Jewelry Archive

Let Your Light Shine Down

September 16, 2023April 22, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Illuminated Things

“In nature, light creates the color.” – Hans Hoffman

Plique à Jour… this French phrase loosely translates to “let the daylight in”. In jewelry, it refers to a style of enameling akin to stained glass…. and like a finely stained glass window, it comes alive when you hold it up to the light. The framework seems to disappear, leaving a shimmering rainbow glow.

This piece has laid on the shelf behind Joe’s desk since the day he bought it… somehow it has managed to avoid being placed in with the regular inventory. It’s been passed over 100 times or more – maybe even forgotten. I think it’s because when it lays on the shelf, it doesn’t look like much. Just metal and glass. But the moment you pick it up and hold it to the light… that’s when the magic happens.

It’s a complete metamorphosis. My eyes hardly know where to look first… the blue, green, and purple hues are completely captivating. Suddenly, I wanted to see more.

Symbolism abounds in this early Art Nouveau creation, and it’s all about an awakening – a resurgence of life… Did you see the lotus blossom at the top? The lotus has long been a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and rebirth. Every night this resilient flower submerges itself beneath murky waters only to re-bloom the next morning without a single drop of residue on its petals, completely immaculate.

Now, feast your eyes on the brilliant blue butterfly at the center of the piece – perhaps a Blue Morpho. Butterflies are thought to exemplify endurance, change, and hope. They are the ultimate symbol of resurrection. Notice that the face of the butterfly is a cherub. Cherubs are thought to keep vigil over those in need of strength, faith, and renewal. The hidden meaning knows no bounds.

Holding it to the light, I am bewitched… and when it rests in my hand, I am beguiled and bewildered. First, bewitched by the vast array of color (i.e. remember your first box of 64 Crayola’s?); then beguiled and bewildered by the complexity of the mind that was not only able to dream of this artistry, but also bring it to life.

Call for special pricing and availability.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Luxurious Lace

September 16, 2023March 28, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and the Art of Filigree Things

Whether it’s made from woven wire or silken thread – the intricate patterns created are undeniably similar. Both lace and filigree are made in much the same manner… curled, twisted, and plaited threads crossed over, under, and finally united at all points of contact. Time has not diminished the value of either, but rather made them all the more desirable.

Here is a close-up segment of a filigree bracelet juxtaposed with a piece of lace called Carrickmacross. Both showcase open meshwork, a treasured decorative element. No one can resist the delicate beauty of filigree jewelry. Even novices are drawn to Edwardian and Art Deco pieces resplendent with the airy patterns painstakingly created wire by wire. Ladies, both young and old, are equally enchanted – including me! Check out this trio of bracelets – each one lovely, but also each with a personality all its own.

Here they are individually…

This piece is from the Depression Era, circa 1930’s, featuring die-struck metal that was then hand finished. The center stone is a square synthetic sapphire (authentic and original to the bracelet). It is flanked by a pair of white stones and then two additional synthetic sapphires. It’s moderately priced at $1100.00.

This stunner, signed J.E. Caldwell, speaks for itself. Handcrafted in platinum using an alternating sequence of two link styles, it contains 120 diamonds totaling over 10 carats! Aficiondos and amateurs agree – this piece is simply magnificent. Call me for more details and pricing.

Finally, we have my favorite of the bunch! I love the style of the filigree, it reminds me of the petals of a chrysanthemum flower – blooming out from the tiny gem-set center. Crafted with a nod toward the Edwardian era – this bracelet has a yellow gold frame that is overlaid with a white gold top.

Special attention has been paid to this bracelet – even the back is polished! For more details and photos, visit our site!

Unlike the lace on a christening dress or a wedding gown, each of these bracelets can be worn and enjoyed every day. Their lacey appearance is not reserved for special occasions but rather meant to delight… day after day, year after year.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

A Revival

September 9, 2023February 16, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Rejuvenated Things

Four months… that’s how long it’s been since I sat down to share a story, a treasure, or a lovely little trinket with you. I’m excited to be back – I feel rejuvenated!

In business and in life, a new year often inspires (or requires) us to do inventory – whether it be a mental accounting of our own day to day habits or an actual itemization of our assets and possessions. Joden is no exception. The month of January (and often February) has us going over every single piece of jewelry… Every. Single. Piece.

The most mundane part – the absolute worst part – of inventory is writing new tags. Those tiny gold tags that are attached to each item. I hate writing tags. A lot. I prolong it. I ask my coworkers to write them for me. Anything for a distraction. My favorite form of procrastination is trying on jewels – especially rings! I like to stack them on my left hand so that I can admire them while writing those darn little tags!

That’s exactly how I discovered these beauties. I was digging through a tray of vintage rings (not writing tags!) and there they were. Just waiting for me. Imagine this pile of rose gold goodness stacked on each finger, three or four rings high – maybe a midi band (a charming little ring worn between your top two knuckles) or two… Victorian treasures too good to resist! These antique bands were all the rage during the 1880’s and 1890’s. Sometimes referred to as “Cigar Bands”, they feature deeply engraved patterns in an eclectic mix of styles.

There are flowers and leaves, tiny four-leaf clovers, lacey edges, and scrolled lines. Some are gold-filled while others are crafted from 10 or 14 karat. Each one is over 150 years old – some still have initials and wedding dates carefully inscribed inside. I love them all… especially the fourth one from the top. It’s mine. I wear it on the middle finger of my left hand. Its soft rosy glow is a perfect complement to the cool platinum and buttery 18 karat yellow gold of my wedding rings (shown below).

They are ideal wedding bands, right-hand rings, middle and index finger rings. They’re adorable midi rings, and perfect for everyday wear. Each is unique with a style all its own. Come visit me at Joden – you’ll be as enchanted as I am!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Baubles, Bling, and Illuminated Things

Baubles, Bling, and the Art of Filigree Things

Baubles, Bling, and Rejuvenated Things

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