Spotlight on Design: Jabel Jewelry

Wrought during the 1940s by Jabel Ring Company, one of New Jersey's finest establishments, this beautiful vintage engagement ring features a .59-carat Old European cut diamond, set in a white gold head, mounted on a solid 14k yellow gold shank . This beautiful ring, bearing only light wear after 70 years, demonstrates the rigor and precision Jabel applies to every piece of jewelry they create. Founded in 1916 by J.J. Abelson, Jabel Jewelry swiftly rose to the top, luxuriating among other such notables as Henry Blank, Meyer and Gross, and Krementz {3}. Mr. Abelson established his reputation with the unique die-striking process still in use today, as well as by promoting a standard of excellence that remains a hallmark of the company's continued success. At Jabel, it all begins with PRESSURE! Just as pressure plays a key role in the formation of precious metals and gemstones beneath the earth's surface, so Jabel understands that pressure plays an important role in preparing the perfect settings for these precious gifts of nature. Artisans begin with bar of alloyed metals created in Jabel's factory. Extreme pressure is then applied to the bar as it passes through a series of heavy metal rollers. The result is a "metal ribbon that is non-porous, solid, homogenous and uniformly strong" {2}. This solid metal ribbon is then placed between two die plates mounted on a press. These presses apply extreme forces to cut, squeeze, and hammer the metal into various desired shapes. These presses can exert as much as 50 tons of striking force. Each individual component, sometimes as many as 50 per ring, is created with a series of repeated pressurized blows which " the molecules and the metal into every crevice of the die" {1}. This allows for precise detailing of every aspect of a finished ring, ensuring high-quality jewelry with increased density and durability. Once each piece has been formed, skilled artisans assemble the rings by hand. The timelessness of Jabel's designs and process are evident in the fact that this ring, created in the 1940s, remains as enduring in both beauty and function as it was on the day it was made.

Notes

1. Antique Jewelry University. "Die Struck." Accessed March 5, 2014. http://www.langantiques.com/university/index.php/Die_Struck.
2. Fillie, Melissa. "Roll and Strike! Die Struck Jewelry," Jabel Die Struck Jewelry Blog, August 16, 2013.
3. Helmreich, William B. The Enduring Community: The Jews of Newark and MetroWest. Piscataway, NJ: Transaction Publishers, 1999, p. 78.