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Welcome to the Deco Belle Inc. Jewelry Blog
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
 It is our pleasure to introduce laser-cut silhouette designs from Pebeta Teta, a cool, conversation starting, and earthy mix of eye-catching jewelry.  Also included in our debut of these Argentine designs are a throwback to the 1980's with a Ms. Pacman inspired mirror finish brooch. More pins are available in this collection such as the big rose and bee brooch.
 We met designer Sol Maria Zwierzynski Sudak at her showroom and got a behind the scenes peek into what motivates the designer and drives the flow of the art form for her. We asked how the silhouettes in nature came about and the solid color of black resin for these designs. In her own words:
"Los colores de los collares son todos negros porque al tener tanta forma, cada uno de los modelos parecia que era bueno mantener una tranquilidad, una sobriedad de cada modelo para que se vea bien la forma, y que es lo que cuenta, el collar, la historia de el collar, mas que mezclar lo con colores y hacerlo como algo demasiado colorido."
 English translation: "The colors of the necklaces are all black because upon featuring each shape/form, each one of the models showed that it was good to maintain a tranquility, a moderation for each model so that the form would be showcased better, and that is what counts, the necklace, the story of the necklace, more than to mix it with colors and which would be too many colors together".
Our Pebeta Teta designs can be found in our website under the Region "Latin America", more Argentina designers to be featured by mid February. As always, our New Items section features the latest additions to our collections from around the world.  Labels: accessories, argentina, culture, designer, fashion, quotes
by: Deco Belle Inc.
From sweet, soft lavender as worn by Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas, to intense, regal plum as showcased by winner Sandra Bullock, this winter friendly color has been the standout hue for 2010 Golden Globe® fashion.
 
Image: Fergie, left: AP Photo/Katy Winn, right: REUTERS/Danny Moloshok Image: Leona Lewis, REUTERS/Gus Ruelas  Image: Best Actress winner Sandra Bullock for The Blind Side, left: REUTERS/Mario Anzuon, right: AFP/Timothy A. Clary Image: Jane Krakowski, REUTERS/Danny Moloshok Since ancient times, purple has been associated with royalty, on account of the dye used to produce this rich color being extracted from mollusks and therefore expensive. Deep versions of this hue still emit a luxurious elegance.
Our jewelry collections from around the world feature amethyst gemstone, cubic zirconia (CZ), Murano handcrafted glass, and more. Keywords within our website, by using the search box  at the top right of any page at DecoBelle.com, are purple, amethyst, aubergine, and eggplant. Labels: amethyst, art/lit/film, awards, cz, deco, event, fashion, gemstone, glass, murano, ring, style
by: Deco Belle Inc.
Monday, November 30, 2009
 At Deco Belle Global Jewelry, we enjoy traveling, and discovering new jewelry, cultures, landscapes, sights, sounds, and also, expressions from adventurers and explorers. To quote the famous Bruce Chatwin:
"The word 'Patagonia', like Mandalay or Timbuctoo, lodged itself in the Western imagination as a metaphor for The Ultimate, the point beyond which one could not go. Indeed in the opening chapter of Moby Dick, Melville uses 'Patagonian' as an adjective for the outlandish, the monstrous and fatally attractive;
(photo: Torres del Paine National Park, Chile)
Then the Wild and distant seas where he rolled his island bulk; the undeliverable, nameless perils of the whale: these, with all the attending marvels of a thousand Patagonian sights and sounds, helped sway me to my wish
...Patagonia was also a land of strange beasts and birds. 'Pen-gwyn' is thought to be a Welsh expression for 'flightless bird'; the Elizabethan sailors had a superstition that jack*$% penguins were the souls of their drowned comrades..." -Bruce Chatwin, Nowhere Is A Place, Travels in Patagonia, 1985
 The end of the earth indeed, also the jumping off point to the Great White Continent, Antarctica.
(photo: two penguins at center getting perilously close to three sea lions seen on the extreme left, Antarctica) Labels: art/lit/film, culture, quotes, travel
by: Deco Belle Inc.
Friday, November 27, 2009
What is the difference between Cubic Zirconia, Moissanite, Crystal, Glass, and Rhinestone?(This is the original article, edited version appears in Bride 9 and Mocha Bride Fall 2009 Magazines) In these recessionista times, shiny, budget friendly alternatives are being sought out in lieu of traditional diamonds for necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and even rings, but what exactly is the difference? Diamonds, the standard in clear, brilliant quality, and luxe jewelery is the bar for all other simulations.  Cubic zirconia (CZ), is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium, a metal. Since only the finest and rarest of diamonds are truly colorless, most having a tinge of yellow or brown, cubic zirconia is a good alternative in clarity as in most cases it can be made entirely colorless, equivalent to a perfect "D" on the Diamond Color grading scale.
 The synthesized material is hard, optically flawless and usually colorless, but may be made in a variety of different colors to simulate gemstones. Due to its low cost, durability, and close visual likeness to diamonds, synthetic cubic zirconia has remained the most economically important competitor for diamonds since 1976 when commercial production first began.
 In 1973, Soviet scientists perfected the technique of creating a CZ gem, which they named the jewel Fianit, but the name was not used outside of the USSR and the Soviets published their findings. Once commercial production began in 1976, annual global production grew to 50 million carats (10 tonnes) by 1980. Contemporary production of cubic zirconia is virtually flawless, whereas most diamonds have some sort of defect. Deco Belle.com carries a wide selection of clear, and simulated gemstone Grade A quality CZ jewelry in our China section.
CZ’s main competition as a synthetic gemstone is the more recently cultivated material, synthetic moissanite (named after its Nobel Prize winning discoverer). When first discovered while examining rock samples from a meteor crater located in Canyon Diablo, Arizona in 1893, moissanite was mistaken for diamonds. Its double facet edges (as opposed to single facet edges of a diamond) and its nearly colorless with a grade range of I-J-K on the Diamond Color Grading scale make it difficult to distinguish from diamonds by the untrained eye. Its impressive properties include comparable index of refraction and better than twice the fire of diamond. It is only slightly less expensive than diamonds due to the difficulty in growing the crystals.  Speaking of crystals, all crystals are glass, but not all glass is crystal. What separates the two? Lead. The significance of lead lies in how the refractive index of the finished product increases, straight out shine! In addition to lead, special cutting and polishing processes are used to give crystal glass even more sparkle.
Crystals are often heavier, more delicate, and more expensive than glass, with the ultimate standard in crystal jewelry being Swarovski Austrian. This brand has more fire and brilliance (by adding 32 percent lead creating a high refraction rate) than any other crystal jewelry on the market. In addition different chemical coatings are added to the crystal surface to enhance color and sparkle. The difference is quite remarkable and affordably priced, much less expensive than jewelry made from precious stones. These lovely crystals can be found in our Paris section at DecoBelle.com
 Glass in its most basic form is molten sand that is combined with various additives and cooled with such celerity that crystal structures have no time to form. There is not much brilliance, or fire on the surface of glass jewelry. The best and highest quality glass is handmade Murano glass from the island of Murano, in Venice, Italy. At DecoBelle.com we have a wide selection of handcrafted Murano glass jewelry.
Glass goes even farther with some rhinestones being made of glass. Other rhinestones (so named as originally the rock crystals were gathered from the river Rhine) are synthetically made of crystal or acrylic. The difference between the crystals and rhinestones is not that clear-cut. Rhinestone has a metal or foil backing to reflect light and make the stone glitter. Crystal, on the other hand, requires no backing and is always made of glass and lead that give the stones extra sparkle and brilliance. For dazzling craft projects, rhinestones are fine, but crystals fare better in jewelry presentation and quality. Labels: cz, gemstone, glass, magazine, millefiori, murano, paris, venice
by: Deco Belle Inc.
 Jewelry Care (as published in Bride 9 and Mocha Bride Magazines) To protect jewelry from scratching or tarnishing, we recommend storing jewelry items in either airtight plastic bags or soft jewelry boxes, armoires, or travel rolls (pictured left as closed). Airtight plastic jewelry (included free in every item order at DecoBelle.com) bags also prevent jewelry from scratching together or becoming entangled.  Platinum, gold, rhodium plated, and silver jewelry have anti-tarnishing qualities directly related to their metallic make-up. The higher platinum percentage allows for a higher tarnish resistance, the same is true for silver, especially when silver is marked “nickel-free”, which provides another degree of non-tarnishing qualities. In gold, the higher the carat count, the less tarnishing will occur. Rhodium is the rarest and most expensive of all precious metals, therefore most rhodium jewelry is only rhodium plated, this providing the ultimate in an anti-tarnish finish.
Labels: care, gold, magazine, rhodium, silver, travel
by: Deco Belle Inc.
 Etiquette: Gifts for the Bridal Party
To thank her bridal party for all of their support and participation in her dream wedding, a bride may want to consider the following gifts: jewelry, jewelry cases, and personalized stationary. The bride chose the colors, style of dress, and overall theme for her bridal party, thus a nice thank you gift is in order. The groom cannot go wrong with engraved anything for his party, flasks, glasses, multi-purpose knives, cufflinks, money clips, and the ever popular pen set.
 Jewelry is the most popular gift for a bridal party. Preferably the gift can be presented before the wedding to be used in both the main event and beyond. Formality of dress is the key factor, as well as colors and styles. Many brides choose jewelry (necklaces, earrings, or bracelets) in different colors and designs of a similar style, customized for every bridesmaid in her party whom all are wearing the same color dresses.
If the entire wedding party is wearing the same dress style, jewelry may follow suit, though this does not allow for a personalized (if albeit glamorous) gift. To customize for each bridesmaid, tailor each jewelry item with consideration to formality, does this bridesmaid like bold and eye-catching designs, colors, large versus small sizes, or a more subdued classic preference. Also which item would each bridesmaid wear most, someone with non-pierced ears would better appreciate a necklace or a bracelet, or some ladies may prefer necklaces over bracelets and the like.
 Another hot trend in bridal party gift giving is jewelry and cosmetics cases. These items can be both useful while traveling and in the comfort of home. This is not as personal a gift as jewelry itself, but colors, and styles may be customized for each party. Many of these cases can even be monogrammed to personalize the gift.
In our times of electronic communication domination, heartfelt written notes are a lovely touch. Personalized stationary is a very thoughtful gift and definitely customizable to each bridesmaid in the bridal party. It may be enough to turn the most die hard texter/e-mailer into a letter writer.Labels: accessories, culture, event, gift, magazine, travel
by: Deco Belle Inc.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
 Since ruffles, tulle, and flowers are the Fall 2009 wedding trends (our bestseller page features the latest popular items), lace filigree jewelry is a perfect pairing to complete this look. Lace provides a delicate, vintage feel.
When elegant beading and intricate dress decoration take center stage in this rustic charm trend, jewelry should be simple, and on a small scale to balance the entire look. Browns, creams, grays, gold, crimson, and deeply rich aubergine shades can give a pop of color in the form of colored gemstones, CZ, or crystal jewelry. Pearls are also a hot trend as the lovely off-white color is perfect for fall. Have any questions or seeking jewelry advice from Deco Belle? Send us an e-mail with your "Ask Deco Belle" questions, and it may be featured in a blog.
Labels: art/lit/film, fashion, magazine, paris
by: Deco Belle Inc.
 Jewelry from all over the world, rings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and more, it can be overwhelming (in a good way!). To that end, we've developed a guide with several different ways of navigating through our global jewelry website. We are more than happy to list ways to help you find your perfect gift. Of course, you may always contact us should you require assistance.
- Browse by region: On the left hand frame, The "Regions" section is listed in the middle, all jewelry is broken down by the region of origin (ie Afghanistan, Paris, Venice, USA, etc.).
- Browse by jewelry type: On the left hand frame, The "Shop by Type" is listed in the top, all jewelry is broken down by the type (ie rings, earrings, pendants).
 Browse via our Gift Finder pages: Browse by overall style such as Modern Elegance, Vintage Inspired, Tribal / Ethnic, and more. Please note that these are only suggestions as they do not contain our entire collection, we add so many new items that it's difficult to update each section. Breadcrumbs: On any item page, the top section will have "breadcrumbs" so that you may find your way back to the point of origin. An example is: This Coral Lapis Himalayan handcrafted pendant: "Home > Gift Finder > Tribal / Ethnic > Coral Lapis Turquoise pendant". If you would like to return to the "pendants" page in this section, just click on that word along the breadcrumb to take you back to the respective page. Our "Home" page can always be reached by clicking on the DecoBelle logo at the top left of any page.- Bestsellers: Our top sellers. Please note that unique, one-of-a-kind items are moved directly to the out of stock pages once they are sold and completely skip the Bestsellers page.
- New Items: The latest arrivals are posted here. These items are also identified with the word "new" left of their title descriptions.
- Sale page: Close out items and soon to be discontinued jewelry are listed here.
- Shop by Price: Sort by price range.
 Search box: At the top right hand side of every page, you may type a search term in the white box and click on "Go". Common search terms within our store are "heart, butterfly, pink, ladybug, star, drop".
- You May Also Like: Listed toward the middle of any item page, suggestions of similar jewelry.
We hope that these suggestions aid in your navigation through the Deco Belle Inc. website, it's fun and easy to peruse.
Labels: customer_service
by: Deco Belle Inc.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
 We would like to thank our customers who purchased Venice jewelry during the month of May. This included sales of Murano glass Millefiori, Millacreli, Designo, and plain silver Italian jewelry.
Part of these proceeds allowed Deco Belle Inc. Global Jewelry to donated $115 to the Breast Cancer Research Fund. This is an organization which aims to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and translational research.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States (other than skin cancer), no matter of race or ethnicity. Each year, more than 182,460 American women learn they have this disease. For more links about breast cancer awareness, please reference our October 1st newsletter which contained a cache of information and resources.
Labels: charity, designo, millacreli, millefiori, venice
by: Deco Belle Inc.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
 Our very first magazine debut! Deco Belle Inc. is represented on both the cover of this summer's Mocha Bride Magazine, throughout the magazine pictorials, and in our original article: Summer Trends
Our Paris Gold collection of earrings were mostly represented throughout the photo shoots. Namely the Rock Crystal faceted, Duchess Victorian bow Pearl, Jenevieve Art Deco inspired, and Aubrey Pearl long earrings.    The entirety of our Summer 2009 trends article can be found below in our jewelry blog. We are writing new articles for the Fall 2009 issue, stay tuned for updates.Labels: art/lit/film, beauty, culture, deco, event, fashion, magazine, paris, usa, vintage
by: Deco Belle Inc.
 Original article as submitted by Deco Belle for Mocha Bride Magazine Summer 2009:
 As Eartha Kitt sang 1962, “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”. But today, crystals and pearls are too! Bring on the bling in clear crystal, or colored gemstones, and cubic zirconia (CZ). Save a considerable sum while being in style for a summer wedding. Rhinestones are out of style, as Swarovski crystals offer fire and brilliance at a low price, with a luxe look.
 Vibrant colors are hot on the catwalks for this season. These intense hues of aqua, lapis, coral, lemon, peach and hot pink are rainbow bright now! Intense blue and aqua jewelry can definitely take care of the adage: Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue. Colorful crystals and CZ set in gold or silver offer a dramatic statement for modern gowns, and a striking accent for strapless or skinny-strap dresses.
Dramatic upswept hair lends very well to another hot trend this year, the demure stud earring.
 Studs, or button earrings, are feminine and traditional, and are always in good taste. Larger stud earrings have a vintage charm. The 2009 Oscars showcased this trend as well as the other IT shape for this year: the drop earring. From Michelle Obama (the First Lady is also a major stud earring trendsetter, since official portrait to European visit) to Angelina Jolie, drop earrings, are all the rage.
 A dramatic turn from these trends is lace filigree; it’s the new, old thing. Lace is delicate, darling, and delightful, and makes any dress complete with that traditional, romantic look.
Also, collar or statement necklaces are in right now; be sure to pair with small earrings that grant the focus to the grand necklace.
 Bridesmaids are generally allowed more color, and more drama with both dress choices and accessories. Our global jewelry store at Deco Belle Inc. has often honored requests to send duplicates of certain jewelry items for a bridal party, as the bride often gifts her bridesmaids jewelry that they can use in the wedding, and if it’s fabulous enough, to be worn at various occasions.
Whether you want to accessorize glamour, romance, or modern, there are various ways to implement the spring and summer 2009 trends in your wedding. Wishing you the best on your special day, I hope that these tips will help you stay stylish, without breaking the bank.
-Deco Belle
Deco Belle Inc. Global Jewelry
Labels: accessories, art/lit/film, beauty, culture, deco, event, fashion, gemstone, holidays, magazine, paris, usa, vintage
by: Deco Belle Inc.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
 We are honored to post customer testimonials, as we appreciate the time spent to write comments to, and send to us. At Deco Belle Inc., we see it as a compliment to receive such kind words from our customers from around the world. These comments are posted in the testimonials page only once we have the permission from the respective author. Single comments are also visible at the end of each page. (Image courtesy of PDISearch.com)
A very special testimonial that we received last week immediately became our next blog post as we are moved by the sincerity and thoughtfulness of the author, one of our favorite customers.
"I'm not a cyberspace student or an internet blogger but I felt it necessary and appropriate to share this anecdote with all who visit this website.
Last October (2008) I went on a scuba diving trip to the Cayman Islands. During my stay visited a small jewelry store near the resort and found what I felt was a beautiful and unique bracelet to bring home as a gift to my wife. It was, I was told, made of Murano art glass in a Millefiori pattern in a Millacreli design by designer Alan K. My wife loved the bracelet and I scored many points for the gift.
After several unsuccessful attempts to contact the jewelry store to see if there were any accessories to the bracelet, my son suggested that I try searching online. I was quite surprised to find some websites that carried the Millacreli style. Of the few that I found, Deco Belle Inc. was by far the best in both price and selection.
I found matching earrings and a pendant; but best of all there was a number I could call and a real person that I could talk to on the telephone who provided a level of service you would expect to receive if you were a life-long client of Tiffany's.
Every woman who sees this style of drop dead gorgeous, reasonably- priced jewelry that my wife is wearing wants a set of the same. As a result, I have become a repeat valued customer of Deco Belle who is 110% satisfied with the value and service they have been able to provide.
Regards,
Myron H. Southampton, New York."
Thank you for making Deco Belle Inc. your source for jewelry from around the world. We appreciate our longstanding customers and look forward to working with new customers. Please don't hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.
Labels: customer_service, glass, millacreli, millefiori
by: Deco Belle Inc.
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