This or That – Volume Three

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Two Little Rings

There is no more perfect gift than jewelry.  From silver hoops to diamond rings, pretty little baubles bring ear to ear smiles – sometimes even tears.  Jewelry is personal…  it takes time and consideration to select just the right piece.  It’s an absolute pleasure to play a small part in each one of these experiences.  

In recent years, we have noticed a strong trend in the market…  guests are shopping for themselves.  Women are buying earrings, necklaces and right-hand rings.  Our customers avidly check our website for new arrivals.  They send us messages on Instagram and Facebook, asking questions about each treasure we post.  Ladies come in often to see our latest finds and conversions.  Jewelry has become a gift that you give yourself.  

In the jewelry world, we always say that we sell what we love.  Dana and I have proven that to be true time and again.  We are constantly on the lookout for our next obsession.  For the last couple of weeks, this sweet Mid Century Modern ring has been talking to me.  When I brought it to Dana to photograph, she mentioned that she had been drawn to it as well.  We have a winner!  Made in the 1950’s from 14 karat white gold, it combines bold swirls with tiny beaded trim and the smallest hint of sparkle.  I love the east/west orientation of the oval shape, it adds a contemporary spin.  Priced at just $250.00, it offers a big look for smaller budgets.  

This ring, also made in the 1950’s, is every bit as appealing as the first one.  Even though it’s vintage, it’s new to us.  It, too, rocks that east/west vibe.  I love the three diagonal diamond rows that form the top of the band.  Set with a series of sixteen single-cut diamonds, this ring has .30 carat of bling.  My favorite detail are those two tiny triangular windows…  they open up the design, allowing  just a peep of skin to show through.  This 14 karat white gold gem is available now for just $675.00.

These Mid Century beauties are just SO good.  If you’ve never purchased a piece of jewelry for yourself, these are two prime candidates.  I know which one my favorite is…  but tell me which would you buy for yourself?  Are you crazy over this budget-friendly charmer for only $250 or would you prefer that diamond dazzler for $675?  This or that?

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Spot the Not

 Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

Customers are always surprised to discover that synthetic gemstones have been around for quite awhile…  nearly 150 years!  It’s a common misconception that just because a piece is old then it must be real.  Time after time we have had to break the news that a beloved family heirloom is unfortunately NOT a priceless treasure.  More often than not, the true value of grandma’s ring is found in the memories of her wearing it rather than the rocks and metal it’s made from.

The inventory at Joden boasts a vast cache of Victorian riches including several little trinkets featuring a variety of imitation, synthetic and even glass stones.  Each of them is original and authentic, adding to their individual appeal.  

Recently, I stumbled across these two beauties…  a nearly perfect pair.  Both the ring and the bangle are from the late Victorian era, circa 1885.  Each one is meticulously crafted from rosy 14 karat gold.   The style is simultaneously simplistic and striking…  a harmonious balance that can be difficult to achieve.  While they each have a brilliant red center stone, one contains a red spinel and the other is synthetic.  Can you spot the not?

The triple banded open-shank of the ring is an ideal complement to the sparkling halo of diamonds.  There is an eclectic mix of cuts contained within…  there are single-cuts, Old Mine Cuts, European Cuts and even one round brilliant.  The unusual selection probably indicates that stones have been replaced over the years, adding another element of charm to the history of the piece.  It’s available on our site for just $1,380.00.

The bangle displays a singular knife-edged top with a round, tubular bottom bow.  A hidden push-button clasp releases the side, allowing it to open for ease of use.  The cushion-shaped center section glows with 1.25 carats of Old Mine Cut diamonds, arranged in an elegant halo motif.  Although it’s not on our site, it’s available in our showroom for $2,250.00.

Perhaps you’re wondering, which center stone is which?  Or maybe you’ve jumped ahead and discovered the answer for yourself by clicking the link to our site.  While each stone is bright and beautiful, it’s the ring that contains the genuine red spinel and the bangle features an authentic synthetic center.  Which one would you choose?  Better yet – why choose when you can have both!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 40

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

I’m completely enchanted by this delicate beauty… a perfect vintage ring that looks like a tiny bow.  I first introduced you to it several months ago in a post about the “B” word…  budget!  The holidays are definitely a time when our family budget is on my mind.  I’m sure it weighs on many of you, as well.  I love that this piece is totally budget friendly, priced at just $1400.

Made from 18 karat white gold with a .25 carat diamond center, who wouldn’t want to tie the knot with this darling engagement ring?

It’s all about the details.  Milgrain beads create a subtle border for the loops on each side of the bright round diamond center.  Six single cut diamonds wink from each shoulder, adding extra sparkle.  The shank is made with a knife-edge peak in the center, another small detail that makes all the difference.  If you or someone you know is planning a Christmas proposal, Joden Jewelers is the place to be.  This one-of-a-kind ring is waiting for you. 

This holiday season, let our experts help you find the perfect gift for every name on your list.  

“You can go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Carrie Martin and Shelly Isacco

Holiday Hours: December 14th-22nd.  We will be open until 8pm for your shopping convenience.

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