Hot or not Archive

Hot or Not – Volume 21

February 3, 2025 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

For what seems like an eternity, we have been hoping and encouraging the return of the brooch. There’s even a slogan for the cause – “Bring back the brooch!” Quite honestly, we have converted many more pins and brooches than we have sold over the past few years. But this year, it might finally be happening. Brooches are on every runway… and not just on collars and lapels. They’re pinned to cuffs, waistbands, shoulders, hats, bags and shoes. Brooches are clustered in groups, paired ribbons, chains and bows. From necklines to hemlines… the brooch is definitely back!

I have been head over heels for this darling brooch since the first moment I saw it. Cleverly sculpted from a singular piece of peachy-pink coral, this bamboo stem is bursting with color and personality. Showcasing the carving skills of the maker, this stalk of bamboo is incredibly well made and true to life. I love the leaves bursting from the top.

Giving the piece structure and form is an 18-karat yellow gold frame that is expertly fitted to the back of the brooch. Bearing the marks of fine Italian jewelry, this brooch also boasts a hinged pin with two stems. This is a feature of high-end brooches; it serves to anchor the piece and keep it in place. A pair of gold bands extend from the frame and wrap around the stalk of the coral bamboo, providing the perfect perch for a charming little bird. With an upturned beak and curled tail-feathers, this multi-textured birdie adds a touch of whimsy to the brooch.

Held between two fingers, you can see the physical size of the brooch. Measuring just shy of two inches from top to bottom, it’s ideally sized. Though I am enchanted by this charming fellow, opinions at the store have varied. They range from utter adoration to complete indifference. Moderately priced at $2,100.00 – I can’t wait to hear what you think. Is our little friend a keeper? Or should he fly south for the winter? Is he hot? Or not?

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

Hot or Not – Volume 10

February 23, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

By and large, most mainstream modern jewelry follows current trends and styles. Countless companies are mass-producing thousands of shockingly similar, basic jewels. To be honest, most of it is pretty. These are the types of pieces that appeal to almost everyone. They’re ordinary, but never extraordinary. At Joden, we have a few things that fit into that category. However, most of our jewelry is vintage – a fact that makes our inventory interesting and filled with stellar stand-out pieces. Sprinkled amongst these beauties are a few eccentricities.

Hot or not is a special edition of our weekly blog that is reserved for pieces that leave us wondering. These are the outliers, the oddities and anomalies. This week’s selection definitely has me puzzled… and I can’t help but wonder what you think?

Made entirely of 14-karat white gold, this asymmetrical ring is a bit of an aberration – but maybe in a good way? The overall shape is a stylized curve. Forming the base is a ribbed coil of white gold. Nestled into that curl are six Old European Cut diamonds. With an average color grade of I and an average clarity grade of SI, these sparklers have a combined weight of .35 carat.

Seated at the top of the diamonds is one pear-shaped emerald. Shamrock green in color, this gem provides the perfect pop of color. Weighing approximately .50 carat, the emerald is bright and beautiful. (On a side note, shown from the side, I can’t help but note that the ring looks a bit like a King Cobra! Oh my!)

This new ring reminds me a bit of an old favorite (above right) that we shared awhile ago… the blog was titled “From the First Frost to the Last” and you guys went nuts for it! The ring sold immediately, much to the dismay of many. With a similar vibe, we couldn’t resist shining a spotlight on this unusual piece. Looking at it on my hand, I’m not sure. I find myself still sitting on the fence.

And I cannot wait to hear what you think. Priced at $1,175.00, this stand out ring is available on our site now. Check it out for yourself… then let us know. Is this ring hot? Or not?

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Hot or Not – Volume Nine

September 11, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

This week we have selected a ring that has been cause for debate. It’s been on display in the store, added to the case by one and then quickly taken back out by another. It’s been schlepped from here to there, yet always comes back. Not unlike Cinderella’s slipper, it just hasn’t found its perfect match.

Made from 13.1 dwt of 18-karat white gold, this ring offers a solid presence. Featured at the top of a high-polished wide shank is a u-shaped curl that measures an inch in length. Sitting vertically and running parallel with the finger, this architectural structure is encrusted with 250 natural blue sapphires. These round beauties range in hue from a soft cerulean to a deep cobalt, creating a subtle ombré feel. These glittering gems reach from knuckle to knuckle with 6.00 carats of scintillating sparkle.

Even the outermost edges of this curvaceous conundrum are covered with corundum. Ultra-modern and stylishly sleek, our ring presents an unusual look that waffles somewhere between wearable art and weaponry. Weighing over half an ounce and shimmering with sapphires, there’s no question about the intrinsic value of the piece. The real question is about its aesthetic appeal.

The finger size is relatively small, it fits perfectly on the ring finger of my right hand. Inside the shank, the metal is smooth and shiny making it comfortable to wear. With so much working in its favor, it must be beautiful… but is it? I appreciate the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship that created the ring, and yet, I’m torn. Is it hot, or not?

This ring has been part of our inventory for years, just waiting for its soulmate. If that’s you, stop in or give us a call. It’s available in our showroom for just $2200.00.

“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 Curious Things

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

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