Onyx Archive

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 11

September 16, 2023May 21, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

When I found this delicate beauty in Joe’s Special Box, I loved it immediately. Then I saw the price – $1380.00. While it certainly isn’t the most expensive ring we have, still – I was a bit surprised. It’s lovely and positively screams quality, however, it seemed a bit high for such a little thing. I asked Joe about it, and his response was simple… “Because it’s absolutely beautiful.”

Anyone can see that he’s right. The ring sits perfectly on the finger with a navette-shaped onyx center accented by three natural pearls and fourteen rose cut diamonds. I didn’t realize how special the ring was until we started to really study it. With his loupe in hand, Joe described how the shank of the ring was made – only then did I understand the true beauty of the piece.

The main structure of this ring was painstakingly handcrafted from a singular piece of rosy 18 karat gold. To form the triple-split shank, the artisan carefully drilled holes into the design, then used a fine jeweler’s saw to remove excess metal. The photos above show just how precise the handiwork is. Then an extremely time-consuming process called trumming began. Strips of cloth that were coated in polishing compound were threaded into the sawn surfaces of the ring – these strips were moved back and forth, time after time until the gold was smooth and polished. This technique would have taken countless hours. Suddenly, $1380 seemed like a bargain. Go to our site and look, surely you’ll agree.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 1

September 16, 2023March 11, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Behind the golden oak door of Joe’s desk are three worn cardboard boxes. Each is hand-inscribed with a thick, black Sharpie… “Joe’s Special Box”. The edges of the boxes have split apart and been repaired with clear tape. Each one is filled to overflowing with delicious little treasures – the best of the best.

For as long as I can remember, Joe has kept this small stash; a jewelry lover’s dream. It all began with one small box for one small girl… Joe’s daughter, Sara. When Joe found a piece that was particularly sweet – he tucked it in the box with the intention of giving it to Sara someday. None of the items were terribly expensive, but they were pristine. Each one even more lovely than the last. Did I mention that the items inside were not for sale?

As the years went by and the business grew, so did the box. Now that it has expanded into three boxes, Joe is willing to make some of the items available to you. Each week, I will be sharing an item from the box.

I adore these conversion earrings! Originally they were cufflinks that graced the cuffs of a gentleman’s sleeves – since then, they’ve been converted to the earrings you see here.

The center of each one is a hand-carved piece of deep-sea red coral – cut into a Victorian square. The coral is accented by four platinum marquises… each one set with three tiny rose cut diamonds. The outer ring is created from a circular sculpted piece of black onyx. The deceptively simple design is the epitome of Edwardian elegance. Available now for just $800.

Don’t forget to tune in each Monday for the newest item from Joe’s Special Box. Until then…

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

“Watch” This

September 9, 2023May 14, 2017 by Joden Girl

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

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling, and Timepiece Things

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