Joe’s Special Box – Volume 162

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Thing

Last week, we shared a piece of jewelry from the Retro era (the late 1930’s-1940’s) – a bold band that is SO good.  Those years not only designated the Retro period but also the Great Depression.  Arguably the most devasting economic downturn in United States history, the depression saw unprecedented unemployment rates, businesses going belly up and a radical decline in economic activity.  It wasn’t until World War II started that things started to turn around.  Preparing for war fueled industrial production which created jobs.  The war efforts also gobbled up all of the platinum using it for manufacturing rifle and engine parts as well as explosives.  Rather than inhibiting jewelers, the loss of platinum inspired them to create an entirely new trend.  By alloying gold with a higher ratio of copper, rose gold entered the picture in a big way.  

The majority of Retro jewelry was big and bold.  Statement pieces were all the rage – gold was manipulated into scrolls and volutes; it was woven, braided and entwined.  There were leaves, ribbons and my favorite… bows.  This simple yet incredibly feminine form has been adorning jewelry for centuries.  Bows were particularly beloved during the Edwardian era.  It came to the forefront once again in the 1940’s.  Vintage bow brooches are readily available as are pendants and necklaces.  But rings are rare.

This sweetheart just arrived and we are in love!  Uncomplicated and effortless in design, this beribboned ring offers endless charm.  Made of 14-karat rose gold, it’s a finger size seven.  It sits perfectly on the index and middle fingers of my left hand.  The knot in the center of the bow is white gold and is set with an Old European Cut diamond that weighs approximately .10 carat.  Adding the perfect amount of sparkle to this triple loop bow.  A small space separates each loop and remnants of the original milgrain beading remain on the edges of those loops.  The tails of the bow drape down the shoulders of the ring, completing the look.

Perfect for so many occasions, this vintage ring is priced at just $465.00.  Although it was well loved by previous owners, there is still plenty of life left in it.  Choose it for any reason or no reason at all – it’s just too sweet to let it go!  Check it out on our site today.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Ribbons and Bows

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Meaningful Things

In a couple of weeks, we will celebrate the special women in our lives.  May 9th is Mother’s Day, but this momentous occasion isn’t just for moms.  We honor our mothers, grandmas, stepmoms, sisters, wives, daughters, nieces and friends.  These ladies are an integral part of our lives.  In my family, the women are the strength and lifeblood of the home.  They are breadwinners and homemakers; caregivers and comforters.  These women keep our family tied together.  

A ribbon tied into a bow symbolizes strength and unity.  This double looped knot with trailing tails has been a significant theme in fine jewelry for hundreds of years.  Made of 14 karat white gold, this ring from the 1960’s is formed from a pair of whimsical bows.  One tail from each bow unfurls and wraps around the center stone.  A rich red oval ruby is set at a jaunty angle in the middle of the ring.  Weighing 1.10 carats, this crimson stone is the heart of this Mid-Century beauty.  Subtle sparkle and shine are added with fourteen single-cut diamonds…  they have a combined weight of .25 carat.  Every element of this ring sings in perfect harmony.  

Like the inspirational ladies in our lives, this ring is a visual representation of strength and unity.  What more appropriate gift could you give this Mother’s Day?  Priced at just $675, this ring is available on our site.  Add it to your cart before someone else does!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 118

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

This week, Dana and I stumbled on a little gem that has us tied up in knots….  or a bow.  We’re in love with this 18 karat white gold Edwardian ring.  It’s detail after detail of antique excellence.  A hexagon-shaped top holds the center stone – a transitional cut European diamond that weighs approximately .35 carat.  

Elegant filigree decorates both sides of this early 20th century gem.  The detail is precise – featuring a botanical vibe.  This fine wirework is accented with milgrain beading – a classic Edwardian element.  While each of these things are essential to the overall appeal of the ring, it’s those bows that we are so enamored with.

Each shoulder is meticulously decorated with a loosely tied double loop bow.  The asymmetrical trailing tails add feminine and whimsical style.  Bows have been fashionable since the 17th century when the Marquise de Sévigné pinned one at the center of her bodice.  A painting of her wearing a bow brooch in this fashion hangs in the Musée Carnavalet in Paris – celebrating the style and guaranteeing the popularity of the bow for centuries to come. 

These unusual details are the very things that make each antique ring special and uniquely you.  Made in 1915, this beauty would make a perfect engagement ring or a right-hand ring.  Priced at just $825, this sweet bit of bow bling won’t last long.  Call today to make it yours.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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