Hot or Not – Volume Eight

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Shapely Things

Every time I pick up a piece of jewelry, I begin to mentally check off boxes based on both my own likes as well as what’s on trend right now. 

  • What’s the metal?
  • Platinum or gold?  14 or 18-karat?
  • What gemstones are featured?
  • Are they the star of the show or are they the supporting cast?
  • How does it feel when I put it on?
  • Do I want to keep wearing it, or do I want to take it off?
  • Does the piece match the price?
  • Is it priced too high, too low or just right?

This eye-catching bracelet is a series of twenty-one marquise-shaped links, each one set at a jaunty angle.  Each link moves independently in a delightfully snakelike fashion.  Already, my mind is turning…

  • The main structure of the piece is made from the rich, warm tone of 18-karat yellow gold.  To display a bi-color motif, the artist created an 18-karat white gold segment that sits atop the yellow gold base.  The combination of the two colors is well done and gives the bracelet versatile appeal.
  • Sixty-three diamonds are set within the links.  Set in groups of three, these sparklers accentuate the marquise shape and have a total weight of approximately 1.50 carats.  There are both full and single-cut near colorless diamonds (the average color grade is I) with an average clarity grade of VS2-SI1.  
  • When clasping the bracelet around my wrist, I admire the expertly hidden clasp.  It closes with a satisfying snap.  The first thing I sense is the physical weight of the piece…  it’s heavy but in the best way.  It exudes quality.  There are no sharp bits and it’s comfortable and easy to wear. 
  • Finally – it’s the “Goldilocks” conundrum…  is the price too high, too low, or is it just right?  $4500…  When I consider the amount of gold (28.7 dwt), the high karat of that gold, and the diamond weight (1.50 carats) – I have to say, it’s priced right.

After thoughtfully evaluating each bulleted point, there’s no doubt that the bracelet is well-made from high quality materials.  The Mid-Century Modern design also offers good value.  There is just one final question to answer… Is the bracelet hot?  Or not?  I can’t wait to hear what you think!  Check it out on 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

Pick of the Week – Volume 57

Joden Girl

Baubles and Bling with Unbelievable Pricing

Sometimes, the only thing a customer can complain about is the price.  This bracelet has been in our inventory for longer than I would like to admit… not weeks or even months.  Years!  It seems crazy, right? Even at a glance, it’s a showstopper.  The Edwardian era coincides with King Edward VII’s reign.  He was the oldest son of Victoria and Albert and took the throne upon his mother’s death in 1901.  He ruled until his death in 1910.  His reign was a time infused with the elegance and luxury that Edward had known all of his life.  Often described as a golden age, it seemed to be one long extravagant garden party.  

Nobility and members of the upper class embraced leisure sports such as croquet, tennis and lawn golf…  this created a real need for a change in fashion.  More flexible clothing was essential; it was vital for hats and parasols to be larger for protection from the sun.  A change in clothing is nearly always accompanied by a change in accessories like jewelry.  The ostentatious and oversized look of the Victorian years ended and the ethereal, delicate feel of the Edwardian era began.  Garlands, bows and ribbons decorated everything from necklaces and rings to earrings and bracelets.  This week’s piece is one of the finest that I have ever seen.  

Encircling the wrist are seven elongated links that form the outside borders of this bracelet.  Each one is made entirely of platinum; the top portion is coated with a layer of glossy black enamel.  A tongue-and-groove clasp is cleverly hidden inside one of these links allowing the bracelet to appear seamless when worn.  Juxtaposed with the stark black links are seven curvaceous bows.  Also made of platinum, each one is set sideways with the tails unfurling on either side.  One hundred and twelve Old European Cut diamonds cover every inch of the ribbons and offer 1.80 carats of shimmering sparkle.  Adding an additional 3.00 carats are seven Old Mine Cut diamonds; these sizable beauties are bezel set between the notched ends of the ties.  

 

Further softening the aesthetic appeal are tiny beaded edges called milgrain.  A classic element of Edwardian jewelry, these minute beads outline each bow from tip to tail and encircle every bezel.  The overall appearance is light, airy and absolutely gorgeous.  Purchased from a fellow dealer, this bracelet is one of the most beloved pieces of our antique and estate department.  It’s been on our website for $15,499.00 – not a crazy price for a mint condition antique bracelet with 4.80 carats of diamond weight, but not a bargain either. 

There isn’t one single thing to complain about here…  except for maybe the price.  Perhaps you’ve admired it from time to time, but haven’t been able to justify shelling out that kind of cash.  Or perhaps this is your very first time meeting this exquisite enchantress.  In either case, today’s your lucky day.  We’ve selected it as a Pick of the Week.  That means that we take an old favorite and offer it with new, updated pricing.  This one is absolutely unbelievable – our Edwardian bow bracelet is now available for just $7,750.00!  Do NOT sleep on this deal.  Hop on over to our site and make it yours.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

What’s New – Volume 28

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and The Latest Things

Everything’s better with a bow, right?  Dana and I are all tied up over this latest diamond studded edition to our estate department.  Bridging the gap between the end of the Victorian era and the beginning of the Edwardian period, this authentic and original bracelet is practically perfect in every way. 

Five individual pieces of 14 karat yellow gold curb-link chain measuring seven inches each comprise the base of the bracelet.  These fine chains are not soldered together, they’re loose allowing for a bit of movement.  Permanently affixed to the center of the bracelet is one of three silver bows.  The other two are soldered to the left and right of the center at evenly spaced intervals.  Made of 800 silver (as hallmarked on the back of the clasp), these tiny three-dimensional bows are unusually shaped with large loops and very short tails.  There are exactly eight diamonds in each for a total of twenty-four stones that have a combined weight of approximately .50 carat.

Offering turn-of-the-century styling, the bracelet is delicate and timeless.  Expertly crafted, it’s absolutely charming and perfect for daily wear.   Shown on the arm, the physical size and length are suitable for most wrists.  It’s in excellent wearable condition.

Bows have long been a symbol of femininity, and these tiny ribbons bring a touch of soft, curvaceous charm to an otherwise simple bracelet.  Priced at just $2,250.00, it’s the ideal way to add the warmth of yellow gold to your jewelry wardrobe.  Drop by our website to make it yours today.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Click To Call!