On Pointe

Joden Girl

Baubles and Bling from a Prima Ballerina

From the museum case to the cardboard boxes (Think Inside the Box)…  the question on everyone’s mind is the same – “Where do you get your jewelry?”  There isn’t just one answer, in fact, there are many…  we buy from antique dealers, auctions and estate sales, and from private parties.  We buy from traveling salesman and brokers.  We have clients in 26 states and six countries in Europe.  The jewelry pours through the door every single day. 

If “Where do you get your jewelry?” is the most popular question, the next most popular inquiry is “Do you know who wore this?”  The answer to that question is simple – “No.”  We almost never know who owned the fabulous pieces in our cases…  almost.  Every once in a long while, we are able to purchase pieces with provenance. 

 

As you may have guessed, the tiny (size 2) ring above was owned by Tamara; Tamara Toumanova that is.  She was known as “The Black Pearl of the Russian Ballet” – referring not just to her talent and technique, but also to her beauty.  Her glossy raven-wing hair and large dark eyes charmed choreographers and audiences alike.  Imagine the “T-A-M-A-R-A” letters  of this 18 karat white gold and amethyst ring twinkling in the lights as she spun on the stage. 

Tamara made her debut at the age of 10, starring in numerous ballets in Europe and the United States.  Later, she danced the role of the black swan in Swan Lake.  She toured the world with her mother for more than thirty years, during which time she made her screen debut in “Days of Glory” with Gregory Peck.  Later that same year, she married the film’s producer, Casey Robinson. 

  

Perhaps this silver and rose gold compact, signed “Boucheron, Paris” was a gift from her husband.  This lovely piece depicts a pair of lovebirds amid a sea of leaves with five ruby accents.  Priced at $3500, this stunning piece would definitely bring a bit of Old Hollywood glamour to your morning make-up routine!

This ring is my favorite piece from the estate.  Made from 18 karat rose gold, this modern beauty features a pair of emerald cut colored stones – one green beryl and one pink kunzite.  Like it’s previous owner, this ring is classically beautiful.  The bold lines and soft color speak for themselves – no additional ornamentation or decoration needed.  Priced at $3000 – this ring is our Prima Ballerina.  Don’t miss these incredible finds – available exclusively at Joden Jewelers. 

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Conversion Diversion

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Recreated Things

My mother’s jewelry box was always a mystery to me as a child.  I can see it in my mind so clearly…  a hinged lid that when opened, revealed two drawers of little square compartments overflowing with assorted trinkets and treasures.  I loved digging down into the layers, pulling out my favorite pieces…  a silver charm bracelet with mechanical charms (a tiny rotary telephone with a moving dial, a baby buggy with spinning wheels), a matching earring and necklace set comprised of a series of small wooden beads, and a Retro style ring with a synthetic ruby center.  Piece after piece, each one more intriguing than the next to my six-year-old eyes.  The box always sat on my mother’s dresser, neatly centered in front of the oversize mirror.  Unfortunately, she never wore the pieces inside. 

I know this resonates with many of you.  We all have those pieces that seem to float around the bottom of our jewelry box – getting pushed aside time and again as we sift through  searching for our favorites.  For many of us, the items that don’t get worn are pins…  circle pins, lapel pins, lingerie pins, and stick pins. 

At Joden, we have drawers full of stick pins…  hundreds of them.  We have enameled flowers, seed pearl accented love knots, hearts, and clovers, there are animals of every kind, sparkling gemstones, both silver and gold.  Stick pins are a great accessory and still look good threaded through a scarf or necktie – but if you’re just not a pin girl, here are some charming options. 

 

The photo on the left shows a sampling of former stick pins that have been converted to tiny charms.  The photo on the right showcases one of them on a delicate gold chain.  It’s a perfect pendant; able to be worn every day.  It’s a signature piece that can be worn alone or layered with another necklace or two. 

 

Maybe you have more than one stick pin, or perhaps you would like to start collecting them.  The bracelet on the left is a progression of cabochon gemstone charms- moonstone, amethyst, turquoise, jade, and opal.  The theme of the bracelet on the right is diamond trim – while each charm is uniquely different, the diamond accents bring it all together. 

Whether you have pins of your own or perhaps you need to check out the selection available at Joden, it’s all about conversion – giving new life to an old treasure.

“Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

A Metamorphosis

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Transforming Things

As 2016 is drawing to an end, and we are on the cusp of a new year – I find myself reflecting over the past month.  The holidays are a magical time…  we gather together with family and friends, we share stories and give gifts, we celebrate, and we eat.  Everywhere you turn, there are treats both savory and sweet.  Every year, I over-indulge.  I turn into The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle). 

“On Saturday he ate through one piece of chocolate cake, one ice-cream cone, one pickle, one slice of Swiss cheese, one slice of salami, one lollipop, one piece of cherry pie, one sausage, one cupcake, and one slice of watermelon.” 

But instead, it’s more like…  She ate through one mound of cheesy potatoes, one Oreo bonbon, half a wheel of brie, a bowl of marinated mushrooms, a pile of fresh veggies, too many shrimp to count, three peanut butter buckeyes, one pepperoni ball, several snickerdoodles, and one brown sugar and cinnamon Pop Tart. 

Unfortunately, I am unable to weave myself into a cocoon and emerge as a beautiful butterfly.  But if I could, perhaps it would be one of these… Georgian or Art Nouveau, each of these winged creatures brings a smile to my face.  And hopefully yours as well.

This pristine brooch was hand crafted nearly 200 years ago of yellow gold and silver, set with old cut rubies and sapphires, and accented by rose cut diamonds.  I love everything about it – from the wiry golden legs to the tips of the antennae – it’s a steal at just $1500.00.

This is Art Nouveau at it’s finest.  Made like a stained glass window, the gold framework of this butterfly brooch has been filled with irridescent transparent enamel; reflecting multicolor tones of amber, peach, and orange.  This technique is known as Plique A´ Jour.  The tips of each wing feature vibrant blue enamel with glittery flecks to further enhance its beauty.  Seven rose cut diamonds form the body, completing the piece to perfection. 

Butterflies have long been symbols of change, hope, and life.  I can’t think of a better way to end 2016.

“Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Click To Call!