Conversion necklace Archive

What’s New – Volume 38

July 25, 2022 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

This latest piece is fresh from our shop. Located on the premises, Joden Jewelers is doubly blessed to have this state-of-the-art facility staffed with two world class bench jewelers. Having this valuable resource at our fingertips allows us to do so much more than an average store. We are able to restore, repair and create… sometimes on a whim. This necklace is one of those whims.

Curvaceously charming, this pendant was made from a bar pin. Originally designed to be worn horizontally, this lovely pin had been hanging around the store for awhile. Clovers are a treasured symbol of faith, hope and love. Enchanted by the heart-shaped pavé pearl leaves and curled stem, we had a moment of inspiration and decided to convert it to a pendant.

By simply removing the pin stem and then giving the brooch a ninety-degree turn – an elegant new pendant was born. In a genius move, we decided to hide the bail behind the stem. I love that we were able to keep the original line of the brooch, it’s simple perfection. One small Old Mine Cut diamond is nestled deep between the three leaves of the clover adding a little sparkle. Priced at $825.00, this 14-karat yellow gold necklace won’t last long. Hop on over to our site for more details.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Getting Personal with the Personnel – Volume 1

May 27, 2022 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Insider Information

Born Andrea Caroline in 1975, I have answered to many names but rarely my birth name. My family has called me Carrie all my life and I have since accumulated multiple titles… daughter, sister, friend, wife and mother. Someday I hope to add grandma to that list.

This is my second time around at Joden Jewelers – collectively, I have worked for the company for over twenty years. In all that time, no two days are ever the same. That’s one of the most unique aspects of working here. One day I might answer 150 emails and 20 phone calls and the next day could find me sifting through a recently acquired estate of antique jewelry… quite literally digging for treasures. It’s impossible to be bored when you never know what is going to happen from one day to the next.

I don’t have a favorite piece… more like a favorite theme. I love floral pieces, especially daisies. Vintage or new, silver or gold – I am a sucker for jewelry that features flowers. By definition, Art Nouveau is the celebration of the woman in nature. It’s my favorite period. The simple beauty of the curving gold lines paired with enameled figures and flowers is enchanting. In the pictures shown here, you can see a few pieces from my personal collection. Just for fun, I had Dana add one of my LEAST favorite items at Joden into the collage. Can you guess which one it is?

My biggest accomplishment during the time I have been with the company is the collaborative efforts of Dana and I on our social media presence; that includes all things Facebook, Instagram, the website and this blog. This edition marks the 508th blog that I have written. It has definitely been a journey filled with some extremely high highs and some lows as well. For every time I have struggled to find words there is also a celebratory moment with Dana over an internet sale. It is a source of great pride and real accomplishment for me.

Another thing that I love doing is designing new pieces of conversion jewelry, including this most recent addition. Last Saturday I found the sweetest Victorian circle pin. With a 14-karat yellow gold base and a silver top, the delicate daisy wreath appealed to me on almost every level. The simple ring of rose-cut diamond accented flowers, dainty leaves and pearl adornments was perfect, except that it was a pin. Looking for an ideal complement for the daisy brooch had me digging through four trays of stick pins. Finally, I had a “Eureka” moment! After a quick consultation, our bench jeweler Debbie made conversion magic…

Two previously unworn gems are now one extremely wearable pendant. Soon to be added to the website, this beauty is available in the store now for just $575.00. Stop by, say “hi” and see it for yourself.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Blurred Lines

March 18, 2022 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Cryptic Things

Victorian, Edwardian or somewhere in between? While there have been years assigned to each era, it’s not always possible to look at the artifacts and relics and pin a precise period upon each one. More often than not, the lines are blurred… and the styles blend together in the most beautiful ways.

Once a brooch, this conversion necklace is made from a combination of 14 karat yellow gold and silver. The warm tone of the gold forms the base of the piece although it is only visible from the back. From the front, the look is monochromatic. A light patina is the only detectable hint of darkness. The unique blending of metals is characteristic of both Victorian and Edwardian. In the 1800’s, the feature was created by layering silver over gold – but by the very early 20th century, the introduction of platinum both elevated and refined the concept.

Generally speaking, silver-topped gold indicates Victorian while platinum-topped gold most often suggests Edwardian – although it isn’t always black and white. A lovely array of swirling lines intersect to create the frame. Seven Old Mine Cut diamonds have been bezel set in the heart of the piece. These stones have a combined weight of approximately 1.00 carat. The lip of each collet (or bezel) features a precise row of tiny beads known as milgrain. This detail would become a trademark of the Edwardian era.

Decorating the vines are ten small leaf-like settings, each one containing a bright rose cut diamond. Eighteen of these primitively faceted stones are sprinkled throughout the piece and offer an additional .18 carat of sparkle. The most unusual detail of this design are the five briolette cut gems that dangle from the bottom edge. Nearly colorless, these beauties could easily be mistaken for diamonds – however, they’re not. The faint blue stones are actually aquamarines… the birthstone for March!

Delicately detailed from top to bottom, this pendant combines the best that the Victorian and Edwardian eras had to offer. Priced at just $2,250.00 – this conversion necklace is new to the Joden site and simply too good to resist. But you don’t have to take my word for it, check it out for yourself.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

Baubles, Bling and Insider Information

Baubles, Bling and Cryptic Things

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