I had the pleasure of running into Mia at the Limelight Marketplace a few weeks ago. If you can believe it, her jewelry looks even more amazing up close and in person. Whether you are looking for that show-stopping piece  for yourself or that someone special look no further than Mia Lara Jewelry.

What made you want to become a jewelry designer?

My love for creation and fashion.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

I draw deep inspiration from the stones; their magnificent spectrum of hue and texture speak volumes to me, guiding me in the process of creation.  The inception of each design springs from a spontaneous gravitation toward a stone, allowing the process to organically evolve from a visual feast on natural splendor.

Any particular materials you are most fond of working with?

Textured metals and bright, daring organic-shaped stones.

Natalia Earrings $350

What does your typical work day look like?

Produce jewelry orders for private clients and wholesale accounts, design new pieces, handle the administrative side of the business, speak with my production team in India, visit the Jewelry District in midtown NYC to source stones and supplies, meet with and attend to my wholesale accounts, try to grow my business through finding new accounts/applying to trade shows.

Any advise to aspiring jewelry designers?

Design with your creative vision in mind while balancing the aesthetics of your clients in order to successfully get your art into the world.

What is your favorite piece of jewelry from your own collection?

The Mattea Necklace-it embodies the dramatic, organic, assymetric forms I love.

Mattea Necklace $740

What are you reading now?

Buddhism without Beliefs by Stephen Batchelor.

What was the last movie you saw?

127 Hours

Where is your favorite place to eat?

Mermaid Inn in the East Village-best seafood!

Where is your No. 1 vacation spot?

A delicious beach- anywhere!

Left to Right: Delilia Necklace, Gia Necklace, Fiona Moonstone Necklace, Sita Necklace , Chloe Chalcedony Ring,           Savannah Ring, Scarlett Earrings, Ava Onyx Ring, Nia Earrings

Thank you Mia for the interview! You can check more of Mia Lara‘s collection here on Bellaga.

Fox Stud Earrings in 14K Gold $258 by Michelle Chang Jewelry

I can’t help but be reminded of my adorable dog, Clementine. She has a very fox-like appearance, don’t you think? And anything that reminds me of Clems is a must have in my book.

Clementine hiding under a bench

Clementine look-a-like (image via mikebaird on flickr)

]]> http://blog.bellaga.com/must-have-item-14k-gold-fox-earrings/feed/ 0 http://blog.bellaga.com/meet-the-designer-kiley-b-durham-2/ http://blog.bellaga.com/meet-the-designer-kiley-b-durham-2/#comments Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:44:17 +0000 Regina Lopez http://blog.bellaga.com/?p=1267

I had the pleasure of meeting Kiley in a cute SOHO cafe last month. I was so impressed with her amazing jewelry and overall enthusiasm that I immediately knew she had to be one of Bellaga’s first sellers! Get to know Kiley a little better in our questions below.

What made you want to become a jewelry designer?

Actually, it was a strange twist of fate.  I am technically trained as a clothing designer and have worked as one for nearly a decade, but I have always liked making jewelry as gifts for friends and family.  Over time I found myself making more and more pieces, and people started asking if they could buy them from me.  All of a sudden, I was a jewelry designer and loving every minute of it.

Mary bracelet

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

From several places…The first is from the many many women in my life, especially the women in my family.  I come from a family full of women–I have three sisters–and we are all quite girly.  I have always loved dressing up with jewelry and accessories since I was very little. I remember playing with my mom’s and my grandmother’s jewelry when I was barely old enough to walk!  The next would be from the jewelry of the fifties and sixties.  I’ve always loved the big gum ball sized beads from necklaces and bracelets of mid-century fashion.  There is something sophisticated and timeless, yet fun about them.  And finally, my travels…I always try to bring things back from every country I visit and incorporate them into my pieces.  There is so much beauty on this earth and I love the idea of sharing it with others, even if it is just one little stone or charm.

Any particular materials you are most fond of working with?

Right now I am loving the chunky facetted stones I brought back from Morocco this past summer.  I love the way they catch the light.  Also, I have never been a plain pearls kind of girl, so I like the idea of finding new ways to wear pearls by mixing them up with different beads and stones.

Olivia bracelet

What does your typical work day look like?

Oh…I haven’t had a typical day since I left my apparel design job a year ago!  My work days vary.  I also write a blog and consult for other small design businesses, so everyday is different.  I try to make at least one day a week a creative day…that’s my most favorite day because I spend the whole day making jewelry.

Any advise to aspiring jewelry designers?

Just do it!  Don’t be scared!  But start small…you don’t have to be a celebrity status designer with worldwide distribution right away.  I actually love being a small fish.  I can really focus on my design aesthetic and the quality of each piece I design.

Lou necklace

What is your favorite piece of jewelry from your own collection?

That’s a hard one!  I hate to say this but it is usually whatever I’m working on at the time.  I love each piece more than the next!

What are you reading now?

I love to read several books at once…I always keep a chick-lit book nearby to escape from hectic days in the city. (embarrassing but true…)  The best chick lit book ever is and always will be Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann.  Every girl needs to read it!  I also read a lot of books about the creative industry…they keep me inspired and focused on moving forward.  Creative Girl by Katharine Sise has amazing insight into running your own business, and The Trend Forecaster’s Handbook by Martin Raymond is a really useful trend forecasting manual.

What was the last movie you saw?

I just watched All Good Things with Kirsten Dunst and Ryan Gosling right before this…I think I am going to have nightmares tonight!

Where is your favorite place to eat?

Food is the best part of this big big city!  I have too many to name but I am going to give a shout out to my favorite neighborhood haunt, Giorgionne.  I eat there at least once a month.  Best Pizza Margherita in the city.

(studio images provided by Kiley)

Where is your No. 1 vacation spot?

If I could, I would be a professional traveler…it literally is my most favorite thing in life.  I want to see the whole world!  It is hard to choose just one but I do have a soft spot for the Mediterranean…I fell in love with Italy when I was living there for a brief period nearly ten years ago.  The Amalfi Coast was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.  I went back to Positano and Capri last year and fell in love all over again.  However, Spain runs a close second!  I went to Mallorca (in the Balearic Islands) this past summer and was absolutely mesmerized by the tiny little island.

Thanks for the interview Kiley!  You can find more great jewelry from Kiley B Durham here at Bellaga!

Lichen Curve Necklace in Recycled Sterling $100 by Kristin Coffin

Baby Snake Ring in Sterling Siver w/Diamond Eyes $78 by Michelle Chang Jewelry

5 Nugget Necklace in Sterling Silver $60 by Michelle Chang Jewelry

Mismatched Pair $100 by ZOETWITT

Mary $95 by kiley b durham

Virginia $100 by kiley b durham

Scarlett (Amethyst/Garnet Crystal with Pearl) $95 by Mia Lara Jewelry

Fiona (Champagne Quartz) $55 by Mia Lara Jewelry

]]> http://blog.bellaga.com/let-the-holiday-shopping-begin/feed/ 0 http://blog.bellaga.com/love-this-look-cascading-earrings/ http://blog.bellaga.com/love-this-look-cascading-earrings/#comments Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:05:09 +0000 Regina Lopez http://blog.bellaga.com/?p=1106

Who What Wear’s Accessory Report: Cascading Earrings

Take a note from Who What Wear’s latest Accessory Report and adorn your earlobes with the must-wear look of the winter season, cascading earrings. These shoulder grazing earrings are sure to make a bold statement to any outfit .

Check out a few examples from Mia Lara Jewelry for sale on Bellaga.

Stella (Green Onyx)

Dania (Smokey Quartz)

Cora (Prehnite)

]]> http://blog.bellaga.com/love-this-look-cascading-earrings/feed/ 0 http://blog.bellaga.com/meet-the-designer-michelle-chang/ http://blog.bellaga.com/meet-the-designer-michelle-chang/#comments Mon, 29 Nov 2010 19:53:12 +0000 Diana Chan http://blog.bellaga.com/?p=1039

Michelle Chang is a native New Yorker, only having left New York for…well, all over the world. We have come up with some fun questions which Michelle has so graciously answered for us. Enjoy!

Where did you move to for many years?

I have lived in more than a few places in my life.   I lived in Seoul till my family moved here when I was 7.  Since then, I’ve lived in Lille, France, Copenhagen, Denmark, back in Seoul, Tokyo, Japan, and San Francisco.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Everywhere….paintings,  metal work, like street lamp posts, hardware, metal grails, natural forms, geometric shapes.

3 Spike Neckace in Sterling Silver

Any particular materials you are most fond of working with?

I work with sterling silver and gold, both of which I love.

What does your typical work day look like?

I get up in the morning and after I walk my dog Murphy, I spend a few hours with coffee answering emails and doing paperwork.  Then I get down to working on my orders at my jeweler’s bench for the rest of the day.  About four times a week, I take a break and run to the gym to play squash or tennis.  I also run into the jewelry district in Manhattan about 1-2 times a week to do my jewelry errands.

Fox Stud Earrings in 14K Gold

Any advise to aspiring jewelry designers?

You should love what you make.  Don’t give up and believe in what you’re creating.  Be patient, tenacious, and be prepared to work long hours, especially when you’re starting out.

What is your favorite piece of jewelry from your own collection?

That’s a hard one…but I will have to say its a draw between the Open Mouth Snake Ring with Sapphire and the Skull Band ring with Diamonds.

Open Mouth Snake Ring with Sapphire and Diamonds

What are you reading now?

I’m reading Tinkers, by Paul Harding.  I believe it’s his first and it won the Pulitzer.

What was the last movie you saw?

I just saw 127 Days.  It was an extremely entertaining film, as Danny Doyle’s films almost always are, ..but I had to cover my eyes during the scene where he cuts off is own arm.

Where is your favorite place to eat?

Again, another hard question as I love to eat!  One of my faves is Lunetta, right around the corner from where I live in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

Where is your No. 1 vacation spot?

Its always the one that I’ve yet to visit..But anywhere In South East Asia.  I dive and I love diving in that part of the world.

Thanks for the interview Michelle! You can find more great pieces from Michelle Chang Jewelry right here at Bellaga!

]]> http://blog.bellaga.com/meet-the-designer-michelle-chang/feed/ 0 http://blog.bellaga.com/the-moment-weve-all-been-waiting-for/ http://blog.bellaga.com/the-moment-weve-all-been-waiting-for/#comments Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:15:35 +0000 Regina Lopez http://blog.bellaga.com/?p=942 If you’ve been keeping up with us this week, you already know what we’ve been up to at Bellaga HQ.  If not, then pull up a seat!

We’ve endured many sleepless nights to bring you a new and improved Bellaga, but this time with a different focus.  That’s right!  We’ve decided to take a different direction and focus solely on jewelry.  The premise is still the same, we continue to bring you the best from independent designers, but this time from jewelry makers.

We invite you to get acquainted with the lovely jewelry designers who have decided to take the plunge and join Bellaga.  In no particular order, we introduce to you:

Kristin Coffin	kiley b durham
Michelle Chang	Mia Lara Jewelry
ZOETWITT	BeaKina
Juliana Ker

We’re so excited to have these new designers on board as they each bring their own unique style and enthusiasm for creating jewelry.  Stay tuned to our blog, as we will be introducing each designer individually.  In addition to great local designers, we have now opened our doors to international sellers.  So if you are or know a great international jewelry designer send them our way!

After looking through our designers’ shops we know you will be dying to start adding to your cart. So, we’ve gone ahead and made the checkout process a little easier for you.  We said goodbye to Amazon payment service and are now offering our customers the ability to pay with all major credit cards.

A personal favorite new feature added  is the ability to complete a single checkout, even when buying from different designer’s shops.  How great is that? No more multiple check outs, which can be an arduous task, especially around the holidays when purchasing gifts.

Take a look around and come back as often as possible. You won’t regret it!

Happy Turkey Day everyone!  We’re  on our way to visit family in New Jersey for our non-traditional vegan Thanksgiving feast!  Yes, everything is vegan and super yummy!  Minus the flan, you just can’t mess with flan.

(image via riptheskull on flickr)

You may have noticed Bellaga has been down for maintenance the last few days.  No, we haven’t packed our bags and called it quits.  In fact, quite the opposite!  We have been hard at work so that we can introduce to you the new Bellaga.

Starting next week we will be focusing on bringing you the best in original designs from jewelry makers from around the world.  We’re super excited about our relaunch and will be keeping you updated all this week on new features and new designers!

Here’s what I found on Fashionista.com

“[ Online searches for the term “engagement ring” increase dramatically the week before Thanksgiving. (The theory: people like to pop the question over the holidays.)

And with news of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s pending nuptuals, we can only imagine that the searches have jumped even more dramatically this season. ]”

With everyone popping the question over the holidays, I guess Valentine’s Day next year is going to be an extra busy season as well.