Wide band Archive

Hot or Not – Volume 17

November 1, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

We’re back with another edition of “Hot or Not” – I love this unique adaptation of our regular blog. It’s always interesting to see all the different opinions on a particularly unusual piece of jewelry. The ring I chose this time STILL has me on the fence. Based on my current likes, this ring should be a definite “no”… but there’s just something about it. I keep going back to it.

Made from 18-karat white gold, this band measures almost half an inch in width! On my hand, it makes a bold statement. Not just wide, but also thick, the ring has some unique azures (cut-outs on the inside of a ring used for cleaning); there are tiny star, crescent moon, and heart-shaped openings. These small apertures continue three-quarters of the way around the inside, stopping only to leave a space for three hallmarks… one is not legible. The remaining two indicate the fineness of the gold (18-karat) and the designer – Valente. A fine Italian maker, they opened their doors in 1953 and quickly gained popularity.

The outside of the band is just as unexpected as the inside. Centered on the top half of the ring are a series of three identical hearts. Each one features a Swiss blue topaz in the center. This topaz trio has a combined weight of approximately 1.00 carat. Surrounding each heart is a halo of round brilliant diamonds. In total there are forty-eight stones that have a combined weight of .75 carat.

Heart jewelry isn’t something that I typically go for… but in the past couple of years, I have found more and more heart pieces that appeal to me. Maybe I’m becoming more sentimental the older I get. In addition, blue topaz is not one of my favorite gemstones AND I’ve definitely been feeling all the yellow gold vibes lately. But there’s something about the combination of the white gold, blue topaz and the heart shapes.

Just before Dana shot these pictures, we put the band in the shop for some TLC. Our jeweler (Debbie) worked her magic and restored the soft satin finish to the white gold surface. It’s amazing what a little love and a mini-spa day can do for a piece of jewelry. Looking like new again, this ring was shiny clean and ready to go. Fortunately – or perhaps unfortunately for me – this band is a finger size 10. It’s too big for any of my fingers, and cannot be sized. Moderately priced at $1,800.00 and equally suited for a woman or a man; this designer ring still has me asking the ultimate question. Is it hot? Or not?

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Bold Bling

August 9, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Statement Things

Many stores offer a “wishlist”… a line-up of products that you love but aren’t quite ready to purchase yet. It’s a great tool for big retailers like Amazon and Target – stores that sell products that are mass produced. Even some jewelry stores have a wishlist program, tagging must-haves like stud earrings, tennis bracelets and statement rings. At Joden, nearly all of our pieces are one-of-a-kind, a fact that makes wishlists challenging. Because we specialize in antique and estate jewelry, we rarely have two of the exact same thing. That being said, we do have hundreds of wish-worthy jewels like these two bold rings.

If you want to make a statement – look no further. Both of these rings speak volumes about personal style and design aesthetic. Measuring an expansive 18.7mm wide, the all diamond band is made entirely of 18-karat yellow gold. A close-up study shows a unique pattern of channel setting that resembles a hedge maze. Five horizontal rows intersect with five right angles in geometric glory! Set within the gold channels are fifty-eight princess cut diamonds. These diamonds have a combined weight of 5.82 carats. Bright white, these sparklers have an average color grade of E-F and an average clarity grade of VS. The ring tapers slightly, from 18.7mm to 12mm at the back. This allows for a more comfortable fit. Measuring a finger size 7.5, this ring cannot be sized. It is priced at $6,500.00.

The second ring is a bit narrower, but still makes quite an impression. Also made from 18-karat yellow gold, this band consists of five rows of channel set gemstones. The two outside rows are set with a series of princess cut diamonds with each row containing ten square diamonds. Combined, these diamonds offer 2.00 carats of scintillating sparkle. Near colorless, these diamonds have an average clarity grade of VS. Nestled between the diamonds are three horizontal rows of square-cut rubies. These natural gemstones appear to be pigeon blood in color, a hue that is recognized as the finest color of ruby. There are twelve gems in each row for a total of thirty-six rubies with a combined weight of 4.50 carats. Measuring 16mm at the top, this band tapers to just shy of 10mm at the back. It measures at a finger size 9.5 and cannot be sized. Priced at $5,000.00, this ring is true statement jewelry.

Either of these bands could be worn as a wedding ring, an anniversary band or a right hand ring. I love a wide band on an index or middle finger! No matter how you wear them, these eye-catching beauties are sure to get some tongues wagging! Add one to your personal wishlist today… they’re available in our showroom. Call or dm to claim one 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 69

April 25, 2023April 24, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

Everything is coming up roses. Four of them to be precise – spaced at even intervals around the circumference of this 12.5 mm band. Made from a delectable combination of yellow, green and rose gold – this wonderfully wide ring is SO good.

I’m a sucker for the classic beauty of a wide gold band… amp it up with a floral theme and I’m a goner. Personifying the perfect trifecta of gold, this band showcases a yellow gold base decorated by rose gold flowers and green gold leaves. The botanical motif raises off the surface with dimensional appeal. Every leaf and petal is silky smooth to the touch, making it a dream to wear.

The softly scalloped edge finishes the ring exquisitely – complementing both the curve of each rose petal as well as the diagonal arch of each leaf. These details are plain to see, while my most favorite part is not. I’m dubbing it a stroke of luck… at the juncture where each blossom adheres to the band, there is mark on the interior of the ring.

To me, they look like the phases of the moon… especially the very last one. It’s the classic representation of a crescent moon face. Under magnification, I can see the gaps between the band and the flowers. These markings are nothing more than a fluke or perhaps a bit of serendipity combined with my own imagination. These little details are the very soul of vintage jewelry; engraved sentiments, decades or even centuries of patina and markings left by the maker whether intentional or accidental – taking a piece of jewelry from ordinary to extraordinary.

Measuring approximately a size 7.25, this band cannot be sized. Beautiful on any finger, it’s like the fairy tale story of Cinderella and the glass slipper. This magical ring is destined for a perfect fit. If you’re lucky enough to be able to wear it, it’s available on our site now for just $1100.00.

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

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

Baubles, Bling and Statement Things

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

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