy seed pearls, this five-petaled blossom is like the icing on a cake – finishing the brooch to perfection. Beautifully made and utterly feminine, this piece can be enjoyed all year long. Pin it to your sweaters in the winter, jackets in the spring and fall, and on a collar or cuff in the summer. Moderately priced at $1500, this pin brings a welcome pop of color on a cold January day.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

This or That – Volume 17

January 13, 2025 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Three Stone Rings

The classics never go out of style… diamond stud earrings, gold hoops, eternity bands, tennis bracelets – the list goes on and on. One of my favorite traditional pieces is the three stone ring. The symbolism is simple: one stone for the past, one stone for the present and one stone for the future. One single sentence ensures that the three stone ring is perfect for any occasion. Whether it be an engagement, an anniversary or a right-hand ring, the power of three is hard to deny.

Recently we acquired a brand new beauty that reminded me of an old favorite. This new ring is made from 18-karat yellow gold. A bright white oval diamond sits center stage, weighing .78 carat. It twinkles and shines with every turn of the hand.

Flanking the diamond is a striking pair of matched oval rubies. Combined, these two gems have a total weight of .87 carat. Exhibiting the color of ripe bing cherries, these rubies are small but mighty. The color jumps out of the ring. Surrounding the three stones and cascading down each shoulder are forty-four round brilliant diamonds.

These diamonds have a combined weight of .34 carat. The overall petite size of this ring is so appealing. It’s beautiful on the hand… I cannot stop looking at it. It’s moderately priced at $4,650.00.

Next to this yellow gold stunner is that white gold beauty. Also made in the traditional three-stone style, this 18-karat white gold ring is equally striking. The center stone is an unheated 1.64 carat oval ruby. Deep red with just a hint of purple, this gemstone is the color of a fine merlot. A pair of half-moon diamonds sit on either side of the ruby offering .23 carat of sparkle. Completely encircling the center stone, each side stone and shoulder are sixty round brilliant diamonds.

With a total weight of approximately .75 carat, these diamonds add the perfect amount of brilliance to this ring. Shown from behind, the filigree wire-work of the under gallery and the engraved patterns on the shank come to life, adding a vintage flair to this otherwise modern ring.

This yellow gold ring is smaller and more delicate than that white gold ring. Moderately priced at $4,650.00. this oval diamond and ruby ring sits beautifully on the ring finger of the left hand. It would work equally well as an anniversary or right hand ring. Not to be forgotten and priced at $6,450.00, that oval ruby and half moon diamond ring is a showstopper on the hand and would also be the perfect choice to celebrate any important occasion. Both are available on our site now. I have just one question. Which do you prefer? This yellow gold charmer or that white gold dazzler? 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

Baubles, Bling and Quality Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling and Three Stone Rings

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