Joe’s Special Box Meets Pick of the Week – Volume 67

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and A Collector’s Things

Oftentimes, we acquire a piece that is reminiscent of something we already have; not like twins separated at birth, more like cousins.  There’s a strong family resemblance, and they definitely work well together but also offer their own unique personality and charm.  A couple of months ago, the loveliest pair of earrings became part of our antique and estate collection.  

Made from a glorious pairing of low-karat gold and silver, these earrings dangle enchantingly from the ear.  A dainty white pearl is affixed to the top of the post.  (The post itself is modern, made from 14-karat yellow gold.  A fair assessment would be that the earrings were originally non-pieced and were converted at a later date.  The remainder of the earrings is authentic and original.)  Just below the pearl is a stem of four rose cut diamonds, each one in a collet setting.  

Finally, my favorite portion of the earrings is the small flower at the base.  I’m a sucker for daisies – and this is no exception.  Sixteen rose cut diamonds have been expertly fitted into the eight petals that surround the natural pearl center.  A subtle patina has added a slight color to the surface of the metal, allowing the diamonds to pop.  Made near the 1860’s, these ethereal beauties are early Victorian.  The forty rose-cut diamonds have a combined weight of approximately .40 carat and offer the perfect amount of sparkle.  Dancing enchantingly from each ear, these earrings are available for $1500.00.

As soon as I saw the earrings, my mind instantly flashed back to another early Victorian flower.  Featured in a blog a few years ago, this silver and gold beauty is also covered in rose-cut diamonds… forty-eight of them, in fact.  Sparkling with every turn, they’re prong-set into two graduated rows of petals.  These primitively cut gems offer 2.00 carats of brilliance.  I love the rich, dark patina that has developed on the surface of the silver.  It’s the ideal complement to the bright, white diamonds.  The final touch is a singular creamy white pearl nestled in the center of the blossom.  
The pin stem has a threaded mechanism that attaches it to the back of the flower.  Removable features like this often indicate that the piece was once able to be worn in multiple ways.  Perhaps the flower threaded onto a pendant, or even a ring.  It’s a mystery that can never be solved.  This brooch has been on our site for quite a while, priced at $3,500.00.  Today, we’re changing that.  As a Pick of the Week, we are now offering it for just $2,500 – a savings of $1,000.00!  

These two pieces aren’t identically matched.  Each one has details that make it special and each one is lovely in its own rite… but together, they’re magical.  With today’s price drop, you can make BOTH pieces yours for just $4,000.00 – it’s a deal too good to pass up.  

 

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

His and Hers – Volume 14

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Complementary Things

I have to admit, I’m super excited about these cool companions…  a ring and a watch.  Typically, this edition of the blog is for a pair of pieces that are perfectly suited to a man and a woman.  However, this week, we’re offering something a bit more fluid.  The two timepieces could be enjoyed by a man and a woman – but would work just as well for two women – they could be partners, gal pals or mother and daughter.  Two men could also share this pairing.  A unique twist to consider… these unusual finds could also be fitting accessories for just one person (not to be selfish, but sometimes we don’t have to share!).  

This dynamic duo offers simplistic style and functional flare.  First, let’s talk about the ring.  We have had a handful of ring watches over the years, however, it seems like a trend that never really caught on.  Most of the ones I have seen tend to be bulky… but this handsome piece is sleek and stylish.  Made from 18-karat white gold, the oval-shaped face runs parallel with the finger.  The markers are arabic numbers – created in black enamel, they’re bold and easy to read. 

The bezel that surrounds the face features an engraved pattern that continues onto the shoulders of the ring.  Cleverly designed (although I don’t know the actual purpose), the top of the ring is hinged along the left side.  It opens, leaving the creamy dial of the watch bare.  Made in the early 20th century, this ring is a winding watch.  In perfect working condition, simply twist the sapphire crown to get it going.  Moderately priced at $1,150.00, this ring is SO good.

I wanted something equally cool to pair with the ring – and this wristwatch was the ideal choice.  Made from 14-karat white gold-filled metal, the watch is small by today’s standards.  However, at the time, the size and look of this watch was all the rage.  Manufactured by Bulova in the late 1920’s or early 1930’s, this piece was paired with a strap which has no doubt been replaced many times since.  Currently it is featuring a stitched gray leather band that offers a vintage vibe.

Much like the ring, the case of the watch is heavily engraved with beautiful patterns.  The dial of the watch is in great condition and has bold arabic numbers with luminous patina… allowing them to glow in the dark.  The dial also showcases a natural second hand where the number six would normally be.  The radium hands of this handsome watch are also luminous – a clever and functional feature, no doubt.  

Etched on the inside of the watch back are the words “Bulova Quality Pat. Jan 11, 1927”.  Also a winding watch, this gem is in great working condition.  It’s available for just $450.00.  Perhaps you have the ideal partner with which to share these two timepieces.  Or perhaps you are the one and only person who will be enjoying both pieces.  No matter the case, it’s destined to be a fashion statement unlike any other.  Not available on our site, you’ll have to give us a ring 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

Hot or Not – Volume 21

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

For what seems like an eternity, we have been hoping and encouraging the return of the brooch.  There’s even a slogan for the cause – “Bring back the brooch!”  Quite honestly, we have converted many more pins and brooches than we have sold over the past few years.  But this year, it might finally be happening.  Brooches are on every runway… and not just on collars and lapels.  They’re pinned to cuffs, waistbands, shoulders, hats, bags and shoes.  Brooches are clustered in groups, paired ribbons, chains and bows.  From necklines to hemlines…  the brooch is definitely back!

I have been head over heels for this darling brooch since the first moment I saw it.  Cleverly sculpted from a singular piece of peachy-pink coral, this bamboo stem is bursting with color and personality.  Showcasing the carving skills of the maker, this stalk of bamboo is incredibly well made and true to life.  I love the leaves bursting from the top.  

Giving the piece structure and form is an 18-karat yellow gold frame that is expertly fitted to the back of the brooch.  Bearing the marks of fine Italian jewelry, this brooch also boasts a hinged pin with two stems.  This is a feature of high-end brooches; it serves to anchor the piece and keep it in place.  A pair of gold bands extend from the frame and wrap around the stalk of the coral bamboo, providing the perfect perch for a charming little bird.  With an upturned beak and curled tail-feathers, this multi-textured birdie adds a touch of whimsy to the brooch.

Held between two fingers, you can see the physical size of the brooch.  Measuring just shy of two inches from top to bottom, it’s ideally sized.  Though I am enchanted by this charming fellow, opinions at the store have varied.  They range from utter adoration to complete indifference.  Moderately priced at $2,100.00 – I can’t wait to hear what you think.  Is our little friend a keeper?  Or should he fly south for the winter?  Is he hot?  Or not? 

“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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