Sapphire and diamond brooch Archive

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Quality Things

The tradition of gifting bouquets of flowers dates back thousands of years. The ancient societies of the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians used flowers to help tell a story, as decorations in ceremonies and also to show love and affection. These traditions have remained. In fact, they’ve been adopted all around the world.

Victorians even went so far as to use flowers to convey discreet messages. Some thoughts and feelings were sent simply by the color of the blossom… red for passion and love, pink for grace and innocence, yellow for friendship and white for purity. More definitive feelings were emoted by specific buds… daffodils for unrequited love, violets for faithfulness, honeysuckle for devoted affection, and even basil for hatred.

One thing that all of those blossoms have in common is that in due time, they wither and eventually die. There is not a single botanical bud that can live forever. Perhaps that’s why many artisans have created breathtaking pieces of jewelry that showcase flowers.

This recent acquisition by the iconic Tiffany & Co. is one of the loveliest I have ever seen. Made from a beautiful combination of 18-karat yellow gold and platinum, this bouquet brings together three of the same flower. Devoid of leaves, it’s a simple trio of bursting blooms and sleek stems. Each flower is a round cluster of twenty-eight volute-shaped petals. Nestled deep with the center of the blossom is a singular round brilliant diamond surrounded by six sapphires. Combined, the three diamonds offer .12 carat of shimmering sparkle while the eighteen sapphires have a total weight of .90 carat. Small in size, this beauty can be worn with anything. Pair it with your favorite jeans, clasp it onto a silken scarf, or even clip it to a cable-knit beanie. There are as many options as there are flowers in a field.

If you’ve always wanted to give a bouquet of flowers that would last forever, what better way than with this charming brooch. Classically casual and stylishly chic, it’s priced at a bit more than a dozen roses… you can pin these flowers to your lapel for just $1,680.00. Make it yours by visiting our website or stopping by our 144 South Broad Street showroom.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Sapphire Things

Sapphires have been mined in Sri Lanka for more than 2000 years. Described as the “jewel box of the Indian Ocean”, this country is a haven for some of the world’s most sought after gemstones. A veritable kaleidoscope of beauties are mined each year… ruby, spinel, alexandrite, garnet, tourmaline, aquamarine, zircon and as we’ve already mentioned – sapphires.

Of the enormous number of sapphires unearthed annually, a mere 5-10% of them are unheated. In addition, less than 1% of those unheated sapphires are gem quality. A fine unheated Sri Lankan sapphire is an extraordinary sight to behold. Recently, we acquired a stunning Art Deco bar pin. Set in the center is a royal blue sapphire. Both Joe and Jay (the owners of Joden Jewelers) are GIA graduate gemologists. Together, they decided to submit this antique treasure to the Gemological Institute of America for evaluation with the request that it be tested for possible treatments as well as country of origin. While these tests can be costly, they’re also critical in determining the rarity and value of a fine sapphire like this.

After weeks of waiting, we were rewarded with celebratory news. The oval beauty nestled within the center of our antique brooch was indeed Sri Lankan in origin AND unheated. Weighing approximately 3.00 carats, this incredibly desirable royal blue stone still in it’s original setting was a rare find. Measuring 2.25 inches from side to side, this platinum pin is exquisite.

Bursting from the center stone are an additional six blue sapphires, each one cut into an elegant tear drop shape. Offering a combined weight of .45 carat, the vibrant color of these gems is a match for the oval sapphire center. Skillfully cut into the left and right arms of the brooch are a matched pair of elongated apertures. Hand-cut, this design element lightens and brightens the feel of the piece. Covering the remainder of the surface are sixty European cut diamonds that offer a full carat of dazzling brilliance. Tiny milgrain beads border each sapphire as well as the entire circumference of the brooch, another outstanding detail.

Made near 1920, this bar pin is authentic and original. Boasting an unheated Sri Lankan sapphire center only ups the ante. It would be divine on any suit lapel or spanning the center of a silken tie. It would work equally well on a satin scarf or joining together the collar of a sweater. No matter how you decide to wear it, make it yours today for the moderate price of $5,000.00.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Signature Series – Volume 26

Baubles, Bling and Quality Things

Blue Beauty

Baubles, Bling and Sapphire Things

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