Retro ring Archive

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 161

April 4, 2025 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Thing

The Retro era is perhaps the most underrated of all the jewelry periods. Encompassing the late 1930’s through the 1940’s, the Retro era coincided with World War II. It was the single most defining event to directly impact the jewelry market. Platinum was reserved for the war effort – it was a crucial element in making rifle and engine parts, explosives and armaments. Because it was absolutely essential elsewhere, this precious metal was strictly prohibited for use in jewelry. That fact closed the door on Art Deco and opened a window for something fresh and new. Creative genius stepped in; the gold that was available was alloyed with a higher percentage of copper resulting in a strikingly beautiful pinkish hue. Rose gold would become the face of the Retro era. Jewelers also experimented with other alloys, a process that introduced more colors of gold. Oftentimes, multiple hues were used in the same piece, like this one…

Measuring just shy of 12mm wide, this band is a delightful confection of color. Made entirely of 14-karat, the main body of the band is rose gold. The surface has a raised, textured finish… hundreds of tiny beads are speckled from one scalloped edge to the other. A botanical pattern has been appliqued to the rose gold band. There are white gold blossoms with rose gold centers, yellow gold sprays, and small rose gold flowers artfully arranged around the circumference of the ring. It’s made in an eternity style, with no beginning and no end. This band is size 8.25. Much like Cinderella’s slipper, it needs to be a perfect fit as it cannot be sized. I’ve tried it on all of my fingers, but alas, I am doomed to the fate of an ugly stepsister… it just doesn’t fit. Maybe you will be the lucky one!

There are eight round diamonds decorating the band. With a combined weight of .65 carat, they offer a hint of sparkle to this whimsically-inspired look. If you’ve been searching for a signature look – something special that can be worn daily – look no further. This bold beauty is moderately priced at $1,975.00. Stop by to determine your fate… will you be an ugly stepsister like me, or will you be Cinderella?

“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 148

April 22, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

The pieces from Joe’s Special Box are not ordinary, they’re extraordinary. Each one is unique, rich with character and vintage flair. Over the last few years, we have featured more than 150 charmers from Joe’s personal collection.

Many, many (many) years ago, Joe kept a small box in his desk. Inside the box were a handful of pristine antique treasures – a cache of riches… dainty Art Deco rings, an enameled locket, a tiny stick pin. Over the years, Joe’s collection expanded. Today, it fills three entire boxes! I love picking through them – anticipating the discovery of my next blog piece.

This time, I found the loveliest little ring. Made in the late 1940’s or very early 1950’s, this beauty is a delightful combination of 14-karat yellow and white gold. The ring is a classic style, offering fishtail prongs to hold the center stone.

Glowing warmly from the center of the ring is a stunning brown zircon. An unusual choice of gems, the stone shimmers like Tennessee whiskey. Weighing approximately 3.00 carats, the rich tone of this rarely used gem is truly something to behold.

A 14-karat white gold design accents the shoulders of the ring. It’s set with six tiny single-cut diamonds that have a combined weight of .10 carat. Milgrain beaded details highlight each curve and swirl of this late Retro ring. Perfect as a right hand ring or a non-traditional engagement ring, this piece is priced at just $750!

Like so many others, this ring represents the best of Joe’s Special Box. Super sweet and in near perfect condition, this brown zircon ring is available on our site. Click over and see 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

Forties Foray

July 21, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Deep Blue Things

Last week we talked about Blurred Lines, the years that mark the end of one era and the beginning of the next. Inspiration and creativity don’t simply stop and start with the exact years of each period… for example, the Art Deco age didn’t spontaneously commence on the first day of 1919 and conclude on the final day of 1939. In the days, weeks and months before and after the designated years, there were small and perhaps seemingly insignificant changes that led to each entirely new and exciting era.

The most notable characteristics of Art Deco jewelry include the use of white metal, geometric lines, shapes and patterns, innovative stones cuts, and masterful use of color. As I mentioned, the Art Deco period spans from 1919-1939. The next remarkable era is Retro… which stretches from the late 1930’s to the early 1950’s. Gold was the quintessential metal of choice, often in shades of rose, yellow and even green. It was woven, braided and coiled into scrolls, ribbons and bows. These motifs were often large, showcasing semi-precious stones such as aquamarine, topaz and amethyst. Precious stones like diamonds, sapphires and rubies were difficult to procure and used sparingly in small sizes.

This beauty displays whispers of both eras. Constructed entirely of platinum, the edge of the ring waves up and down in soft elegant curves. Each contour is diamond set, the outer rows feature step-cut diamonds, while the two center rows highlight rounds. There are fourteen square and rectangular cut diamonds that have a combined weight of .75 carat; there are sixteen round diamonds with a total weight of .50 carat.

Shown on the hand, the ring is perfectly sized… not petite and yet also not overwhelming. Set at a jaunty angle in the middle of the ring is a deep blue emerald cut sapphire. This step-cut sparkler weighs approximately 1.40 carats. Offering details from both the Art Deco and the Retro era, this ring was created around 1940. Effortless style and timeless elegance captured within a singular ring – this era-bending bling is available for now for $3,250.00. Click over to our site and check it out for yourself.

“You can got to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Thing

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling and Deep Blue Things

joden_jewelers