Joe’s Special Box – Volume 160

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

There are certain styles of jewelry that transcend time; pieces that sell as quickly as we get them.  One of the most beloved styles of antique jewelry is rock crystal or camphor glass jewelry.  This fashion came to life in the Edwardian era but has roots in the 17th century.  The predecessor to camphor glass was the Stuart crystal; a pure piece of rock crystal quartz that is colorless and transparent.  After the execution of Charles I in 1649, these unique jewels were worn by patrons wanting to honor and show loyalty to the Stuart crown.  Rings, cuff links, earrings and pendants were fashioned with a crown and/or a personalized monogram; some featured a profile of Charles I.  The clear piece of rock crystal quartz (a.k.a. Stuart crystal) was placed over the top to protect the symbols beneath… just like a piece of glass in a picture frame.

As the years went on, additional uses and adaptations of rock crystal emerged.  Victorians discovered that when the material was carved, it became cloudy.  This translucent look was quite lovely and utilized in all kinds of jewelry.  Even iconic jewelry houses like Cartier and Boucheron embraced the beauty of this versatile material.  At the beginning of the 1900’s, plaques like the one shown here were quite popular… so popular, in fact, that an easily mass-produced and less expensive alternative soon made its way onto the jewelry scene.  It was called camphor glass.

By exposing clear glass to hydrofluoric acid vapors, the glass took on a soft, frosted appearance that mimicked rock crystal quartz.  Often carved from behind in a starburst pattern with a small diamond set at the center, these lovely pieces of glass were set in delicate filigree frames. Because it was more affordable, it was not only used in fine jewelry, but costume jewelry as well.  It’s quite challenging to tell the difference between the two – and to be honest, both are highly collectible.  

Shown on the neck, this pendant offers presence with a casual appeal.  I am wearing it with a simple gray sweater.  It would pair equally well with everything from your favorite distressed denim to a satin and lace wedding gown.  The intricate frame is made from 14-karat white gold as is the 18-inch original chain that it is suspended from.  My favorite detail is the tiny bow at the top of the pendant… it’s the sweetest touch.  Nestled in the center of the pendant is a singular diamond that weighs approximately .03 carat.  This authentic antique beauty is available for just $975.00!  Give us a call to make it yours today.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

 

  

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 154

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

When Good Becomes Great

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Transformed Things

It’s no secret, I LOVE conversion jewelry.  You might even say I’m conversion-crazed!  Living in a throw-away society where each of us create almost 1600 pounds of trash per year, I love that we’re up-cycling and repurposing these broken or unworn pieces. 

Some of my favorite transformations include:

  • Pins to pendants
  • Pins to Rings
  • Pins to Earrings
  • Stick Pins to Charms for Pendants and Charm Bracelets
  • Cufflinks to Earrings
  • Single Earrings to Pendants

There are endless options and countless reasons for re-imagining jewelry.  Perhaps you inherited a brooch that isn’t your jam.  Maybe you’ve been through a divorce and you want to do something with those rings.  It could be that your style has changed over the years and you have a piece that needs a refresh.  Whatever the case may be, don’t hesitate to take something old and create something new.

With the holidays on the horizon, the conversion case at Joden is brimming with all the latest revived treasures.  We redesign 99% of these beauties here on the premises – but occasionally we buy a piece of jewelry that was already updated, like this platinum pendant.  

The transformation is so well done that at first glance, you might think this lovely gem was always a necklace.  It wasn’t until I turned it over that I was able to discern that it had once been something else entirely.  The center section on the back side is concave.  The gallery is perfectly contoured to lay flush with the finger…  this Art Deco pendant used to be a ring.  It isn’t often that someone takes a ring and changes it into something else.  This beauty is an unusual example.

The craftsmanship is superb, featuring hand pierced openings and milgrain edges.  Nestled in the center is an open-culet Old European Cut diamond.  There are an additional twenty-four diamonds set in the outer edges – they are all single-cut stones.  All diamonds have a combined weight of approximately .50 carat.  

Although the original design sat like a square on the finger, I love that someone gave it a jaunty spin.  The pendant dangles from one corner and slides on an 18-inch platinum cable chain.  Priced at just $1,725.00, it’s available in the store.  I hope that you’ve enjoyed this conversion diversion as much as I have!

“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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