Hot or Not – Volume 10

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

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

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

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