Masriera Masterpieces

Joden Girl

Dragonflies, Florals and Earthly Things

“Every piece that comes out of workshops is intended to be an artistic expression stemming from the essence of our culture.

A culture with the Mediterranean as its backdrop. We seek perfection in everything we do and create our pieces, always under the rubric of their contemporary style. A philosophy borne out of our workshops, passed down from generation to generation that has continued up until today.”

These words have been taken directly from the Masriera site and highlight all that is desirable about their extraordinary jewels.  The name “Masriera” has become synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship and breathtaking creations that harken back to the late 19th century when Art Nouveau style reigned supreme.

One of the shorter periods in jewelry history, Art Nouveau began around 1890 and continued on for the next twenty years.  It was a celebration of the female form and all things found in nature – flowers, vines, insects, serpents, and leaves.  High karat yellow gold with a matte finish was often the backdrop for multicolored enamels, giving the pieces lifelike appeal.  Rene Lalique, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and Lluis Masriera were connoisseurs of the craft.

At Joden, we have a handful of these whimsical wonders.  I love the delicacy of this sweet bee ring.  A rich purple amethyst and a tiny diamond make up the body of the insect while the wings are made from black and opalescent white plique a jour enameling.  It sits perfectly on the finger…  now just $1000.

The next tempting treat is a pendant/brooch combination.  A brightly colored dragonfly sips the nectar from the lotus blossom…  simply charming!  The chain is easily removed from the piece to convert it to a brooch.  This engaging enchantress is available on our site – $5000.

Finally, we have my favorite piece – a daisy chain style bracelet.  The buttery 18 karat yellow gold has a wonderful bisque finish that is the perfect compliment to the pastel colored enamel of each flower…  yellow, lavender, pink, and blue.  Each of the seventeen blossoms has a round brilliant diamond center.  It’s a happy bracelet – I smile every time I look at it.  Please call for additional details.

In the hustle and bustle of today’s world, it’s rare to find a company that honors their old world heritage with superior craftsmanship and a faithful expression of quality.  Over 178 years later, and Masriera is still doing it right.

Each piece is individually numbered and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and the original trademarked Masriera packaging.

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Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

A Feather In Our Cap

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Commendable Things

For nearly twenty years we have traveled across the country to convene with more than 400 other dealers at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show, the largest trade only event servicing the antique jewelry industry.  The Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center will be bursting with leading experts from more than 25 countries and the absolute finest estate jewelry in the world – truly the best of the best. 

Pictured above is the banner that will be at the entrance to the show.  The necklace is ours – a stunning piece from our Carlo Giuliano collection.  This is not paid advertising – in fact, it’s more like the spoils at the end of a hard fought battle.  Each exhibitor submitted digital images from their stockpile.  The marketing team for the show poured through thousands of submissions searching for the perfect pieces to use in the artwork for the show.  We submitted over 50 breathtaking likenesses, including this one…  the chosen piece.

 

This is a multicolored enamel pendant from the heart of the Art Nouveau period (1890-1910).  Blue, white and translucent red enamel marry with pearls and Old Mine Cut diamonds on an elaborate frame of scrollwork and quatrefoil flowers… a masterpiece crafted by a master jeweler.  The price is available upon request.

We were thrilled to see our pendant on the banner – the first small victory.  The real prize came about a week later.  We were absolutely over the moon to discover that another one of our Giuliano gems will adorn the front cover of the brochure!  Again, this is not advertising that can be bought.  It is an honor bestowed upon the jeweler with the most magnificent piece in the show.  This is the fourth time that Joden has been recognized in this manner. 

 

This bangle bracelet (Art Nouveau, circa 1890) is signed C & AG.  It was a collaboration of Carlo Giuliano (the father) and Carlo and Arthur Giuliano (his two sons).  The center of the bracelet is an explosion of color featuring blue sapphire, peridot, tsavorite and diamonds while the rest of the piece is enameled in classic Giuliano style – blue and white opaque enamel done in both pique and champlevé styles.  It’s a real show stopper!

Many experts consider Giuliano to be the finest jeweler of all time.  One of his most famous patrons was Queen Victoria.  Rumor has it that his pieces were among her favorites.  We have been lucky enough to amass a 26 piece Giuliano collection – the largest assembly of his work in this part of the country.  All 26 pieces are on display every day in our museum case, and each one is highlighted on our site. 

There is no question,  you can go to a museum and look or you can come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Would you prefer one bangle or two?

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bangles, and Bracelet Bling

For thousands of years, we have been wearing bands around our wrists…  wood, leather, cloth, plastics, and metal.  Sometimes they are functional – used for telling time, carrying vital medical information, or even details about our identity.  And sometimes, they are just for beauty, like the ones pictured here.

At Joden, we have bracelets for everyone – men and women, infants and little girls. We have shiny bands of gold, and dazzling diamond links.  The photo shows some of our finest examples of Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco.  Two of my favorite pieces are available on our website…

Art Nouveau is my favorite period…  I love how it celebrates nature.  This piece is no exception – the finely carved flowers and leaves are the perfect background for three simple stones, two rubies and one diamond.  Priced at just $1150, this piece is perfect in so many ways.  It can be stacked with other bangles, but can still be worn alone.  It is ideal for everyday wear, yet also able to add some sparkle to your holiday dresses.  I would be thrilled to find this under my Christmas Tree!

This delicate beauty could easily makes its way to the top of my list…  Etruscan Revival done to perfection.  That tiny gold beading, the gently sloping sides, tiny openings flanking two bright blue sapphires and one little diamond winking in the center…  oh my!  Made of a buttery 15 karat yellow gold and priced right at $1850, this bangle is destined to be under someone’s tree this year.

These are just a couple examples of the fine vintage jewelry available on our website and in our showroom every day.  Today kicks off our holiday hours…  Joden Jewelers will be open until 8:00pm every evening this week (Monday through Friday).  We also have special holiday hours on Saturday, Christmas Eve. 

Go to our site and look, or come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

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