Hot or Not – Volume 21

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

For what seems like an eternity, we have been hoping and encouraging the return of the brooch.ย  There’s even a slogan for the cause – “Bring back the brooch!”ย  Quite honestly, we have converted many more pins and brooches than we have sold over the past few years.ย  But this year, it might finally be happening.ย  Brooches are on every runway… and not just on collars and lapels.ย  They’re pinned to cuffs, waistbands, shoulders, hats, bags and shoes.ย  Brooches are clustered in groups, paired ribbons, chains and bows.ย  From necklines to hemlines…ย  the brooch is definitely back!

I have been head over heels for this darling brooch since the first moment I saw it.ย  Cleverly sculpted from a singular piece of peachy-pink coral, this bamboo stem is bursting with color and personality.ย  Showcasing the carving skills of the maker, this stalk of bamboo is incredibly well made and true to life.ย  I love the leaves bursting from the top.ย ย 

Giving the piece structure and form is an 18-karat yellow gold frame that is expertly fitted to the back of the brooch.ย  Bearing the marks of fine Italian jewelry, this brooch also boasts a hinged pin with two stems.ย  This is a feature of high-end brooches; it serves to anchor the piece and keep it in place.ย  A pair of gold bands extend from the frame and wrap around the stalk of the coral bamboo, providing the perfect perch for a charming little bird.ย  With an upturned beak and curled tail-feathers, this multi-textured birdie adds a touch of whimsy to the brooch.

Held between two fingers, you can see the physical size of the brooch.ย  Measuring just shy of two inches from top to bottom, it’s ideally sized.ย  Though I am enchanted by this charming fellow, opinions at the store have varied.ย  They range from utter adoration to complete indifference.ย  Moderately priced at $2,100.00 – I can’t wait to hear what you think.ย  Is our little friend a keeper?ย  Or should he fly south for the winter?ย  Is he hot?ย  Or not?ย 

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

Bring Back the Brooch

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, Pins and Things

Over twenty-eight thousand posts can’t be wrong.ย  There’s a movement happening on Instagram… #bringbackthebrooch.ย  There is no other piece of jewelry as versatile.ย  There are countless ways to sport your favorite pins.ย  I am dedicating this week’s blog to some of our favorites!

Luxurious satin, plush velvet, or even a playful pattern – take a length of ribbon and tie a fabulous oversize bow around your wrist.ย  Adorn it with something sparkly, like this stunning Victorian butterfly.ย  This silver on gold beauty glistens with over a carat of rose cut diamonds.ย  Each wing centers on an old cut brilliant blue sapphire.ย  Add in a cabochon opal body and a pair of ruby eyes and this look will have heads snapping!ย  Take this winged creature home for $3,750.00.

Wrists aren’t the only place to tie a bow…ย  ankles are fair game and oh-so-sexy.ย  Create your own ankle strap with a bit of black grosgrain ribbon.ย  This diamond daisy brooch adds a splash of vintage glam.

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You can call it late Georgian or early Victorian…ย  I call it gorgeous.ย  You know I’m a sucker for flower jewels (this one is available for $3,500.00) and this little bauble is no exception.ย  Every petal is covered with a glorious patina – the perfect contrast to the bright white diamonds.ย  Over two carats that sparkle and shine with every step – imagine making a fashion statement like this on the dance floor!ย ย 

If bows aren’t your thing – check out our twist on an old favorite.ย  This woven choker is a must for every jewelry wardrobe.ย  Wear it alone or jazz it up with a brooch or two.ย  Dig into those jewelry boxes, find your brooches!ย  Pin them to your collar, lapels and ties.ย  Add them to your cuffs, straps, and waistbands.ย  Join the movement and bring back the brooch!ย ย 

Send pictures of your favorite brooches and how you wear them to carrie@joden.com.ย  Inspire me!

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos (and those great legs) by Dana Jerpe

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