Joden girl Archive | Page 4

Joe’s Special Box – Volume Three

September 16, 2023March 21, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

I’m enchanted by this darling little ring. Made during the Late Victorian Period (also known as the Aesthetic Period, 1890-1901), it reminds me of a tiny crown. Popular themes in the 1890’s included bows, clovers, crescents, stars, hearts, and crowns.

Victoria mourned her husband until her death in 1901, however, her subjects had tired of the brooding decorum of the Mid-Victorian Period. By 1885, they kicked up their heels and ushered in the thriving industry of the era. Women joined the workforce and rejoiced in newfound freedoms like tennis and bicycling. As a result of this active lifestyle, women’s jewelry became smaller and lighter – rings were quite delicate.

This one is no exception. Made from 9 karat rose gold (made by using copper as an alloy), the main feature of the ring is an arch of nine square cabochon turquoise. Soldered across the top of the arch are nine gold beads, and three pearls sit beneath it. The band is dainty with small engraved accents. Simply charming.

I would wear it as a right-hand ring – most likely on my ring or middle finger. Although, it would also make a perfect non-traditional engagement ring. Modestly priced at $600, this is one antique that won’t break the bank.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Words to Live By

September 16, 2023March 21, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Amazing Accessories

Keep calm and carry a fabulous bag! These are words to live by. Honestly, a great handbag is like balm for a fashionista’s soul; it’s full of promise and possibility, it always fits, and like all classics – it never goes out of style.

Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Kate Spade, and Chanel – just to name a few. The mention of these names evokes extravagant imagery and often inspires retail therapy in today’s woman. But luxury handbags are not a new trend, in fact, they’ve been fashionable for over 200 years.

It often took weeks to make just one purse like this. Crafted from hundreds of tiny gold links, each one was made individually then riveted together to form the silky mesh. It glides across your skin like satin… truly incredible. The process was perfected in the Middle Ages when making chain mail armor.

This lovely bag (pictured above) was handmade in the early 1900’s. Made entirely of 14 karat yellow gold, it features a cabochon garnet thumbpiece (the button used to open it), a carrying chain, and a small matching change purse suspended from a shepherd’s hook (small curled wire) soldered inside the frame. Scripted onto the change purse is the year “1909”.

Flappers went crazy for these golden beauties in the 1920’s… especially those with decorative patterns woven into the mesh and the ones decorated with precious stone trim, like these. Rich blue sapphires are spaced by dazzling diamonds across the framework of each gold clutch.

Whiting and Davis is perhaps the most famous maker of mesh handbags of various metals from yellow gold (like those shown here) to German silver, sterling silver, and gunmetal. When the automatic mesh machine was invented in 1912, Whiting and Davis purchased the patent. They dominated the market for nearly a century.

At Joden, we have many of these unique bags in stock, in both gold and silver. This weekend and for the next few weeks, they will be on display in our front window. Come visit me! I promise you that this is a bag you have to feel to believe. I am crazy over the unique patterns and the clever clasps! You must come try it for yourself…

As always, go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos and video by Shelly Isacco

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 2

September 16, 2023March 19, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Simply stunning. Truly. This ring, hand-fabricated in the 1870’s, is a classic example of a Mid Victorian engagement ring. It features all the ear-marks of the Grand Period…

Silver was discovered in Virginia City, Nevada in 1860. It was very popular during the mid-1800’s and was often combined with low karat gold. Here, the darkened silver overlays a 14 karat gold base.
Two of the most utilized diamond cuts were Old Mine Cuts and Rose Cuts – this beauty has both. Three Old Mine Cut diamonds (.50 carat total) create the center. They are surrounded by a scalloped halo of twenty-four rose cut diamonds (.25 carat total). These bright white sparklers twinkle with every turn of your hand.
The Old Mine Cut diamonds are held in place with “claw” prongs – a new style for the period.

My favorite detail of this ring has taken nearly 150 years to develop. Just look at the gorgeous patina on the band of the ring! The oxidation of this piece brings it to life, showcasing each design element – from the split shoulder to the hand-carved lines. It’s absolute Victorian perfection.

Priced at just $2000, this ring is a steal – a true antique in pristine condition. Take our heirloom and make it yours.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling, and Amazing Accessories

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

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