Saturday Sparkle: Kelbelle Designs

Who Sparkled this Saturday?

Kelbelle Designs

Today on Saturday Sparkle, I wanted to show a piece with unique bling, as well something that was bold and trendy. So, I decided it was time to look for a cocktail ring. The cocktail ring is a popular jewelry trend now – there’s nothing like an extravagant and dramatic ring to conjure up images of glittering movie stars at glamorous after- Oscar parties.

My personal favorite? This Light Amethyst Cubist Swarovski Crystal Ring with the pink band from Kelly, at Kelbelle Designs in Barrington, New Jersey. Not only is the color cute-as-cotton-candy, the single Amethyst crystal has definitely got the Big-Bling! And, after checking out all the Big-Bling looks that Kelly's Etsy shop touts, I assure you that her variety of available color combinations could push even the most decisive woman to pout: “What?!? I couldn't possibly pick just one color!?!”

Since Kelly started selling on the online marketplace, Etsy, her fabulous new collection of extravagant Swarovski Crystal cocktail and cluster rings are flying off of the virtual shelf. The story about how Kelly got her start in jewelry design is also very inspiring; she is self-taught and as a designer, has natural talent. After having hand and elbow surgery last year, she began designing and making her rings as a type of physical therapy. Her first ring was a coil-wrapped band with a cluster of turquoise stones, and the first time she wore it out, she was getting sales inquiries. She listed five items on Etsy at the end of December and made her first sale only two days later.


Kelly, so many people create wire wrap jewelry using only gold and sterling silver, and the colors in your rings are a lot of fun. What made you decide to start incorporating bright colored stone and wire?

Sterling silver is my first love; for years I was the art student with silver rings highlighting almost every finger. Now I’m looking for bold pieces that stand out, that almost shock the eye. I love a simple wire wrapped band with a single bold stone or crystal, or a cluster of pretty glass pieces. At the same time, I don’t believe that the band has to always be silver. Color goes hand-in-hand with the WOW factor and I really wanted to create pieces that pop!

Where did you first learn to make wire wrapped rings? And, is there a story of inspiration behind your signature Big Bling style?

I’m completely self-taught as far as wire wrapping. When deciding to make my first ring I spent hours deciding how I wanted to work the materials, this was really how I learned. I’ve never been one to follow instructions from a manual, I always learn better visually and by doing.

The “Bling” style is just fun and funky. What I love about it is that you can wear these pieces with a cocktail dress or a pair of jeans and a tee shirt. There is really no particular story behind the style. I make what I would want to wear, and I love being able to have a piece of jewelry that looks expensive and stylish to show off.

Describe your top three sources of inspiration behind your designs.

First and foremost I am inspired by color. As a graphic designer, color is always in the forefront of design. I love that it can showcase passion, mood, seasons or even clothing style. Another thing I am inspired by is composition of textures. While making clustered rings my time is spent trying to make a perfect balance of the color and feel of glass pieces forming a beautiful composition. Lastly, I would have to say I am inspired by the WOW factor. My crystal pieces are simple and pure “Bling”, and wow do they sparkle!

What are the most challenging aspects of designing rings as the primary part of your business?

Rings have to be one of the most difficult items of jewelry to sell. They need to be sized to fit and that has to be the biggest challenge to this business. I would love to have a ring made in every size but it’s really not too practical for such a small shop at this point. Things like jewelry parties are much more difficult when only selling rings opposed to bracelets, earrings or necklaces. However, the most wonderful thing about my items is that no two will ever look exactly alike, so you are guaranteed a one-of-a-kind piece. I love being able to wear a piece of jewelry knowing that it was custom made for me!

Thanks so much to Kelly for giving us the 411 on her ring designs today. Anyone who is looking for a stylish jewelry accessory with some Big-Bling styling should stop by one of Kelly's fabulous websites today:

KelBelleDesigns
www.kelbelledesigns.com
www.kelbelledesigns.etsy.com
www.kelbelledesigns.blogspot.com

Be sure to visit the Capitola Girl Blog next week, for another exciting indie jewelry feature on Saturday Sparkle!