Lovely Leaves

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Special Things

Antique diamond earrings truly sell themselves.  There’s something so enchanting about Old Mine Cut diamonds… both retail and wholesale customers are constantly requesting them.  Like snowflakes, no two Old Mine cuts are exactly the same.  Each one has its own unique appeal.  Combining several of these beauties in a pair of earrings that dance with every move is magical.

Made in the mid-1800’s, these Victorian earrings take the shape of small clusters of leaves.  The framework of these antique gems is comprised of a low-karat gold base that is topped with silver.  The surface of the silver has tarnished in the most delicious way; showcasing shades of black, gray, purple and brown, this patina is wonderfully rich.  

The twenty-six diamonds in these earrings are a combination of Old Mine cuts and rose cuts.  Together, they offer approximately .90 carat of sparkle.  Old Mine cut diamonds tend to be squarish in shape and a bit lumpy.  Much like the modern round brilliant, they also have fifty-eight facets.  The proportion is entirely different; Old Mines have small table facets, a high crown and large, open culets.  The large facets were specifically designed to sparkle under candlelight.  Cut exclusively by hand, each Old Mine cut diamond was unique and special.

Shown on the ear, the size is perfect!  Hanging about an inch from the bottom of the lobe, this style can be worn casually for daytime appeal or dressed up for evening pizzazz.  These antique beauties remain entirely authentic and original except for one tiny detail… the wires have been replaced; these are 14-karat yellow gold.  If you’ve been looking for a pair of antique diamond earrings, today is your day.  Make these lovely leaves yours for just $1,650.00.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

Modelling by Debbie Miles

Pick of the Week – Volume 70

Joden Girl

Baubles and Bling with Unbelievable Pricing

We’re back with another incredible Pick of the Week!  This featured edition of our bi-weekly blog has become a favorite of ours and yours.  We take a piece that has been on our site for an extended period of time and offer it at a substantially reduced price.  This beauty is the 70th piece that we are offering at a reduced price – and it’s the first in a series of several engagement rings available with special pricing.  If you or someone you know is in the market for a diamond ring, whether it’s a new engagement ring, an upgrade to a current engagement ring, or an anniversary ring… you don’t want to miss the deals that we are rolling out each and every Monday.   

Made from 14-karat white gold, this ring has classic lines that will be beloved for years to come.  A near colorless round brilliant diamond sits center stage in this modern beauty.  Weighing 1.03 carats, this natural earth-mined diamond has a clarity grade of VS2-SI1.  Bright and sparkling, this diamond is held in place by four prongs situated at 1, 5, 7, and 11:00 o’clock.  

Shown from the side, a v-shaped detail reveals itself.  This unique styling element is set with twenty-six fully faceted round diamonds.  Two identical rows of diamonds also decorate each shoulder.  Combined, there are fifty-eight side diamonds that have a total weight of .46 carat.  Also visible from the side are the beautiful engraved patterns and dainty milgrain beading that encompass the remainder of the ring.  These details add a hint of vintage charm to this otherwise modern ring.

This ring was appraised by the International Gemological Institute of America in 2013 for $11,530.00.  We had previously listed on our site for $7,600.00.  Today, the market has changed.  With the influx of lab grown diamonds that have flooded the industry, it has affected the prices of earth-mined diamonds.  Although we don’t sell lab grown diamonds, we recognize the changes in the market and have adjusted our prices accordingly.  That being said, this ring is now priced at just $4,750.00!  We will continue to offer our customers the best possible prices every day, just as we have for the past fifty-five years.  

“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 160

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

There are certain styles of jewelry that transcend time; pieces that sell as quickly as we get them.  One of the most beloved styles of antique jewelry is rock crystal or camphor glass jewelry.  This fashion came to life in the Edwardian era but has roots in the 17th century.  The predecessor to camphor glass was the Stuart crystal; a pure piece of rock crystal quartz that is colorless and transparent.  After the execution of Charles I in 1649, these unique jewels were worn by patrons wanting to honor and show loyalty to the Stuart crown.  Rings, cuff links, earrings and pendants were fashioned with a crown and/or a personalized monogram; some featured a profile of Charles I.  The clear piece of rock crystal quartz (a.k.a. Stuart crystal) was placed over the top to protect the symbols beneath… just like a piece of glass in a picture frame.

As the years went on, additional uses and adaptations of rock crystal emerged.  Victorians discovered that when the material was carved, it became cloudy.  This translucent look was quite lovely and utilized in all kinds of jewelry.  Even iconic jewelry houses like Cartier and Boucheron embraced the beauty of this versatile material.  At the beginning of the 1900’s, plaques like the one shown here were quite popular… so popular, in fact, that an easily mass-produced and less expensive alternative soon made its way onto the jewelry scene.  It was called camphor glass.

By exposing clear glass to hydrofluoric acid vapors, the glass took on a soft, frosted appearance that mimicked rock crystal quartz.  Often carved from behind in a starburst pattern with a small diamond set at the center, these lovely pieces of glass were set in delicate filigree frames. Because it was more affordable, it was not only used in fine jewelry, but costume jewelry as well.  It’s quite challenging to tell the difference between the two – and to be honest, both are highly collectible.  

Shown on the neck, this pendant offers presence with a casual appeal.  I am wearing it with a simple gray sweater.  It would pair equally well with everything from your favorite distressed denim to a satin and lace wedding gown.  The intricate frame is made from 14-karat white gold as is the 18-inch original chain that it is suspended from.  My favorite detail is the tiny bow at the top of the pendant… it’s the sweetest touch.  Nestled in the center of the pendant is a singular diamond that weighs approximately .03 carat.  This authentic antique beauty is available for just $975.00!  Give us a call to make it yours today.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

 

  

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