Pick of the Week – Volume 69

Joden Girl

Baubles and Bling with Unbelievable Pricing

Today, we’re sharing a small part of a love story that’s nearly two hundred years old.  In the early 1800’s (most likely 1835-1840), it became fashionable to wear a piece of jewelry that hinted at a secret love affair.  Incredibly intimate, these treasures were usually brooches although a few rings, bracelets and lockets were also created.  These meaningful tokens were small oil paintings that depicted just one thing…  a miniature portrait of their loved one’s eye.  This clever bit of subterfuge kept the person close without disclosing their true identity. 

Commonly referred to as “lovers eyes”, these pieces were most often worn my men.  Pinned to a shoulder, lapel, scarf, sleeve, or even a hat – these dainty masterpieces were popular from 1785-1850.  Quite rare, just a few of these antique beauties are available for purchase.  We have only ever had two or three of them, including this one.  Measuring just over an inch wide and just shy of an inch tall, this lovely brooch is comprised of yellow gold.  Unmarked, the metal tests 12-karat on the XRF analyzer ( x-ray fluorescence analyzer that determines the elemental composition of a piece).  Twenty-nine creamy pearls surround the painting itself which highlights a single right eye.  The iris is dark brown in color as is the eyebrow and hair that has been swept back from the alabaster face.  

When viewed from behind, more details are revealed.  A lock of that chestnut brown hair has been plaited and saved beneath a tiny piece of glass with a soft beveled edge.  The pin stem is heavy and extends beyond the edge of the brooch.  A coiled wire in the shape of a “C” forms the catch that holds the hinged pin stem.  Both of these particulars further confirm that this piece was made in the early 1800’s.  This brooch has been on our site for a considerable amount of time – years, in fact.  And while we have been great custodians of this nearly two-hundred-year-old treasure, it’s time for it to find a forever home.  Lovers eyes are highly collectible and sought out by a select group of historians, connoisseurs, and true romantics. The previous price was $5,500.00.  In an endeavor to find a recipient who values it as much as the person who originally commissioned it, we are now offering it for just $2,200… a fraction of the original price.  

As I mentioned, it has been exceptionally well cared for and remains in excellent condition.  One tiny gold ring is visible at the top edge of the frame.  At one time, there was most likely a bail here so that it could also be worn as a pendant.  Though it would not be original, another ring or a bail could be added with no problem.  This one-of-a-kind jewel now has an incredible price drop.  If you’ve been looking for something special to add to your collection, this just might be it.  It’s available on our site or in the store.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

Pretty Peridot

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Botanical Things

Now that August is upon us, let’s talk about the birthstone for this month… peridot.  Glowing with a bright lime green hue, this gemstone forms deep inside the Earth’s mantle and is only brought to the surface by volcanic activity.  Unlike many other gemstones, peridot only comes in one color.  It ranges in hue from a soft yellow green to a deep brownish-olive green depending upon how much iron was present when it formed.

Not only is peridot the birthstone for those born in the month of August, it is also chosen to mark the 15th wedding anniversary.  Peridot ranges in hardness from a 6.5-7.0 – however, it is sensitive to scratching and fracturing.  A protective setting is preferred to maintain the natural beauty of the stone. 

The Victorian era celebrated peridot and used it in many pieces of jewelry.  This recent acquisition hails from the 1880’s.  Made from 15-karat yellow gold (a fineness that was often utilized in England), this lovely pin/pendant boasts a singular oval peridot in the center.  A milgrain-edged bezel wraps the entire girdle of the stone, suitable for protecting the gem.  The center is further accented by a delicate halo of eighteen natural seed pearls, each one held in place a series of tiny golden prongs.  

The peridot centerpiece is crowned with a trio of leaf-like fronds.  A long loop drapes from one side to the other completing the wreath that encircles the vibrant green middle.  Each portion of the frame is decorated with creamy white seed pearls, just like the ones that surround the peridot.  The overall effect is ethereal and more than a little lovely. 

Shown from behind, the removable bail is placed to the side.  This allows the jewel to worn as a brooch.  Alternately, a simple gold chain could slide through the bail, thus permitting the piece to be worn as a pendant.  The ability to be worn in multiple ways was common in Victorian jewelry.  The color palette of this antique charmer (the warm gold, the creamy pearls and the bright celery green) complement every season.  Moderately priced at $2,450.00, it will quickly become a favorite that you reach for over and over.  Call to make it yours today.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Blue Moon

 Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Celestial Things

Instagram is filled with all things celestial…  suns, stars and perhaps most prominent – the crescent moon.  This classic symbol has timeless appeal to audiences of all ages.  A talisman for fertility, this simple shape is iconic. 

Complete with English hallmarks, this beauty is sure to elicit quite a lot of “oohs and aahs”!  I love the softly scalloped outer edge that outlines each stone held within.  This Victorian wonder features an alternating row of bright blue sapphires and dazzling diamonds.  There are eighteen Old European Cut diamonds that have a combined total weight of .50 carat and nine round sapphires that have a combined total weight of 1.10 carats. 

Brooches were all the rage in the 1880’s when this gem was created.  But now, lifestyles have changed.  Fashion has changed.  In our expert shop, with just a few small alterations, this pin can become a beautiful pendant…  this simple revision would take this lovely piece from an occasional adornment to a signature accessory.  

We began Celestial Week with a glorious moonstone pendant, showcasing multicolored enamel patterns.  This crescent moon is the perfect way to end the week.  Priced at just $2,250.00 – it will leave you feeling anything but blue.

“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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