Joe’s Special Box Luxury Edition – Volume 26

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and A Collector’s Things

A leopard can’t change his spots…  this age-old adage is just as true today as it when it was first coined in the Bible thousands of years ago.  Adapted from Jeremiah 13:23, the message is simple.  We cannot change who we are – not our personality traits nor our character.  When I saw today’s featured piece, those were the words that popped into my head.  

Let’s talk about those spots… Did you know that a leopard’s spots are called rosettes?  This clever term refers to the actual shape of the spots – they look like roses.  They’re not just dots; each one has a dark center that gets lighter toward the edge.  The average adult leopard has between 800-1200 spots!  This beautiful coloring provides protection for these big cats.  The spots look like dappled sunlight, allowing leopards to blend into the trees where they like to rest during the day.

This striking brooch was made by Carrera y Carrera – a jewelry icon for more than 140 years.  Known for exceptional craftsmanship, this Spanish jewelry house creates wonderful figural pieces.  This brooch is a prime example – made entirely of 18-karat yellow gold, he stretches out to nearly 3 inches from the top of his head to the curl in his tail.  His lovely spots, made from glossy black enamel, shine on the matte finish of the gold.  

Shown here, on my hand, you can appreciate the impressive, yet completely wearable size.  The body is solid, giving this leopard a wonderful, weighty feel.  Don’t be fooled by the sweet diamond collar that our friend is wearing.  Eleven fully faceted round brilliant diamonds encircle his neck.  True to life, this leopard is fierce and powerful; his sharp canines are in full view and his claws are splayed on each powerful paw.  Two ruby eyes glimmer within his sculpted skull.  

 

Beautiful and sleek, this leopard brooch would make a wonderful talisman.  Carrying a visual promise of strength and independence, the leopard stands apart from all other cats.  It will quickly become a signature piece, worn with everything from leather to lace.  Gift this bit of symbolic luxury someone you love for $6,150.00. 

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

Signature Series – Volume 28

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Quality Things

For one hundred and forty years, the jewelry created by Carrera y Carrera has captured hearts around the world.  From a very humble beginning in 1885, the talent and passion of a young jeweler became the driving force that would create an iconic brand.  Saturio Esteban absorbed the bohemian spirit of Las Letras (a district in the heart of Madrid, Spain) and let it flow through his hands and into his designs.

The imaginative style of this family-owned business runs the gambit from classically traditional to whimsically figurative.  Utilizing a myriad of textures and finishes, the many faces of Carrera y Carrera are captivating.  During their long history, millions have fallen in love with their crocodiles, tigers, lions, eagles, snakes and dragons.  

Recently, we acquired a small collection of Carrera y Carrera pieces.  I’ve selected my favorite to share with you.  Admittedly, swans are a bit tame in comparison to their more wild creatures; however, they are every bit as beautiful.  They’re quite romantic as well.  These majestic birds court each other with a special dance, and ultimately mate for life.  Sculpted into earrings, our swans are perfectly sized, measuring less than an inch from the tip of the wing to the bottom of the creamy pearl.   Organically shaped, the freshwater pearl fills the body of the bird while a high-polished wing sweeps up and back.  Nine round brilliant diamonds are nestled into the feathered body of each swan; combined these eighteen gems have a total weight of .30 carat.  The strong curve of the neck and head showcase a wonderfully soft, muted texture while a bright ruby eye gives a coy wink.  

Omega backs ensure that these earrings sit properly on the lobe.  There’s no movement or sagging…  the superior craftsmanship is evident in every piece of Carrera y Carrera jewelry.  Whether it be mechanical or aesthetic, these other-worldly creations are true perfection.   Moderately priced at $2,900.00, these earrings are our favorite recent acquisition.  If you’re as charmed as we are and are looking for the perfect give for your mate; give us a call to make them yours.

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

 Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

 

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