Joe’s Special Box

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

It all started with a little cardboard box.  It was stored in the left-hand cabinet of Joe’s desk.  Written on the lid (in Joe’s chicken-scratch style printing) were the words “Joe’s Special Box”.  What those words really meant was – “For Joe’s Eyes Only”  Occasionally, you might glimpse a piece before it disappeared into the box – I can remember one in particular:  a dainty platinum Art Deco ring with a pair of half moon diamonds in the center.  The next time I saw the ring, it was on the pinky finger of Joe’s daughter, Sara.  You see, “Joe’s Special Box” was filled with a cache of riches that he was saving for Sara. 

Over the last few years, the box has grown.  Actually, it’s now three boxes.  Some of the pieces inside are labeled “For Natalie” – Joe’s granddaughter.  However, many of these exceptional examples (like the ones shown here) aren’t labeled at all, which means they’re available for purchase!

Each of the three pieces in the above photo are carefully crafted from fine sterling silver and enamel…  dated just before and just after the turn of the 20th century. 

Both of these vintage lockets feature a pattern of soft pink roses on a white guilloche enameled background.  Guilloche is a unique type of enamel in which the metal is first hand carved with a repetitious pattern where upon layers of colored ground glass beads are then baked – this allows the underlying engraving to show through the enamel creating tiers of dimension and beauty.  Available on our site for just $450.00 each…  add photos or mementos to create your own heirloom.

This lovely piece looks like a locket, but is actually a vinaigrette – a trinket specially created to hold a perfumed piece of cotton inside.  Ladies held it to their nose while out and about to prevent the odors of the streets from permeating their delicate senses.  It highlights a lady of leisure on the lid, enjoying the foliage of a Victorian garden while the scene on the back depicts a pair of lovers also luxuriating in a lush garden. 

Next time you’re at Joden, ask about Joe’s Special Box and the treasure-trove of riches hidden inside…

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

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Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Be Still My Heart

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Classic Things

Looking out the front window from my desk, the sun is blazing in the November sky.  People are walking downtown in short sleeves, they’re riding in their cars with the windows down.  It’s almost impossible to believe that the holidays are right around the corner, but nevertheless – it’s true.  The Christmas shopping season is upon us.  Here, at Joden, the last week has been filled with early birds…  those customers who know exactly what they want and are here to get it.

The remaining four weeks will bring many more customers.  Most are hoping to be inspired by the unique treasures that Joden is known for – seed pearl trimmed Victorian rings, delicate lingerie necklaces, and Art Deco gems of every kind.

During the last couple days of shopping, customers will be here for the classics – diamond studs, gold necklaces, sapphire rings…  and the inevitable – hearts.  Diamond hearts, ruby hearts, and heart lockets.  Hearts, hearts, hearts!  Over the years, I have seen hundreds of pieces of heart jewelry; each time I am left with the same feeling.  Blah.  I don’t like hearts.  They just aren’t my thing.  Hearts strike me as ordinary.  Nothing special.

heart-mess-small

Let me be the first to say it.  I love it when Joden proves me wrong!  Recently, we acquired this wonderful heart-shaped locket, circa 1830.

heart-garnet-locket

This piece was handcrafted at the end of the Georgian Period and the beginning of the Victorian Period.  It’s encrusted with over one hundred rose cut garnets and is accented by a sixteen inch necklace that is comprised of fifty-six bezel set garnets.

Opening the locket reveals a piece of yellowed silk still contained inside.

heart-locket-inside

I love every single aspect of this piece…  it is absolutely charming.  At nearly 200 years old, this necklace would be the perfect Christmas gift for anyone…  even a Joden Girl.

You can go to our website and look, or you can come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

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