Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things
The 1850’s were part of the post-Romantic era. A range of cultural endeavors and attitudes emerged in the late 19th century. Musicians began to play concerts for the general public, not just wealthy patrons. This decade saw the birth of many literary masterpieces including “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe, “Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman and “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville. Charles Dickens penned “David Copperfield” and Charles Darwin wrote “The Origin of the Species”.
Most people lived on and worked small farms and followed the seasonal rhythms. They grew their own food; and thanks to Isaac Singer inventing the first sewing machine for home use, they sewed their own clothes. They built traditional homes and lived simpler, yet deeply satisfying lives.
It was the Victorian period in terms of jewelry. Early pieces from this era were completely handmade. Necklaces were worn close to the neck and often featured pavé diamond leaves with clusters of flowers. Intricate designs wound their way around necks and wrists. Pendants and lockets hung from chains or were strung on ribbons.
A recent acquisition, this mid-Victorian piece is a showstopper. The base of this pendant is yellow gold topped with a layer of beautifully tarnished silver. Nestled within a halo, the center diamond is an Old Mine Cut that weighs approximately 1.08 carats. Seventy-five additional diamonds of both old mine and single-cut styles accent this triangular-shaped pendant. Combined, these gems have a total weight of more than 2.20 carats! Pairs of swirling lines spiral out from the center stone creating a botanical motif. Measuring 2.5 inches from top to bottom, this antique beauty dazzles. Over 160 years old, this pendant can be found in Joe’s Special Box. It’s also on our site, available for just $6,450.00. Nab this post-romantic piece for yourself.
“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”
Written by Carrie Martin
Photos by Dana Jerpe
