Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling and Quality Things
“Not all treasure’s silver and gold, mate.” This little truth bullet was uttered by the treacherously charming Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean. And while our favorite pirate was indeed waxing philosophically; this time, our treasure IS gold. Looking quite ferocious and fierce, this 18-karat yellow gold brooch expertly depicts a 16th or 17th century sailing vessel. Featuring a hinged double pin stem to support this substantial jewel, this brooch is stylishly wearable.
Flanking both sides of the hull of this large boat are two sea serpents of mythical proportions. Their scaly, sinewy bodies ripple five times reaching from the bow of the ship to the center of the hold. Jaw agape, these dragons of the sea feature bright green enamel. Like horses on a carriage, they’re ready and able to aid in all manner of pillage and plunder. Between these merciless miscreants is the rudder. Essential to any sailing vessel, this stabilizer moves with lifelike precision. It stands at the ready to slice through the rolling waves of the Dead Sea where only the likes of Blackbeard and Anne Bonny dared to tread.
Rising between the heads of the serpents is the captain’s quarters that is elegantly ensconced on the deck of the ship. The sides of the ribbed roof curl down and out from the flat top where the riggings connect. The finest of abodes, this little cab is bejeweled with a singular square sapphire that weighs approximately .50 carat, and twenty round diamonds that have a total weight of .40 carat.
Braw and beautiful, two masts arise from the center of the ship; the tallest of the pair is the mainmast, while the secondary is the mizzenmast. Unfurling from the masts are a set of multicolored enameled sails. The gold beneath the enamel has been artfully sculpted and contoured between each yard. The artisan skillfully layered shades of brown, gold and even hints of blue and purple enamel. Each hue adds an element of depth and realism; it’s quite remarkable to capture such detail in miniature form. Etched onto a small oval placard on the back of the main sail are three things… “Blits, 18K, Italy”. No matter how much I search, I have been unsuccessful in finding the maker known as Blits. Such a shame, finesse and mastery of this level should be celebrated.
Shown here, on my hand, you can appreciate the sheer size of this majestic vessel. Containing more than an ounce of 18-karat yellow gold, this bold brooch is moderately priced at $4,500.00. Jazz up any lapel with this unique brooch.
“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”
Written by Carrie Martin
Photos by Dana Jerpe
