Ravishing Retro

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Glamorous Things

At the end of the 1930’s, the strong geometric lines of Art Deco evolved into the vivid 3-dimentional curves that Retro is known for.  Jewelry of the 1940’s-1950’s makes a bold statement, like this striking bangle pictured above.

Wide ribbons of rose and yellow gold wrap around a large emerald cut aquamarine center stone.  Bright red cabochon rubies and round diamonds add another element of color and design to this already outstanding piece.  To further heighten the appeal, this bangle is able to be converted to a pendant as well as a brooch – fashion AND function!

WWII was a powerful influence on the time.  The use of platinum was restricted making multicolor gold a popular choice…  yellow, rose, and green gold reigned during the Retro period.  Women’s apparel bore a noticeable resemblance to military uniforms – the look was handsome rather than pretty with high collars and ultra masculine lines.  To soften the effect, ladies added jewelry like this…

These oversize pieces are as audacious as they are delicious.  This large bow brooch will catch anyone’s eye – it centers on a 65 carat citrine; Retro style at its finest.  Priced at $6500, it pairs perfectly with the angular lines of this statement ring.   The hourglass shape of the ring nearly spans from knuckle to knuckle – ideally worn on an index or middle finger.  Make it yours for $4500.00.

Much of the Retro period was dedicated to trying to regain the Old Hollywood glamour of the 1930’s.  Pieces like this flaunt that designers achieved and surpassed that goal.  Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.

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Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Joe’s Special Box

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

It all started with a little cardboard box.  It was stored in the left-hand cabinet of Joe’s desk.  Written on the lid (in Joe’s chicken-scratch style printing) were the words “Joe’s Special Box”.  What those words really meant was – “For Joe’s Eyes Only”  Occasionally, you might glimpse a piece before it disappeared into the box – I can remember one in particular:  a dainty platinum Art Deco ring with a pair of half moon diamonds in the center.  The next time I saw the ring, it was on the pinky finger of Joe’s daughter, Sara.  You see, “Joe’s Special Box” was filled with a cache of riches that he was saving for Sara. 

Over the last few years, the box has grown.  Actually, it’s now three boxes.  Some of the pieces inside are labeled “For Natalie” – Joe’s granddaughter.  However, many of these exceptional examples (like the ones shown here) aren’t labeled at all, which means they’re available for purchase!

Each of the three pieces in the above photo are carefully crafted from fine sterling silver and enamel…  dated just before and just after the turn of the 20th century. 

Both of these vintage lockets feature a pattern of soft pink roses on a white guilloche enameled background.  Guilloche is a unique type of enamel in which the metal is first hand carved with a repetitious pattern where upon layers of colored ground glass beads are then baked – this allows the underlying engraving to show through the enamel creating tiers of dimension and beauty.  Available on our site for just $450.00 each…  add photos or mementos to create your own heirloom.

This lovely piece looks like a locket, but is actually a vinaigrette – a trinket specially created to hold a perfumed piece of cotton inside.  Ladies held it to their nose while out and about to prevent the odors of the streets from permeating their delicate senses.  It highlights a lady of leisure on the lid, enjoying the foliage of a Victorian garden while the scene on the back depicts a pair of lovers also luxuriating in a lush garden. 

Next time you’re at Joden, ask about Joe’s Special Box and the treasure-trove of riches hidden inside…

“Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.”

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Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

The Power of Three

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and  Three Stone Rings

Call it lucky.  Maybe even magical.  There’s no denying that the number three is symbolic.  Many notions have been associated with the number…  everything from religious connotations to ancient superstition.  The ideas have even permeated the jewelry world.  Three stone rings have often been described as “Past, Present, and Future” pieces.  So, whether it’s the symbolism that draws you in or simply the intrinsic beauty, these rings are just too good to miss!

 

This stunning trio offers all the best elements of the early 1900’s – handcrafted design, expertly executed filigree work, and a perfectly placed pop of color.  Factor in the “three-stone” element, then ask yourself this…  “What’s not to love?”

Get an eyeful of this little enchantress!  Milgrain details bring delicate filigree edges to life with tiny hand-faceted beads that sparkle like diamonds.  To fashion that “three stone” style, the center diamond is flanked by a pair of French cut synthetic blue sapphires (Many people don’t know that synthetic stones were common during the Art Deco period!).  The burst of blue makes the ring even more enticing.  Available now for just $1100.00.

Soft white gold blends with the warmth of yellow gold to create this classic beauty.  The ring sparkles with a pair of European Cut diamonds and a synthetic ruby center.  Four leaf-life accents perform supporting roles, each one with a faceted diamond center.  Go to our site and check it out for yourself.

If you love vintage jewelry, but color isn’t your thing, then this third ring is the charm!  From the heart of the Art Deco period, you’ll love the graceful lines of this elegant ring.  Three Old European Cut diamonds set across the top give this piece that time-honored “three stone” appeal.  This ring is a perfect fit for just $900.00. 

On the count of three, come to Joden and make one of these rings yours!  And don’t forget to subscribe to Joden Girl to have it delivered straight to your inbox.  Just click on the newsletter link and sign-up now.

“Got to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

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