Bijouxreview.com is high on Beladora.com and its sister site, B2. Two of the world’s most discerning, haute luxe estate jewelry sites, Beladora and B2 are favorites of women with means, A-list stylists; the stars they shop for, and of course, jewelry collectors. Along with offering superb customer service, Beladora and B2 both feature fantastic selections of beautifully designed, exquisitely crafted and pre-owned high-end jewelry at excellent prices.
These sites are online jewelry shrines. (We love Beladora with the reverence and sacred fire that Holly Golightly felt for Tiffany’s in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. If you haven’t seen it, Audrey Hepburn plays Holly Golightly, a Givenchy-clad gold-digger in faux pearls and chic Oliver Goldsmith shades. In the opening scene, she’s sobering up outside Tiffany & Co. after a wild New York night. Sipping coffee; swathed in black and ivory pearls, Holly stares into the windows at gorgeous diamonds…rocks of icy bling so close…yet beyond her reach. Holly Golightly: patron saint of fine jewelry freaks!
Flash forward fifty years later. Women all over the world are praying for divine jewelry intervention, just like Holly did, only for different reasons.
For starters, the 2008 global economic meltdown radically reduced or wiped out many men’s fortunes. Gold-digging became more of a grueling hustle than ever as formerly rich dudes stopped buying bijoux and started selling off assets (like jewelry) just to survive. As estate jewelers purchased fine jewels from the newly impoverished class, many women simultaneously realized that they might never get any fine jewelry unless they (gulp) paid for it themselves.
The good news for today’s Holly Golightlys and other jewel fiends is that at Beladora.com, a piece of pre-owned, signed designer jewelry from Tiffany, Cartier or Hermes often costs significantly less than the same piece that’s brand-new. This means that hitherto impossibly expensive jewelry is now within many women’s purchasing possibilities.
It’s also true that many estate jewelry pieces, due to quality of design, materials, rarity or provenance, offer more delight and greater (or ever-increasing) monetary value than new jewels.
The selection at www.beladora.com is hypnotically beautiful. The first time I logged, on I started hyperventilating over heritage and contemporary pieces by Verdura, Bulgari, David Webb, Van Cleef and Arpels, Aldo Cipullo for Cartier, Elizabeth Gage and of course, Tiffany & Co. After comparing Beladora’s prices to other estate jewelers, I started researching this article.
Beladora is to jewelry lovers as www.theoutnet.com and eBay are to fashionistas. This user-friendly site delivers FINE JEWELRY & HIGH JEWELRY at GREAT PRICES. (Sorry for shouting, but in terms of important design, provenance and value, Beladora’s selection is world class. BTW, they sell signed, high-end men’s jewelry, as well.)
Whether you’re looking for something simple like an engagement ring, an 18-karat fold Hermes necklace or jaw-dropping pieces to expand your collection, it makes massive sense to check out www.Beladora.com.
Case in point: in spring 2012, Christie’s New York sold an 18-karat gold, hand hammered, free form Van Cleef and Arpels limited edition bracelet known as the “Jackie O” cuff for $47,500 at auction. In that same spring, Beladora sold an identical Jackie O cuff for less than half that amount.
Yes, you read that correctly: less than half.
Which is why today’s Holly Golightlys (and 1 per centers, too) are breakfasting at Beladora instead of at Tiffany’s.
Full disclosure: this is not a sponsored post, although I have purchased jewelry from Beladora, so I know whereof I speak.
It’s worth noting that jewelry connoisseurs stalk Beladora for important pieces that regularly sell for five figures or more Beladora sources internationally. Jewels come to them via private clients, important families, estate attorneys; estate trustees and of course, from the trade.
Beladora’s client network spans the globe. Asian businessmen, U.S. executive women, Middle Eastern entrepreneurs, Wall Street lawyers, people in New Zealand and all kinds of men shopping for wives, girlfriends; mothers and sisters. Staff gladly take the time to help each client select the perfect piece. They will even take photos of a model wearing the jewelry if clients want a better sense of the piece’s scale and how it looks on the body.
www.Beladora.com is that rarest of rarities, a Non-Shyster Jeweler. Because I live near their Beverly Hills headquarters, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting their office to try on jewels.
“Stay away from those 18-karat gold studs!” my non-shyster vendeuse exclaimed like a lifeguard warning about rip-tides. “They’re too small for your features, they just disappear.” I took another look in the mirror: she was absolutely right.
“Sometimes people make the mistake of choosing jewelry that is so subtle that it looks…ho hum,” my vendeuse continued. “I often see people select jewelry that appears too quiet for the woman’s body type and clothing.” Finding the right-sized and stylistically correct pieces takes time, she maintains. “Jewelry shopping should be an adventure in discovery. Never be afraid to try larger-scaled pieces, gemstones or noble metals that are new to you.
Inspired by this call to go big or go home, I tried some 14-karat gold and diamond earrings that dazzled like comets. Those sparklers pinched my earlobes so damn tight that by the end of the night, I knew I had to return them. Beladora’s 60-day return policy made the process painless. (Another reason I call Beladora the “Non-Shyster Jeweler.”) Eventually, I bought some luminous South Sea pearl and diamond earrings that work with Bohemian outfits as well as more structured looks.
Thus emboldened, I tried on a Cartier 18k gold plated hammered belt/necklace that was made in the 1970s. The earthy texture and massive scale of this piece echoes the groovy vibe of the Van Cleef and Arpels “Jackie O” cuff. Too big for my bone structure. But beautiful none the less.
Some Beladora background: Beladora was founded in 2006; it’s part of a historic jewelry organization named Kazanjian & Fogarty, owned by Russell Fogarty. A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.), Fogarty is a gemologist who has been prominent in the global jewelry business for more than 35 years. A former Vice President of the international auction house Christie’s, Fogarty spent ten years there and also served as Director of Christie’s New York Jewelry Department. He founded Kazanjian & Fogarty, Inc. in 1990.
Kazanjian & Fogarty, which specializes in fine jewelry buying, has been operating for 22 years in Beverly Hills and is a partner business of Kazanjian Beverly Hills. This family firm is headed by Michael Kazanjian, a long-time Los Angeles-based gem dealer and jewelry expert. Michael is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Michael’s father, James Kazanjian, founded Kazanjian Brothers, Inc. in 1918.
Given that Beladora grew out of a venerable jewelry business almost a century old, it makes sense that the firm carries jewelry from many eras. Beladora always features a chic, recherché selection of Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro, mid-century modern and contemporary jewels. Be prepared to drool at their antique engagement rings and watches. The South Sea pearls, Tahitian pearls, vintage and antique pearls are investment-worthy, as well. Note: www.Beladora.com has an excellent selection of natural pearl jewelry. As you may already know, natural pearls are rare gems formed inside oysters, abalones and other shells back in the day…before pearl farming was invented…hence their beauty, rarity…and investment value.
The impeccable quality and selection of Beladora’s jewels, unparalleled customer service and superb prices make this site the gold standard of signed luxury designer jewelry. Ditto for online retailing of fine estate jewelry and mega-precious haute joaillerie. If Holly Golightly were alive today, she’d be breakfasting at Beladora every day…and buying pre-owned diamonds from Tiffany & Co.
The great American designer David Webb excels at dramatically scaled jewelry. This 18-karat gold necklace of hand-hammered mega-links features a center crystal carved with a fish scale motif. Circa 1990. 17 beautiful inches long. $14,750. Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.
David Webb’s glam design and yummy, 29 carat amethyst endow this jewel with irresistible charm. It’s a classic cocktail ring, a perfect present for a purple-loving lady or…a gift for yourself. 4 carats of emerald and 1.30 carats of diamonds increase the WOW factor. Size 6 3/4 and not resizable. $13,250. Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.
Tiffany & Co.’s platinum chain glowing with cultured pearls holds a chic little dragonfly with diamond set wings, pearl torso and blue sapphire eyes. $4,850. Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.
This platinum, 17.5 inch necklace shimmers with a solitaire diamond that weighs in at 0.86 carats and is graded G/VS-1. Designed by Elsa Peretti, from her Diamonds by the Yard collection by Tiffany & Co. $5,250. Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.
Cartier calls these Baiser du Dragon, translation: “Kiss of the Dragon.” Reinterpreting Cartier’s famous Art Deco Chinoiserie jewels while referencing that era’s opium smoking fad, these danglers are stoned with 1.00 carats of diamonds, 1.00 carats of rubies plus batons of black onyx. More effective at enhancing your beauty than an opium habit, they’re a relative bargain at $17,550. Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.
Cartier’s bangle in elegantly twined 18-karat yellow, white and rose gold polishes off the look of daytime or evening wear. This beauty will never become démodé. $2,950. Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.
If coral is a living treasure, then this 15.5 inch necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels is an eternal treasure. Its 12 mm coral beads and black onyx rondelles flank an 18-karat gold ornament set with 5 carats of F-G/VVS diamonds that can be worn on the side, or at the center. The clasp is invisible; price is on request. Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.
With a honey-colored citrine set in high polish 18-karat yellow gold, this Van Cleef & Arpels jewel gleams like the sun. Size 6.5 and resizable, it is shaped with finely banded details around the shank and set with cabochon cut green tourmalines at North and South points. $3,850. Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.
This sleek, geometric Van Cleef & Arpels ring is comprised of high polish 18-karat yellow gold. From the black onyx rectangle rises a raised, emerald cut 3.23 carat diamond of exceptional quality. A document from the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) states the stone’s color is G and its clarity is VS-2. The ring is size 7 1/4 and is resizable. $53,550. Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.
This platinum legacy ring from Tiffany & Co. is centered with a cushion cut, sea green, 1.48 carat tourmaline surrounded by diamonds. Size 6,. This would make a lovely engagement or anniversary ring. (The retail price on this was $6,750 in 2007. Today it is $3,950.) Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.
These diamond earrings from Tiffany & Co. measure 5/8″ wide and weigh an icy 2.50 carats. With omega backs, they’re made for a 21st century Holly Golightly– or you! Miraculously priced at $6,250. (In 1990, these sold for $10,500.) Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.
From Roberto Coin, these 18-karat gold and 0.12 carat diamond openwork earrings swing and sway in the sexiest way. $1,850. Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.
30 years before Lady Gaga named her fans “little monsters,” artist Jean Mahie hand made this “Little Monster” ring in 22-karat yellow gold. A size 4, this weighs 24.3 grams and is not resizable. $3,050. Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.
Weighing in at 450 stunning carats, this 24-inch length necklace from Jean Mahie glows majestically green. Three strands of emerald beads ranging from 4mm-13mm fasten with an organic-looking, hand hammered 22-karat yellow gold clasp. $34,550. Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.
Handmade, one-of-a-kind and gleaming in 22-karat gold, this openwork chain cuff embodies the immediately recognizable style of artist and jewelry designer Jean Mahie. Circa 1975; ¾ inch wide and ready to glam up your wrist with beautiful strength. $12, 950. Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.
Perfect for a bride, girlfriend, sister or mother, these 18-karat white gold and diamond earrings have a carat weight of .59. Designed by Penny Preville, they measure approximately one inch and are beautifully priced at $2,250. Photo courtesy of Beladora. Frame courtesy of EKDuncan.