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

Hooray for the Red, White, and Blue

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Patriotic Rings

I love the Fourth of July, especially in small communities like mine.  The festivities start early and continue well into the night…  parades, picnics and of course, fireworks.  Everywhere you look – it’s flags, banners, balloons, and flowers – all done in red, white, and blue.  Our patriotic pride shines brighter on that day than any other. 

For each of us, Old Glory represents freedom; but do you know what her colors stand for?  The white stripes signify innocence and purity, the red stripes are for hardiness and valor while the blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice. 

 

What better way to showcase your patriotic spirit than with a stack of ruby, diamond, and sapphire bands?  At Joden, the selection of bands is endless – we have modern classics and vintage designs.  Every one has its own appeal; hand engraving, milgrain bezels, sparkling diamonds, and bright splashes of color. 

   

One of these beauties can be the crown jewel at the top of a band stack or worn alone for a more subtle allure.  This sapphire is a favorite of mine – the trio of diamonds bands that form the shank of the ring give a unique spin to the classic three-stone look of the center section.  It’s available on our site for just over $4000.  The diamond ring with the ruby halo is new to us, purchased at the recent Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show.  It’s petite size would allow it to be worn on any finger, even a pinky.  Priced right at $1350, it’s available on our site now. 

The beauty of these rings, like the beauty of our flag, will last a lifetime… stars and stripes forever.

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

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