Victorian Archive | Page 3

Mirror Mirror

June 6, 2020November 7, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Pragmatic Things

What’s on your keychain? Mine is a jumbled collection of keys, customer appreciation mini-cards and pictures of my kids. Definitely little things that are important for my day to day life. In the Victorian era (about 150 years ago), a lady carried her necessities on a chatelaine. This clever device attached to your belt or a very long necklace and trinkets dangled from it. Most chatelaines were comprised of keys, a pair of scissors, a thimble, and the household seal. Other more ornamental curios might include a lipstick, a vinaigrette, or even a small mirror like this one.

Joe brought this tiny enameled mirror back from the Miami show last year and I have admired it ever since. I just love it! It measures about 2.5 inches in length and makes a perfect pendant. The front is completely covered in a vibrantly enameled scene that features a pair of entwined ladies with flowing locks and voluminous gowns. The bright pink, blue, yellow, and green hues bring this piece to life. Perhaps you noticed the two daisies that decorate the stem of the mirror… this tiny detail is everything. They’re my absolute favorite flower. Even my wedding band is an eternal ring of platinum and 18 karat yellow gold daisies!

A predecessor to the modern day handbag, a chatelaine provided a method of carrying essential tools of everyday life within a hands reach. Any lady would surely have been thrilled to add this glorious mirror to her cache of implements. It’s dynamic imagery and vivid colors would spark a conversation in any environment, including the modern world of today.

For more details, including pricing, send me an email at carrie@joden.com or give me a call at 800.747.7552.

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

Writing and Photos by Carrie Martin

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 34

June 6, 2020October 24, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Nine parallel rows of finely woven 15 karat yellow gold form the continuous loop of this Victorian slide bracelet. The silken mesh glides like silk over the hand to rest on the wrist. The cleverly adjustable mechanism (or slide) features a beautifully engraved circle… home for the crowning glory of this antique beauty – a 12.5 mm cabochon coral bead, polished to a shine. Coral of this size and color is rare and highly collectible.

From the palest of pinks to deep blood reds, coral has been a prized gem for hundreds of years, especially during the 19th century. In fact, most coral reefs are now protected to prevent further harvesting of this organic gemstone. In the late 1800’s, when this bracelet was made, coral was thought to provide protection and promote good health. Necklaces and pendants were commonly worn by infants and young children. This piece, however, was made for a woman. Perhaps to guard against infertility, yet another superstition associated with this colorful stone. No matter the purpose, the undeniable result was an exquisitely handsome piece.

This antique vision is available now for $7,650.00. The rarity and condition of this bracelet have guaranteed it a spot in Joe’s Special Box… at least until someone takes it home.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photo by Shelly Isacco

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 33

June 6, 2020October 17, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

I’m not into heart shapes. Well, maybe if it’s a cookie, but not in jewelry. Once in a long while one of these little love tokens will catch my eye – like this diminutive beauty. Measuring only one inch from the top of the bail to the point at the bottom, this symbol of affection is completely covered in Old Mine Cut diamonds; twenty-nine of them to be exact, with a combined weight of 1.50 carats.

I adore everything about this piece… especially that it’s not just a pendant, it’s also a pin. Although brooches aren’t as popular as they once were, one of this size is much easier to wear… pin it to your collar, your lapel, or even your cuff for a trendy modern feel. Style it short like a choker or on your favorite strand of pearls for a classic look, this gem is so versatile.

Made during the late 1800’s, this Victorian pendant is in pristine condition. A lovely rosy patina has developed on the 18 karat yellow gold framework, adding another element of vintage appeal. It’s as beautiful today as it was when it was made, nearly 150 years ago. It’s no surprise that I found it in Joe’s Special Box. Priced at $4,700.00, this pendant melts my heart.

Photos and Writing by Carrie Martin

Baubles, Bling, and Pragmatic Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

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