Ruby Red

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Birthstone Things

Often described as the color of love and passion, red is undeniably one our favorite colors.  Worldwide, it is the second most popular with over 15 percent of people choosing it.  At least nineteen different gemstones come in red – rubellite, spinel, diamond, garnet, and topaz just to name a few.  The most beloved crimson gem is, of course, the lovely ruby.  

As the birthstone for the month of July, ruby naturally occurs in a broad range of color.  It is the most significant factor in determining the worth of a ruby.  The finest shade is a pure, vibrant red known as “pigeon’s blood”.  Additional varieties include purplish red and orange-red.  The intensity of the color also contributes to the worth of the ruby – not too dark and not too light.  The shade must be just right.  These factors combine to calculate the monetary value of each individual ruby.  

This understated beauty has been in our collection for awhile.  Made in a classic three-stone style, the 18-karat yellow gold ring cradles a rich red oval ruby in the center.  Weighing exactly 1.24 carats, the precious stone is held in place by four prongs situated at the 2, 4, 8 and ten o’clock positions.  The bright scarlet tone of the ruby is delightfully accented by a matched pair of yellow diamonds.

Sculpted into hearts, these natural fancy yellow diamonds have a combined weight of 1.08 carats.  The red and yellow color combination is unusual; it’s not often seen in the jewelry world.  Both tones are on the same end of the color spectrum, so they complement each other quite nicely.  The red ruby shimmers quietly between the dazzling brilliance of the two yellow diamonds.  

There are so many possibilities… a birthstone ring, a right-hand ring, an anniversary ring, or even an engagement ring.  A classic style set with a unique color pairing, this ring is available now for $7,850.00. 

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box Luxury Edition – Volume 18

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and A Collector’s Things

Most traditional engagement rings feature one center stone – a singular focal point.  From year to year, generation to generation, the trends evolve and change.  Popular styles are often influenced by celebrities, movie stars and royalty.  In the 1960’s, Mia Farrow inspired an entire generation to fall in love with pear-shaped diamonds.  The asscher diamond rose to fame with a little help from Elizabeth Taylor.  The 1980’s were all about the marquise cut and the 2000’s were positively dripping with princess cut sparklers.  All of these had one thing in common… one center stone.

All of that changed in 2001, when DeBeers launched an advertising campaign that took the diamond ring market by storm.  What was this ground-breaking phenomenon, you ask?  It was a simple three-stone ring.  The marketing masterminds at DeBeers dubbed the “Past, Present and Future” ring.  The stone on the left was for the past, the stone on the right was for the present and the stone in the center was for the future.  Adding this touch of romanticism to an already incredibly sentimental engagement ring was sheer genius.  

We’ve covered engagement rings with a featured center stone and the Past, Present and Future three-stone ring.  Hmmm… seems like we may have skipped something in between.  We skipped from one to three.  What about two-stone rings?  Admittedly, it’s a bit more of a unique look…  but two-stone rings have actually been around since the days of Napoleon and Josephine.  Aptly christened the “Toi et Moi”, the two-stone ring is designed for “you and me”. 

This antique beauty is a bit of luxury from the Edwardian era.  Made entirely of platinum, this turn-of-the-century ring showcases a perfectly matched pair of European Cut diamonds.   With a combined weight of 2.20 carats, these dazzlers are set side by side within the vintage mounting.  Decorated with delicate hand-pierced designs, tiny milgrain beading and platinum scrolls – this two-stone ring is perfection.  Thirty-six supplementary diamonds accent every nook and cranny.  These gems offer an additional .30 carat of bling.  An ideal choice for a non-traditional engagement ring, this two-stone beauty is the latest bit of luxury from Joe’s Special Box.  Make it yours for just $11,800.00.  

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box Luxury Edition – Volume 15

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and A Collector’s Things

Three years ago, Joe strongly encouraged Dana and I to broaden the scope of the pieces that we showcase on social media and here, in the blog.  He was specifically interested in offering high-end luxury items.  After a lively discussion, an agreement was reached, and this special edition of the blog was born.  Volume 1 began with these words…

“The treasures at Joden are seemingly endless.  Our showcases are overflowing with the finest antique, estate, and modern jewelry.  From Victorian vignettes to Art Deco dazzlers – our collection is truly something to behold.  What you may not know is that not every gem is on display.  Some lucky guests have received a private showing in Joe’s office.  There, nestled into the golden oak cabinetry, tucked between endless volumes of Sotheby’s and Christie’s catalogs are the crème de la crème; an assemblage of the rarest jewels suitable for even the most seasoned connoisseurs and private collectors.”

Since then, we have showcased fourteen truly special pieces.  Today is the fifteenth installment.  Although modern jewelry isn’t typically my jam, this ring was simply irresistible.  Made entirely of 18-karat white gold, this beauty is a three-stone ring on steroids.  

A matched pair of fine lush green emeralds flank the center stone.  Each one is cut in a half-moon shape and is encapsulated within a diamond halo.  The rich tone of these precious gems cannot be captured in a photo – it needs to be appreciated in person.  Combined, these emeralds have a total weight of approximately .70 carat.  Fifty-eight round brilliants create shimmering borders around the three main stones and decorate the shoulders and edges of this spectacular ring.  These diamonds have a total weight of approximately .50 carat. 

The emeralds and melee diamond trim form the perfect stage for the true star of the show – a killer 1.78 carat round brilliant diamond.  Certified by the Gemological Institute of America – this bright white diamond is an E color and an SI1 in clarity.  Sparkling from every angle, this diamond is truly luxurious.  

The birthstone for the month of April is diamond, while emerald is the birthstone for May.  Emerald is also the designated gem for both the 20th and the 35th anniversary.  Perfect for so many reasons, this natural earth-mined diamond ring is available for $16,500.  Not yet on our website, it can be found in the inner sanctum…  Joe’s office.  Drop by and request a tour.  You never know…  you just might take a bit of luxury home with you. 

“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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