This or That – Volume 10

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Art Deco Rings

Let’s play an easy little game where you choose between two things…

  • 14-karat or 18-karat?
  • Subtle Style or Statement Piece?
  • Natural or Imitation?

In the 10th edition of “This or That,” we are waffling between a dynamic duo of Art Deco rings.  Although they have many similarities – there are also some minute differences that just might tip the scale one way or the other.

Let’s compare… both rings were made in the Art Deco era – the years between 1915-1935.  Arguably the most popular period, Art Deco jewelry was influenced by architecture featuring geometric patterns with straight lines, squares and other shapes to created stunning designs.  Both rings have a rectangular shape accented by blue sapphires and diamonds.  

So much the same and yet so different.  We first shared this beauty a few months ago, featuring it on our social media and our website.  It’s made from 18-karat white gold.  The elongated rectangle sits east to west across the finger with a series of four french-cut natural Ceylon sapphires spanning the center.  These bright blue gems have a combined weight of 1.oo carat.  Surrounding them are twenty-four rose cut diamonds that offer .60 carat of shimmering sparkle.  Priced at $2,400.00 – it’s available now.

This newly acquired stunner is made from 14-karat white gold.  Much like the first ring, this piece also has french cut sapphires across the center…  however, there are only three and these ones are synthetic.  Many people assume that because a ring is antique, the stones must be natural.  In reality, imitation stones were first made in the 1870’s!  And so, although these sapphires aren’t earth-mined, they are original to the ring.  Set in two rows on either side of the center are six single-cut diamonds that have a combined weight of .20 carat.  This ring is also available on our site, priced at just $1,450.00.

And so…  whether you prefer 14-karat or 18-karat white gold;  or whether natural Ceylon sapphires or imitation sapphires suit your fancy…  we have a ring for you.  With both beauties featured on our site, the choice is yours.  Will you select the subtle style of this 18-karat white gold charmer with natural blue sapphires or perhaps you’re crazy for that 14-karat white gold statement ring with imitation sapphires.  This or that?

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

 

P.S. – Peep our latest perk!  We have partnered with Synchrony Financial to offer great financing options!

Check it out on our site today.  Look for the red box.  ♥

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Forties Foray

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

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 138

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

It was no surprise to discover this sweet little ring tucked away in Joe’s Special Box… it’s everything any antique jewelry lover could want.  Perfectly petite and made from 18-karat white gold, this Art Deco ring is in near perfect condition from top to bottom.  Currently measuring a size 6.25, it can be adjusted up or down to accommodate most finger sizes (within reason).  

Typical of the Art Deco era, the center stone is a square cut simulated blue sapphire.  Artisans often opted for synthetic colored stones due to their color consistency and flawless clarity.  Although it’s not a natural sapphire, the bright blue hue of this little stone provides a great pop of color for this otherwise monochromatic ring.  It is nestled between a matched pair of Old European cut diamonds.  These two gems have a combined weight of approximately .08 carat.  Their high crown angles and open culets speak to the age of the diamonds as well as the ring itself.  All three stones are framed by a milgrain-edged elongated hexagon border.  

Situated just outside that beaded edge is a secondary perimeter – this one is accentuated by a hand-engraved pattern of diagonal lines mixed with round arches.  The decorative etching continues down the apex of each shoulder with a chevron pattern that gets smaller as it descends.  Further filling in the shoulders and both sides of the ring are two distinct filigree designs… one is a series of curves and the other resembles a row of columns with a scalloped top.  

All of this intricate and precise detail is accomplished on a miniature scale – this ring measures just half an inch across the top.  It’s dainty, darling and available!  It’s priced at $800 – a steal for a ring that looks like it’s never been worn.  Check it out in our 144 South Broad Street showroom or 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

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