What’s New – Volume 71

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

At first sight, many may not know what this gemstone is – some might even suspect that it isn’t a genuine stone.  Pale pink in color, this fair beauty has occasionally been referred to as an American stone because is was first discovered in California.  

A little-known variety of the mineral Spodumene, this pastel gem was discovered by George Frederick Kunz in 1902.  One year later in 1903, it was officially dubbed kunzite in honor of its founder.  Kunz had been a rock hound since early childhood.  He began working for Tiffany & Co. in 1879.  By the age of just 23, he had risen through the ranks to become the Vice President of Gemology for the iconic company – a position he held until his death in 1932.  

Showcased within an 18-karat rose gold ring, this emerald-cut kunzite weighs approximately 40 carats.  It is not uncommon to find this gem in large sizes.  In fact, kunzite crystals have been discovered that are over 40 feet long and 5 feet wide!  

 This Retro ring highlights the soft hue of the gem to perfection.  Flanking the large center stone are six single-cut diamonds.  Each one, set within a square setting, is stacked in a horizontal trio.  These diamonds have a combined weight of .35 carat – just a hint of sparkle.  

Shown on the hand, the ring reaches from knuckle to knuckle.  It’s impressive in size but soft and understated in style and color.  Perfect for spring, pair this natural beauty with your favorite oversized sweater for on-trend statement appeal.  Moderately priced at $3,380.00, this ring is available in our store now.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

What’s New – Volume 41

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

Thoughts of Retro jewelry often conjure visions of rose gold accented with diamonds and rubies.  The 1940’s accessories of choice were bold statement pieces… large swirling stylized bow brooches and rings that reached from knuckle to knuckle.  In addition to the candy red ruby trim, pops of color were provided by center stones choices like aquamarine and citrine.  

Dubbed the Retro era, it encompassed the end of the 1930’s through the 1940’s and coincided with WWII.  Due to the war, precious metals were rare and even restricted in some cases.  Higher percentages of alloys like copper were added to the available gold to make the small quantities stretch farther.  With larger amounts of copper, the gold presented with a lovely pink hue.  

This week’s find is a petite gem from the 1940’s, however, it doesn’t present any of the telltale signs.  Made from a combination of 14-karat white and yellow gold, it feels more like Edwardian revival than Retro.  

Shaped like a sideways “Z”, the top portion of the ring is a delightful zigzag filled with diamonds.  There are fifteen round diamonds that have a combined weight of .30 carat.  These small stones glitter in the light, bringing a bit of sparkle to the hand.  Priced at just $525.00, this sweet little ring is the latest edition to our estate department and is available on our website!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Getting Personal with the Personnel – Volume 4

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Insider Information

At work, she’s the Thelma to my Louise, the jelly to my peanut butter… she’s my partner in crime.  Her name is Dana and she’s been with the company for over seven years.  Beginning as a part-time sales associate at a small local chain jewelry store and later managing a major brand store, we were lucky to steal her away.  Beginning in 1996, Dana has over twenty-six years of jewelry experience; she brings an engaging personality and a wealth of knowledge to our team.

For the last four years, she and I have joined forces to maximize the internet presence of Joden Jewelers.  After nearly a decade of struggling to build an online brand, Dana and I inherited a bit of a challenge.  Dana is the face behind the camera.  Self-taught, she is gifted with photography.  Her photos are the very thing that attract people to our website and social media.  Together, Dana and I have tripled our Facebook and Instagram followers.  She single-handedly manages joden.com; Dana took it from a basic catalog to a true online store.  With her pictures and my words – we were destined for success. 

Shortly after Dana started at Joden, she discovered her love of Victorian mourning jewelry.  Coming from a small family and being an only child, these nostalgic pieces connected with her sentimental side and passion to preserve the past.  Her personal collection boasts several unique treasures… including the two rings and small oval pin shown here.  The cushion-shaped brooch is her favorite piece at Joden.  A Victorian hair locket from the late 1800’s, this charmer features a frame made from fine wirework, eight natural pearls and eight pink gems.  The star of the show are the golden locks of hair intricately braided together and meticulously safe-guarded beneath the glass.  This rare find is available for just $2,750.00.

On the flip side, this large Retro ring is near the bottom of Dana’s list.  Made from 14-karat rose gold with a platinum top, it presents quite a formidable figure.  A deep golden emerald-cut citrine sits in the center – it weighs over 35.00 carats.  Trimmed with fourteen square rubies and six round diamonds, this statement ring is a bold choice.  Although it is extremely well-made and superior in quality, this 1940’s knuckle duster is simply too large and overdone for Dana’s style.  

Enjoy the magic of Dana’s photos every day by liking us on Facebook and following us on Instagram.  Then stop by the store and introduce yourself to her… you’re going to love her as much as we do!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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