Precious Patina

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and  Oxidized Things

Made pre-1860, it’s impossible to say whether this crescent moon brooch is late Georgian or early Victorian.  What I can say is that it is near perfection.  Two rows of rose cut diamonds have been handset into individual sculpted seats, while a third center row is raised and fitted with eight buttercups.  Carefully fixed into each one is an Old Mine Cut diamond.  A ten-petaled flower sits atop the crescent.  Yet another Old Mine Cut diamond forms the middle of the blossom and is orbitted by ten pinched collets also featuring rose cut diamonds.  This romantic detail is one of my favorite parts of the brooch.

These photographs illustrate the labor intensive work that was needed to expertly craft this elegant beauty.  Ornate metal work is a trademark of the early 1800’s as is the two tone color of the profile…  rosy yellow gold has been topped with a layer of silver…  another little aspect that I adore.  My absolute favorite design element has to be that gorgeous patina.  Hundreds of years of exposure to air allowed this thin layer of oxidation to settle over every nook and cranny of the crescent moon.  This aging process adds another dimension to the piece that, to me, is everything.  Cleaning it would be a sin!  

Pair the pin with these earrings to complete your look.  Movement is the key to these gems!  The top portion (a lovely flower) stays stationary on the lobe, while the lower part swings freely.  This motion allows light to dance across the surface of the diamonds, creating a dazzling effect.  A matched pair of deep red rubies form the center of each earring.  They are surrounded by a ring of ten pinched collets – perfectly mimicking the design of the crescent moon!  

The two tone vibe of the brooch is also duplicated in the earrings as well as that dark patina, drawing yet another parallel between these vintage charmers.  Wear them alone or together, the choice is yours.  Make the brooch yours for $3,480 and the earrings for $4,700.  These pieces and so much more are available every day at Joden.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

All Tied Up

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Edwardian Things

This charming turn-of-the-century necklace has us all tied up in knots.  From the crest of each bow loop to the tip of those bezel set diamond dangles – it is absolutely enchanting.  A soft yellow gold has been topped with a layer of platinum, aged to perfection.  A glorious patina (heavier in the nooks and crannies) coats the surface and highlights each diamond detail.  These are clues, revealing the age…  early Edwardian, made around 1900.  Here are some photos from behind, showcasing the classic two tone style.

If only we could all look this good at nearly 120 years old!  The pendant itself measures less than two inches in length and hangs from a 17 inch split chain.  Each half of the delicate chain attaches to the loops of the most adorable little bow.  Made from fine filigree, it features a series of sixteen rose cut diamonds that are hand set into the scalloped edges and pointed tips of the tails.  One fully faceted diamond creates the knot in the center of the bow.  It is set within a tiny milgrain-edged bezel and completes the bow to perfection.

The final and perhaps most engaging element of this Edwardian pendant are the two drops…  one slightly longer than the other.  The narrowest of wires connects to the base of the bow with a nearly invisible hinge.  These drops get wider as they get longer and each one is set with three individual diamonds…  the largest of the stones finishing the dangle.  So much detail is encompassed within this relatively small piece!  A piece of jewelry like this, in pristine condition, commands a big price.  This beauty is available now for $1,480.00.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 69

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Nine years.  That’s how long the Edwardian Period lasted.  From 1901-1910 – this era produced some of the most beautiful and highly sought after jewelry of all time.  In the early days, platinum masterpieces featured a yellow gold base, like this ethereal gem…

A stunning combination of Old European Cut diamonds, Rose Cut diamonds, and one natural pearl create pure magic.  The seven larger stones have a combined weight of 1.50 carats, while an additional 39 rose cut diamonds amp up the bling factor.  Every knife-edge is hand decorated with a small beaded ridge technique referred to as milgrain.  It softens the overall look of this early 20th century necklet which is suspended from a light platinum chain.  The jewels from this time are often compared to petit point embroidery due to their delicate and lacy appearance.  Perfect for a bride on her wedding day or simply an evening on the town, make this beauty yours for just $3850.  Available now in Joe’s Special Box.

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