Belle Style

Brass Angel Bracelet

admin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:49:00 +0000

Full disclosure: I borrowed three bracelets from Belle Style to review, and subsequently requested two of them as gifts. This one, while definitely an interesting and well-made piece, was not one of them.

Of the three bracelets, this was the most masculine and different from many of the other pieces on the company's website. Big (but not clunky) and heavy, were it not for the small, sterling silver angel charm that makes appearances in many of Belle Style's other pieces, I'd have taken this for a man's bracelet at first glance.

After figuring out the unusual, almost hidden clasp (which almost necessitated calling in my partner, who is a mechanical engineer), the bracelet literally slid off my hand. At 8" long, it's a good inch longer than most of the boutique's bracelets; measuring 7.25 millimeters across, it's also a good deal wider. Several other variations of the brass bracelet are offered as well: the Brass Jet, Brass Crown, Brass Lock, and Brass Heart. Prices range from $79—which is the price of the Brass Angel—to $99.

This bracelet in particular is very versatile, and would work with a variety of looks. You wouldn't look out of place wearing it to the office with a suit, or on a weekend outing in jeans. Chances are, like many Belle Style items, it has made its way onto the set of a movie, TV show, or magazine photo shoot.

While it's not my style, you can distinguish it—much like the other Belle Style pieces I have seen—as a high-quality and original piece of jewelry. All of the company's items are handmade, and it's obvious designer Heather Christine takes great pride in her work. While nothing on the site is cheap, Christine's work is a refreshing change from mass-produced bling made in nameless foreign factories.

Written by: M.L. Madison, August 27th 2009

Ballchain Ruby Bracelet

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:30:00 +0000

By Belle Style

This lightweight, 7.5" bracelet features an Italian sterling silver ball chain and three charms. The trio starts with a sterling silver heart that's anything but girly—it has a raised, medieval-looking cross in the center. In the middle, a rough-cut ruby-colored Swarovski crystal looks like a bit of pirate's booty. Rounding out these funky charms is as small, round silver charm features a picture from Rafael's "Angels" painting.

The effect is a cross of punk and dainty (e.g., I am feminine, hear me roar). It's pretty enough to wear with a dress or suit on an evening out, but versatile enough to wear to work or on more casual outings.

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty hard on the stuff I wear. If a bracelet or necklace is fragile enough that a catch or a snag is going to send it to the floor in pieces, I won't wear it. While I wouldn't recommend you wear this to the gym, this bracelet makes the grade for day-to-day activities. While it's not at all clunky, the chain and charms are sturdily made.

At $79, it may seem a bit overpriced, but then, Belle Style's pieces are all a bit on the high end for nonprecious metals. That said, the originality of the designs and the quality of the materials makes it worth the investment. The fact that their jewelry has been featured in movies and on TV series probably ups the demand a bit.

Based in Los Angeles, Belle Style uses semi-precious stones, crystals, pearls, and vintage jewels for their pieces, which are sold in stores in Australia, Japan, South Africa and the U.S. At the right price, one can even become a "private client." Short of that, if you don't live near one of their stores, you can order just about anything online.

Written by: M.L. Madison, August 6th 2009

AngelBang

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:47:00 +0000

By Belle Style

It's little wonder Belle Style's funky yet dainty jewelry has made cameos in films and television shows—like The Watchmen and Brothers and Sisters—and have been featured in magazines like Teen People, L.A. Confidential, and Tiger Beat. (Yes, the teeny bopper mag is still in print!) From Lisa Edelstein to Nicole Richie, the jewelry has wide appeal, and it's easy to see why.

I am not a girly girl when it comes to jewelry, but I fell in love with the AngelBang bracelet at first sight. Subtle and original in its design, this sterling silver bangle feels light and comfortable to wear. I do a lot of writing in my professional life, which means I don't want to have to take bracelets off and on because they're getting in my way. This bracelet made the cut for work.

Although the AngelBang is practical to wear to the office, it's also simple and elegant enough for an evening out. The clean, silver design is eye-catching and beautiful. Unlike other uniquely designed pieces, nothing is over-the-top or so colorful that you'd worry about looking out of place.

Each Belle Style accessory is like a small work of art, which is suiting because designer Heather Christine often draws inspiration from the Old Masters. The round charm on the AngelBang features a small angelface taken from Rafael's famous "Angels" painting. Those who don't have a thing for cherubs can also choose from an assortment of other charms and gems to accentuate your bangle. Belle Style jewelry isn't cheap, but at $39, the sophisticated bracelet isn't ridiculously overpriced either. In fact, I think I just found my anniversary present.

Written by: M.L. Madison, July 20th 2009