Joe’s Special Box – Volume 155

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Fit for any holiday celebration, these antique beauties are a bit of a mystery.  No one knows where they came from, how long we’ve had them… or even how old they actually are.  The box itself is quite special.  Made of dark brown leather and shaped like a bag of money, this time-worn receptacle features a hinged back and a pair of C-hook closures.  Upon opening the box, two distinct shades of blue come to life.  The lid is lined with a cerulean satin.  It’s in excellent condition with just one small tear.  The lower half of the box showcases a deep navy blue velvet that has been painstakingly formed to the outline of the earrings contained within.  A bright white piping adds the final flourish to this lovely box.

Made entirely of 18-karat yellow gold, the unusual earrings inside the box were made in three distinct sections.  The top is the smallest portion; crafted in repoussé-style, the organic shape swirls and whorls around.  Just a hint of green enamel remains in the crevices.  The closure at the base of this segment is hinged at the bottom with a narrow wire.  Threading through the back of the ear first, this wire has a tiny hook that fits into a small hole at the top. 

Next, an intricate loop of golden ribbon swoops down and then up again.  Both the longest and widest link of the earrings, this ribbon is decorated with detailed patterns of green and white enamel that accentuate the engraving.  This enamel is also showing signs of wear.  Finally, these earrings end with a small fringe embellishment.  Four jointed strands sway enchantingly from a small scalloped cap.

Nestled against the rich velvet interior of the box, these earrings shine.  Undeniably lovely, they would be the ideal complement for everything from a holiday party dress to a pair of distressed jeans.  They are definitely old, but how old is the mystery.  They could be quite early, Georgian (1714-1837) even… or they could be Georgian Revival (late 19th to early 20th century).  Due in part to the less than perfect condition, it’s impossible to pinpoint a precise age other than to say that they are definitely antique.  Fairly priced at just $1150.00, these earrings are available for purchase.

“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 133

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Primitive.  That word accurately describes this ultra cool ring from Joe’s Special Box.  Likely handmade, this ring features closed back construction…  a characteristic that was prevalent in the Georgian era.  Decidedly vintage, this ring isn’t Georgian.  It’s more likely that this beauty is from the 1950’s.  

Made from 10 karat rosy gold, the ring centers on a small oval red stone.  Not a natural gem, this stone is surrounded by two rows of irregularly shaped pearls.  These pearls, exhibiting gray overtones, are strung on wire.  The ends of the wire have been carefully threaded through the back of the ring and secured in place.  Due to the concave shape of the piece, the wires do not present any discomfort when the ring is worn.  

This side view showcases all of my favorite details of the ring…  

  • The perfectly jagged lip at the top.  The rim of the ring is not softly scalloped, but rather spiked and serrated.  
  • Set in a tiny pinched collet on each side is a small round blue turquoise.  I love the contrast of the bright blue against the coppery colored gold.
  • Featuring unique open patterns, the shank of this ring is unlike any other – including the unusual textured edge and faint remnants of an old hallmark.

This look is a rare find in Joe’s Special Box – it’s a departure.  It’s not a ring that I would describe as pretty… it’s striking.  Priced at $550 – this is not a piece for everyone.  But if it’s for you, don’t hesitate.  It won’t last long.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Precious Patina

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and  Oxidized Things

Made pre-1860, it’s impossible to say whether this crescent moon brooch is late Georgian or early Victorian.  What I can say is that it is near perfection.  Two rows of rose cut diamonds have been handset into individual sculpted seats, while a third center row is raised and fitted with eight buttercups.  Carefully fixed into each one is an Old Mine Cut diamond.  A ten-petaled flower sits atop the crescent.  Yet another Old Mine Cut diamond forms the middle of the blossom and is orbitted by ten pinched collets also featuring rose cut diamonds.  This romantic detail is one of my favorite parts of the brooch.

These photographs illustrate the labor intensive work that was needed to expertly craft this elegant beauty.  Ornate metal work is a trademark of the early 1800’s as is the two tone color of the profile…  rosy yellow gold has been topped with a layer of silver…  another little aspect that I adore.  My absolute favorite design element has to be that gorgeous patina.  Hundreds of years of exposure to air allowed this thin layer of oxidation to settle over every nook and cranny of the crescent moon.  This aging process adds another dimension to the piece that, to me, is everything.  Cleaning it would be a sin!  

Pair the pin with these earrings to complete your look.  Movement is the key to these gems!  The top portion (a lovely flower) stays stationary on the lobe, while the lower part swings freely.  This motion allows light to dance across the surface of the diamonds, creating a dazzling effect.  A matched pair of deep red rubies form the center of each earring.  They are surrounded by a ring of ten pinched collets – perfectly mimicking the design of the crescent moon!  

The two tone vibe of the brooch is also duplicated in the earrings as well as that dark patina, drawing yet another parallel between these vintage charmers.  Wear them alone or together, the choice is yours.  Make the brooch yours for $3,480 and the earrings for $4,700.  These pieces and so much more are available every day at Joden.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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