Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things
The collection that resides in Joe’s Special Box has reached immense proportions. It can no longer be contained within one box, in fact, it fills three boxes! Additionally, the treasures have spilled over the sides of the boxes onto the shelves that surround Joe’s office. Without exaggerating, there are no less than thirty crème de la crème beauties carefully arranged across the top of the curved cabinetry. Each piece is masterfully ensconced within it’s original antique box.
This one caught my eye. The dark brown leather exterior shimmers with a deep patina that can only be achieved through more than a hundred years of careful, reverent handling. A narrow gold line traces each side and rounded corner of the small box. Opening with a singular push button, the inside reveals a wealth of riches beyond jewelry. The inner satin lining is shattered, but the carefully imprinted words are still legible…
Hardy Bros. Ltd., Brisbane, Made in Australia
Imagine my delighted surprise to discover that this legendary jeweler is still in business; Hardy Brothers has been the leading luxury jeweler in Australia for more than 170 years. Founded in 1853, their extraordinary pieces are beloved by celebrities, politicians and royalty alike.
Though this is the only Hardy Brothers piece I have ever seen, I have no doubt as to why they are so famed. This antique beauty from the 1860’s is breathtaking. A delicate gold, silver and platinum necklace features a series of thirteen pinched collet settings – each one containing an assortment of antique mixed cut and Old Mine cut diamonds. Gradually increasing in size, these diamonds have a combined weight of approximately .75 carat.
Suspended from the apex of the chain is a pear-shaped cabochon opal. Although known in the industry as a white opal, this gemstone is anything but white. Burning with a fiery combination of red, orange, green and blue – it’s no surprise that this necklace was made in Australia where the finest opals in the world are mined. At over 160 years old, it is important to note that there is not a single chip in this nearly 4.00 carat opal. The necklace is in pristine condition, and quite honestly, appears to have never been worn. Nestled against the burgundy velvet, this early Victorian beauty shines.
If you’ve been looking for something unique and a bit special – this is your sign. Moderately priced at $3,875.00, this necklace is available now. Call or stop by to claim it for yourself.
“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”
Written by Carrie Martin
Photos by Dana Jerpe
