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

Luxurious Lace

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Detailed Things

It’s the little details that turn a house into a home.  From welcoming flowers on the front porch to the blanket draped lovingly across the back of the sofa – these are the things that make you want to settle in and stay for a while.  Growing up, my parents’ house was always (and still is) fitted with all the elements of home – soft throw pillows, family pictures, and the scent of a  Yankee tart wafting through the kitchen.  Now, my house has its own charms – baskets of blankets perfect for cuddling, a well-loved and oh-so cozy chair in the family room, and a container of homemade sweet treats on the kitchen counter.  These seemingly insignificant particulars are, in fact, the very things that matter.  

Antique jewelry is often the same.  It’s the fine points that take a piece from ordinary to extraordinary.  Edwardian and Art Deco finery is notable for stunning lace-like filigree jewelry, like this ring.  Made from a foundation of 18-karat white gold and topped with a layer of platinum, this three-stone ring is dripping with details.  A trio of European cut diamonds mark the center section of the ring.  Though each one is round, they are seated within both square and pear-shaped borders.  Milgrain beads add texture to those borders.  Cascading down the shoulders are two additional diamonds – these tiny sparklers are single-cuts.  Single-cut diamonds have just seventeen facets and were often utilized in pieces from the early to mid 1900’s.  

The outside edges of the ring have four more single-cut diamonds.  All nine diamonds contained within the ring have a total weight of approximately .50 carat. Gossamer wire threads connect each segment in a fine filigree web.  The woven pattern curls and whirls around the softly-domed top.  Finishing the sides and decorating each shoulder is chevron-shaped leaf engraving.  From the milgrain-beading to the filigree lace, these elements culminate into one enchanting ring.  If a single detail were gone – the ring would not be the same.

The elements create a mood, an ambiance…  a warm fuzzy feeling.  It’s like the emotion evoked by curling up in my favorite chair with my Snoopy throw blanket.  This ring doesn’t shout, but rather speaks in a quiet eloquent voice.  Made between the end of the Edwardian era and the beginning of Art Deco, it’s a crossover piece.  Priced at just $1,150.00, this ring is the newest arrival to our website.  Check it out then stop by the store to see it out for yourself!

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

What’s New – Volume 66

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

For a self-proclaimed sapphire lover, lately I have really been digging emeralds.  Not typically a fan of green – I am inexplicably drawn to the bright verdant hue.  It feels fresh and new.  Green is the color of spring – symbolizing life, fertility, and renewal.  It’s no surprise that Emerald is the birthstone for May… a month when flowers are beginning to bloom.  It’s also the gift of choice for a 55th wedding anniversary.  

We recently acquired this vintage ring.  It’s classically beautiful, made in a traditional three-stone style.  Created entirely of 18-karat yellow gold, this ring looks and feels rich.  A half-bezel style setting encapsulates the pear mixed cut beryl center.  This gem weighs approximately 1.30 carats.  Featuring medium green tones, this stone is moderately included.  Inclusion in emeralds are like clouds in the sky…  they’re a natural part of the stone.  

Flanking the center are a matched pair of marquise brilliant diamonds.  Together, these two stones offer .40 carat of sparkle.  They are near colorless with an average clarity grade of VS2-SI1.  On the hand, the ring has a time-honored charm all its own.  Stamped inside the shank of this beauty are a series of English hallmarks.

Priced at $4000, this dainty darling is available in our store now, and will be on our site later this week.  Simple and sweet, it would be an excellent choice for a right-hand ring or a non-traditional engagement ring. Whether you wear it on your left hand or right, this eye-catching ring will garner accolades and compliments from everyone who sees it! 

“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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