“Watch” This

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Timepiece Things

In the antique jewelry business, we often have pieces that have outlived their relevance.  Their time has already come and gone…  watches are a perfect example of this.  The advancement of watches has gone through several phases – from a wind-up movement to a quartz movement to a smart watch.  Even more often, watches have been set aside for the ease and convenience of a cellular phone. 

Jewelry created during the Edwardian and Art Deco periods (1900 – 1930’s), was painstakingly crafted from white gold and platinum.  Artisans created elaborate patterns with lacey filigree set with dozens of tiny diamonds.  Wristwatches were no exception.  You can understand why it seems like a sin to send these intricate beauties to the refinery to be melted into a blog of nothingness.  Unfortunately, that is exactly what has happened to many antique watches.

As you know, at Joden, we specialize in antique restoration.  More recently, we have been doing more recreating than restoring. 

Each of these lovely bracelets shown above used to be a watch.  We carefully removed the stem, crown, and movement and replaced it with a specially cut piece of onyx.  I love how we have retained the original cord-style bands.  It give each one an authentic feel and allows the bracelet to be custom fit to any wrist.  Check them out on our website – pricing starts at $1700.00.

I inherited a gold watch from my Great Aunt that has been rattling around in my jewelry box for at least five years.  These conversions have inspired me to get it out and have my own watch/bracelet made!  I’ll be sure to share a photo as soon as it’s done.  In the meantime, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and have “Joden Girl” delivered straight to your inbox!

Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

True Confessions

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Sapphire Rings

I have a confession to make…  I love jewelry.  I love looking at it, I love talking about it, I love writing about it.  However – I don’t really wear it, especially lately.  It lays in piles all over our house…  four bangles and a diamond band rest beside the toaster in the kitchen.  There’s a pair of oversize silver hoops and a long necklace on the end table in the living room.  The nightstand beside my bed is littered with bobby pins, a tub of Nivea crème, and at least four pair of discarded earrings.  The older I get, the more I want to simplify my life.  Less accessories just seems easier.  There is no decision to make.  Slip my diamond studs into my ears, put on my engagement ring and wedding band, and done.  On the weekends, I only wear my wedding band.  I love the way it looks on finger all by itself.  Simple and elegant. 

I love jewelry that means something…  Personal jewelry.  The significance of my wedding rings is obvious.  My diamond earrings were a gift from my husband at a time when we really couldn’t afford luxuries.  And yet, there they were, under our Christmas tree.  Because of that, I treasure them all the more.  I’m sure that in the years to come, I will acquire another piece or two of jewelry.  I have always wanted a sapphire ring.  Nothing over the top.  Just simple and elegant. 

I love tiny details about each of the rings pictured above.  They are all Victorian rings from the late 1800’s.  The style of jewelry had become much lighter than the Mid-Victorian era.  Rings were often small with an open airy feel. 

This classic piece features an oval sapphire surrounded by an Old European Cut diamond halo.  The sapphire weighs 1.50 carats with .30 carats of diamonds.  Priced at just $1500, it’s perfect for every day wear.

 

This is my favorite.  It can easily be worn as a right hand ring or an alternative to the traditional diamond engagement ring.  The small round sapphire is a sublime shade of cornflower blue encircled by nine Old Mine Cut diamonds, each facet twinkling in the light.  I love the scrollwork that forms the prongs and graces the shoulders of this tiny enchantress.  Check it out on our site.  At $2500, it’s irresistible!

 

What’s not to love about this band style ring set with three cushion-shaped sapphires, two natural pearls, and eight rose cut diamonds?  Called a carved half hoop ring for the intricate gallery work that creates the prongs, this style was popular from the mid to late 1800’s.  It’s also available on our website, priced at only $1950.00. 

All three of these rings are simple and elegant.  I would happily  abandon any right hand ring I have for one of these antique gems.  Perhaps you would too!

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Carla Leight and Shelly Isacco

There’s Just Something About That Name

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Quality Things

Typically, I’m not a label girl.  I have clothes and shoes from every store out there.  For me, it’s all about style.  Sometimes – the style comes with the name.  When you’re looking at jewelry, that is usually the case… especially when the name is “Tiffany” or “Cartier”.  In our estate department, at Joden, we have several pieces made by these renowned designers.

The photo above shows a collection of fine mens accessories made by the legendary jeweler “Cartier”.  There is a high quality black leather bifold wallet for $450.  We also have a simple and understated “Cartier” keychain made from Stainless Steel with black lacquer – priced at just $220 and the matching money clip is available for $220 as well.

Every girl knows about the little blue box.  This little blue box holds a stylish sterling silver “Tiffany & Co.” pen.  It is the Elsa Peretti retractable ballpoint pen – a perfect stocking stuffer selling at just $95.00.  The lovely pendant draped over the pen is also made by “Tiffany”.  It is crafted from 18 karat rose gold and holds over three carats of lavender amethyst.  It is available on our website for just $750.00.

If you were thinking diamonds for Christmas, we have something for you as well…  this classic platinum solitaire ring would be stunning on any girl’s finger.  Handmade by “Tiffany & Co.”, it holds a .55 carat diamond in six sleek prongs.  Simplicity at it’s finest for just $2850.00.

Each of these pieces is available in our showroom.  We are offering holiday hours all this week.  Stop in Monday through Friday until 8:00pm, we are also open select hours on Christmas Eve.  As always, our website is available 24/7 with overnight shipping to ensure holiday delivery.

Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

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