Ring Around the Rosie

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Flowery Things

A quick glance out the window reveals a just a hint of the mounds of snow and ice that continue to accumulate.  It’s February in western Pennsylvania and this weather is common.  Living on the snowbelt is a conundrum in and of itself.  The first snow is magical…  a cleansing blanket of white that envelops everything it touches.  When I was younger, it offered the promise of sled riding, snowball fights and perhaps the elusive snow day.  But today, in the midst of yet another major storm, I find myself longing for the warmth of the sun. 

With millions of white flakes falling from the sky, it seems unlikely that I’ll get my wish today.  Instead, I have soothed my soul with these cheerfully bright flowers.  The simple wreathlike design allows the gemstones to truly shine.  Constructed from 18 karat yellow gold, the brooch is a endless circle comprised of nine five-petaled blossoms.

Shown here on a neutral beige cardigan, the bold primary colors radiate joy.  There are twenty- four round brilliant diamonds not only colorless but also in shades of yellow and cinnamon; these diamonds have a combined weight of 3.00 carats.  Additionally, there are twelve emeralds weighing .85 carat, twelve crimson rubies weighing .90 carat and seven blue sapphires that weigh .65 carat.  Each color is more vibrant than the last.

Brooches are so under-utilized!  They aren’t just for cardigans or lapels (although those are still great options).  Pin this beauty on a length of ribbon to tie around your neck or wrist or clasp it onto your favorite scarf.  It’s the perfect hair accessory when you hook it onto a padded headband.  Brooches can accessorize a handbag, even a shoe or boot.  The possibilities really are endless.  

Made in the 1970’s or 1980’s, this vivid vintage brooch is priced at $4,750.00.  Bring some color into your life with this bold and beautiful modern piece.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Conversion Diversion

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Recreated Things

My mother’s jewelry box was always a mystery to me as a child.  I can see it in my mind so clearly…  a hinged lid that when opened, revealed two drawers of little square compartments overflowing with assorted trinkets and treasures.  I loved digging down into the layers, pulling out my favorite pieces…  a silver charm bracelet with mechanical charms (a tiny rotary telephone with a moving dial, a baby buggy with spinning wheels), a matching earring and necklace set comprised of a series of small wooden beads, and a Retro style ring with a synthetic ruby center.  Piece after piece, each one more intriguing than the next to my six-year-old eyes.  The box always sat on my mother’s dresser, neatly centered in front of the oversize mirror.  Unfortunately, she never wore the pieces inside. 

I know this resonates with many of you.  We all have those pieces that seem to float around the bottom of our jewelry box – getting pushed aside time and again as we sift through  searching for our favorites.  For many of us, the items that don’t get worn are pins…  circle pins, lapel pins, lingerie pins, and stick pins. 

At Joden, we have drawers full of stick pins…  hundreds of them.  We have enameled flowers, seed pearl accented love knots, hearts, and clovers, there are animals of every kind, sparkling gemstones, both silver and gold.  Stick pins are a great accessory and still look good threaded through a scarf or necktie – but if you’re just not a pin girl, here are some charming options. 

 

The photo on the left shows a sampling of former stick pins that have been converted to tiny charms.  The photo on the right showcases one of them on a delicate gold chain.  It’s a perfect pendant; able to be worn every day.  It’s a signature piece that can be worn alone or layered with another necklace or two. 

 

Maybe you have more than one stick pin, or perhaps you would like to start collecting them.  The bracelet on the left is a progression of cabochon gemstone charms- moonstone, amethyst, turquoise, jade, and opal.  The theme of the bracelet on the right is diamond trim – while each charm is uniquely different, the diamond accents bring it all together. 

Whether you have pins of your own or perhaps you need to check out the selection available at Joden, it’s all about conversion – giving new life to an old treasure.

“Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

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