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Joe’s Special Box – Volume 155

December 24, 2024December 13, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Fit for any holiday celebration, these antique beauties are a bit of a mystery. No one knows where they came from, how long we’ve had them… or even how old they actually are. The box itself is quite special. Made of dark brown leather and shaped like a bag of money, this time-worn receptacle features a hinged back and a pair of C-hook closures. Upon opening the box, two distinct shades of blue come to life. The lid is lined with a cerulean satin. It’s in excellent condition with just one small tear. The lower half of the box showcases a deep navy blue velvet that has been painstakingly formed to the outline of the earrings contained within. A bright white piping adds the final flourish to this lovely box.

Made entirely of 18-karat yellow gold, the unusual earrings inside the box were made in three distinct sections. The top is the smallest portion; crafted in repoussé-style, the organic shape swirls and whorls around. Just a hint of green enamel remains in the crevices. The closure at the base of this segment is hinged at the bottom with a narrow wire. Threading through the back of the ear first, this wire has a tiny hook that fits into a small hole at the top.

Next, an intricate loop of golden ribbon swoops down and then up again. Both the longest and widest link of the earrings, this ribbon is decorated with detailed patterns of green and white enamel that accentuate the engraving. This enamel is also showing signs of wear. Finally, these earrings end with a small fringe embellishment. Four jointed strands sway enchantingly from a small scalloped cap.

Nestled against the rich velvet interior of the box, these earrings shine. Undeniably lovely, they would be the ideal complement for everything from a holiday party dress to a pair of distressed jeans. They are definitely old, but how old is the mystery. They could be quite early, Georgian (1714-1837) even… or they could be Georgian Revival (late 19th to early 20th century). Due in part to the less than perfect condition, it’s impossible to pinpoint a precise age other than to say that they are definitely antique. Fairly priced at just $1150.00, these earrings are available for purchase.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 154

December 9, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

The idea of the Christmas tree began in Germany – a tradition that they brought to the United States in 1820. It wasn’t fully accepted until 1846 when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were pictured with their children around a Christmas Tree in the Illustrated London News. Beloved by her British subjects as well as Americans, Queen Elizabeth’s actions were adopted around the world. And so… the Christmas Tree was born.

As one of the most popular symbols of the holiday season, Christmas trees are seemingly everywhere. There are tree-shaped decorations, cards, cakes, candies, and even jewelry. When Dana was snapping photos of this week’s piece, I was suddenly struck by it’s shape…

Intentional or not, there’s no doubt that this Art Deco pendant looks very much like a Christmas tree. The triangular shape bells out at the bottom. Narrow wires angle across and back, creating unique patterns. Seven round diamonds decorate the filigree and take the shape of ornaments. Arching across the bottom of the tree is a band of five synthetic sapphires that look very much like tinsel garland. A singular synthetic blue sapphire is offset at the tip of the triangle, mimicking the iconic star that crowns the Christmas tree. Two additional diamonds dangle from the base of the tree, forming the trunk.

Combined, the nine diamonds offer .35 carat of sparkle. Although there are no actual bulbs on this tree, it twinkles more than any holiday lights I have ever seen. Made around 1925, this enchanting pendant is oh-so-Deco. Suspended from a 16-inch link chain, this is the perfect accessory for the Christmas season. It pairs equally well with jeans or a cocktail dress. Available in our 144 S. Broad Street showroom, make it yours for just $2,250.00.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Deeds Not Words

December 6, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Meaningful Things

Numbers are often quite significant – the first one that came to mind when I discovered this week’s blog piece was 104. That relatively small value represents the amount of years that have passed since the 20th amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote. According to census results, there are approximately 300-450 people alive today that are 105 years old. Those people, who are still alive, were born just before women earned the right to vote. It’s an absolutely mind-blowing fact.

The National Women’s Party in the United States adopted a lovely trio of colors to represent their cause. Taking a page from the WSPU (Women’s Social and Political Union) who used purple, white and green, the NWP chose purple, white and gold. The purple stood for dignity, white for purity, and gold for hope. Gold was inspired by the sunflower which had been the symbol of Kansas suffragettes since 1867.

This lovely little brooch employs this powerful color trio beautifully. Measuring just 1.5 inches across and .75 inches from top to bottom, it’s small but mighty. Pins like this were worn to show support of the movement. The warm tone of 14-karat yellow gold was fashioned into a softly scalloped edge and gently curving lines – the perfect frame for the oval amethyst center stone. With a pair of luminous pearls decorating the east and west ends, this pin offers all the appeal of the Art Nouveau era.

The c-shaped curve of the pin stem has been etched with the hallmark shown above… a 14B encapsulated inside of a double oval halo. The symbol of the Brassler Company, this mark is crisp and clear. Hans Brassler descended from a long line of jewelers and studied at Académie Julian in Paris. After finishing his schooling, Brassler emigrated to the United States in 1902 to work as a designer for Tiffany & Co. In 1909, Brassler stepped out on his own, joined with partners and formed the Brassler Company in Newark, NJ. Brooches like this, custom-designed by Hans himself, were the lifeblood of the company. This small firm was later acquired by Jones and Woodward. Just a short time later, that company was acquired by Krementz… arguably one of the most important jewelers of the past century.

Crafted around 1910, this brooch surely must have a story to tell. I wonder who wore it? Did they wear it with pride to protests and rallies; or was it worn quietly and subtly, silently supporting the fight for equal rights? If you too find solace in the battle cry of those tumultuous times – “Deeds Not Words” – then perhaps this dainty darling is for you. Priced at just $975.00, this piece of history can be yours… call or stop by to claim.

“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 A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling and Meaningful Things

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