Forget-me-nots Archive

Micro Mosaic Memorial

May 25, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Special Things

Many don’t realize that Memorial Day is not meant to be a celebration, nor should we be wishing others a “Happy Memorial Day”. Recognized on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is meant to be a solemn recognition of those who died while serving in the military. It’s a time of deepest respect and reverence for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Victorians were incredibly sentimental. Many pieces of jewelry from the 19th century are filled with symbolism and emotion. In my quest to find a piece of jewelry suitable for Memorial Day, I came across this brooch. As I began to truly study the piece, I realized just how perfect it was.

Made entirely of 18-karat yellow gold, this brooch takes the form of a sword, complete with a hilt, guard and curved blade.

From grip to tip, this arched blade features three shields. The handle and each shield are painstakingly decorated with intricate micro mosaic pictures. First, let’s examine the handle… it’s a classic grip and guard style. The grip showcases two pink roses. These lovely blooms convey appreciation, gratitude and recognition.

The guard of the sword is decorated with three daisies. In the Victorian era, the white daisy represented innocence and loyalty.

The first shield offers a field of forget-me-not flowers on a background of deep red. These five-petaled blossoms were a favorite of the era… when these tiny blooms were given to someone, it was a promise that you would always remember them and keep them in your heart.

The second bulwark highlights a white dove surrounded by pink roses. Hope, love, and honesty are just a few of the things represented by the dove. In the Bible, a white dove was a symbol of the Holy Spirit bringing a message from heaven.

Finally, the third shield is decorated with a bouquet of pansies… one yellow, one purple and one blue. The pansy bouquet expresses sympathy at a time of loss. These multi-hued flowers also exemplify compassion, remembrance and nostalgia.

And, of course, the sword itself… a time-honored symbol of protection, strength and courage. I simply could not have found a better piece to remember Memorial Day than this lovely micro mosaic sword.

Priced at just $725.00, this brooch is the latest addition to our website. I wish you a meaningful Memorial Day.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 144

January 29, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

The locket… a sentimental symbol of great joy or the deepest sorrow. Traced back to the 16th century, these decorative compartments could conceal every little thing from the most practical to completely whimsical. Ladies often placed a small perfume-soaked square of fabric inside her locket to ward off unpleasant smells.

Good luck charms like a four-leaf clover were sometimes held within a locket. Perhaps a pressed flower or a lock of hair might also be found inside. For the more eccentric or dangerous types, a small amount of poison could be carefully hidden for just the right moment. Queen Elizabeth I was the original initiator of keeping likenesses inside of a locket… in the 1500’s, this was a small hand-painted portrait; today, we could simply insert a favorite photo.

Shown from both the front and back sides, this late Victorian locket is made from sterling silver. The back side that rests against the chest showcases five English hallmarks and an intricately engraved bouquet of flowers… when flipped to the front side, multicolor enamel brings those blossoms to life. Centering on a voluptuous pink rose, this wildflower arrangement also boasts forget-me-nots, morning glories, columbine, hibiscus, lilies and cosmos. Bursting with vibrant hues of green, blue, white, yellow and pink – this piece is lovely.

The chain is every bit as detailed as the pendant. Eighteen inches long and half an inch wide, this link chain is bold. I love that the clasp is not hidden in the back, nor at the center where the locket attaches. Instead, the oversize spring ring is situated on the side, offering ease of use and a bit of playful charm. The locket itself measures 1.75 inches tall – an ideal size for treasured photos, a small note or whatever strikes your fancy. The deep green fabric inside is pristine, protected by a thin piece of plastic. Although this is not original to the piece, it is certainly useful.

Available now for just $475, this timeless treasure is sure to be beloved in your family for generations to come. Call today to make it yours.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Tied Up In Knots

October 16, 2020 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Knotty Things

Tomorrow is Sweetest Day – a holiday that has been celebrated for nearly 100 years with the giving of candies and small gifts to the ones that you love… and not just your significant other, but your family and friends too! If this special day somehow slipped your mind, don’t worry… at Joden, we’ve got it all tied up.

Love knots have been a treasured theme of jewelers and artisans for hundreds of years. These small yet intimately symbolic beauties communicate so much more than words can say. Gold wires, woven together in a series of loops convey an inseparable and unbreakable commitment. Here we have a mash-up of every kind… stunning repoussé gold work, soft satin finishes, multi-colored enamels, delicate seed pearls, twinkling diamonds and one tiny opal (my personal favorite). Stick pins are unusual in that they are unisex. Men pin them to lapels and weave them through neckties for a statement look while the ladies seem to prefer to wear them as charms or tiny pendants. If you’re not a pin wearer, perhaps consider converting one or more of these love knots into a prize of your very own. Pricing begins at $90.00.

These little enchantresses are just a bit bigger than a stickpin. Each one offers a charm all its own. Victorian beauty comes to life, from small and simple to elaborately enhanced; carefully intertwined into all of them is the same message of love and unity. I do have a favorite…

Blue and white enameled forget-me-nots vine across the surface of each of the three loops that are wreathed together, adding another emblematic element to the already figurative love knot. One small diamond winks from the center, adding the tiniest bit of sparkle. The back of the brooch features a foldover bail, allowing this beauty to be worn on a chain. Make it yours for just $725.00.

If you’re looking for something special, look no further. Our cases are overflowing with vintage finds. For Sweetest Day or any old day… the answer is always Joden.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Baubles, Bling and Special Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling and Knotty Things

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