This or That – Volume 17

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

Hot or Not – Volume 20

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

Snakes have been a recurring theme in jewelry for thousands of years.  The many symbolic references are nearly as plentiful as the jewelry itself… in ancient Greece, snake bracelets represented immortality.  Egyptians utilized an image of a snake eating its own tail; it was called an ouroboros and symbolized rebirth and eternity.  Queen Victoria’s engagement ring from Albert was a bypass-style snake with an emerald set in the head – a talisman that represented his eternal love and commitment.  The popularity of this creature continues today – it is thought to symbolize transformation, fertility and healing. 

We recently acquired this unusual bracelet.  It’s unlike any snake bracelet I have ever seen.  Made from a combination of 18-karat rosy gold and silver, this sinewy snake wraps just once around the wrist. 

Both the head and tail feature bright green enamel.  Executed in classic guilloché style, the metal was carved to look like scales before the translucent enamel was applied.  Two small dots of red enamel form the eyes with a narrow band of silver rimming each one.  A textured piece of silver starts at the mouth, continues between the eyes then splits back to each side.  

A forked tongue protrudes from the tip of the head, adding another classic snake feature.  The body of the bracelet consists of a unique band of coiled gold.  Resembling a large spring, the bracelet is flexible and easy to wear.  

Most snake jewelry is quite realistic.  While there is no doubt that this bracelet is a snake, it is less realistic and more whimsical.  Antique snake jewelry that is well done and in good condition is easy to sell.  Customers seek it out, some even ask to be notified when we get something.  But this bracelet is completely different.  Likely made in the 1940’s, it’s priced at $2,200.00.  Curiosity is getting the best of me, and I just have to ask… 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

What’s New – Volume 97

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

With 2024 in the rearview and 2025 just beginning, we are excited to share fresh finds with you.  Near the end of last year, Jay traveled to the other side of Pennsylvania to offer on one of the largest lots we have ever had the privilege to view.  With more than twelve hundred pieces, it was quite daunting – however, Jay was up to the task.  With the gold market peaking at some of the highest numbers we have ever seen, jewelry has been pouring through the door.  As our primary buyer, Jay’s days are filled with evaluating jewelry, coins, paper money as well as flatware, tea services and so much more.  Our inventory is growing with leaps and bounds and we are squirrelling away the very best pieces for you!

 

This sweet little brooch is one of my favorite finds from that large lot.  Measuring just over an inch in length, this petite pin is actually one of the most clever bits of conversion jewelry I have ever seen.  Shown from behind, perhaps you can see the lines separating each segment.  Once bracelet links, these six pieces were soldered together to create this brooch.  Having an exceptionally small wrist, I can certainly vibe with this genius idea of what to do with extra bracelet links!  Harkening back to the Art Deco period, each link is hand-engraved with beaded milgrain detail.  Viewed from the front, the pattern of the original bracelet reveals itself.  

An east/west oriented navette shape made from four synthetic sapphires is completely surrounded by a band of diamonds of the same shape.  Additional diamonds fill each of the four corners.  In total, there are thirty-six round diamonds that have a combined weight of approximately 1.00 carat.  With the size and shape of this little beauty, I can’t help but envision another conversion.  By simply removing the pin stem and adding a tiny link and a chain on both upper corners, this brooch would make a perfect necklace.  Lovely as is, this brooch is available now for just $1,200.00.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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