Joden girl Archive | Page 2

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

Athletic Aesthetics

September 16, 2023April 12, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Sporting Things

Just outside the window, the sun is blazing in the sky. Finally! And tomorrow’s forecast is calling for rain. As the saying goes… April showers bring May flowers. That’s exactly the phrase that came to mind the first time I saw this sweet Art Nouveau brooch.

This cherubic fairy sitting atop a Spring daisy makes me smile. Artfully done in pastel enamel with a delicate gold frame, it’s simply perfect. Closer inspection reveals the true art of the piece.

Like many Art Nouveau designs, enameling is the star of show. It’s a process in which glass is fused to a metal surface. Glass beads (generally made from silica, quartz, borax, lead, and feldspar) are ground to a powder. Metal oxides are added to create color. The artist employed Peinture sur émail, a technique in which the colors are painted on, layer after layer. The hues with the highest flowing temperature are applied first to keep one shade from melting into another. The piece is baked after each application – sometimes firing it over twenty times! Can you see the tiny drops of rain on the flower hat as well as the ones dripping from the daisy petals? They are actually 3-dimensional, slightly raised from the surface of the painting… such remarkable attention to detail!

This photo shows where the artist signed his miniature work of art… “L Boullemier”. I googled his name immediately ( What did I do before Google?) and was delighted at what I found.

His full name was Lucien Boullemier – a semi-famous English footballer (a.k.a. soccer player, in America) turned ceramic artiste. Not finding a lot of success in his athletic career, he retired from soccer; ultimately, he followed in his father’s footsteps and began working as a designer at Mintons, Soho Pottery, and finally Maling Pottery.

He was a prolific potter, many pieces are available in the market today – however, I have been unable to find another single piece of jewelry. That makes this darling brooch quite rare. Priced at $3300 – it’s available now in our showroom. Make the most of these April showers and come see it for yourself!

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 5

September 16, 2023April 7, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

A couple months ago, I shared these vintage Victorian wedding bands with you. Remember, the one on the far right with the scalloped edge is mine? Several of you dropped by to choose one for yourself. So, I know you’re going to love what I found in Joe’s Special Box this week!

These are nearly identical to the Victorian wedding bands, except for one small detail… their size!

It’s difficult to tell from this photo, but this stack is actually a grouping of tiny Victorian baby rings ranging from a size 1 to perhaps a size 3. They are the perfect size for chubby baby fingers… or midi rings for you and me!

These delicate little darlings aren’t often found in such excellent condition. Joe has amassed a small collection – but he rarely sells them. More often, they are given as gifts. Usually worn on a gold chain, it’s a beautiful keepsake, a talisman to mark the momentous journey into motherhood. Some are decorated with seed pearl trim, some have gemstone accents, while others are simply engraved. Each one is a treasure in itself.

Depending upon the rarity of the ring and the value of stones contained within, the price range of these minute minis varies from $100-$500. Wear it on a chain, or just above your first knuckle for a trendy midi ring. Just wear one!

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Baubles, Bling, and Illuminated Things

Baubles, Bling, and Sporting Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

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