Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling and A Collector’s Things
A leopard can’t change his spots… this age-old adage is just as true today as it when it was first coined in the Bible thousands of years ago. Adapted from Jeremiah 13:23, the message is simple. We cannot change who we are – not our personality traits nor our character. When I saw today’s featured piece, those were the words that popped into my head.
Let’s talk about those spots… Did you know that a leopard’s spots are called rosettes? This clever term refers to the actual shape of the spots – they look like roses. They’re not just dots; each one has a dark center that gets lighter toward the edge. The average adult leopard has between 800-1200 spots! This beautiful coloring provides protection for these big cats. The spots look like dappled sunlight, allowing leopards to blend into the trees where they like to rest during the day.
This striking brooch was made by Carrera y Carrera – a jewelry icon for more than 140 years. Known for exceptional craftsmanship, this Spanish jewelry house creates wonderful figural pieces. This brooch is a prime example – made entirely of 18-karat yellow gold, he stretches out to nearly 3 inches from the top of his head to the curl in his tail. His lovely spots, made from glossy black enamel, shine on the matte finish of the gold.
Shown here, on my hand, you can appreciate the impressive, yet completely wearable size. The body is solid, giving this leopard a wonderful, weighty feel. Don’t be fooled by the sweet diamond collar that our friend is wearing. Eleven fully faceted round brilliant diamonds encircle his neck. True to life, this leopard is fierce and powerful; his sharp canines are in full view and his claws are splayed on each powerful paw. Two ruby eyes glimmer within his sculpted skull.
Beautiful and sleek, this leopard brooch would make a wonderful talisman. Carrying a visual promise of strength and independence, the leopard stands apart from all other cats. It will quickly become a signature piece, worn with everything from leather to lace. Gift this bit of symbolic luxury someone you love for $6,150.00.
“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”
Written by Carrie Martin
Photography by Dana Jerpe
