Artfully Elegant — Handmade Jewelry & Handcrafted Gifts

A day in the life of ArtfullyElegant.com includes inventorying and photographing jewelry. Of course when you run your business from home, that simple task can end up being a lot more complicated than it sounds. This morning I spent an hour frantically looking for jewelry that I had placed on the table yesterday to photograph in the midday sun. Even my wife Neha joined the search but to no avail. And that’s when it hit us…apparently the 2 year old likes jewelry too.

Last night my little lovely Miss Kira was “helping” both of us with getting the house together. By “helping” I of course mean that she placed her toys in the refrigerator while we put groceries away, she threw important documents in the recycling container, and sat on the dishwasher door to take the load off her feet. Could the little monkey have grabbed the bag of newly purchased Dogeared necklaces and put it somewhere never to be found again? I’m pretty sure that the answer to that question is yes.

Over the past couple of months, Kira has gone from a baby trying to find her stride to a well oiled short distance runner. Honestly her speed and agility seem only to be likened to Steph Curry on the basketball court. So when my wife and I came up short looking for that jewelry it became very clear who the culprit was going to be.

That being said the suspect is not talking. When I asked her if she took the jewelry and where she put it she said “yeah”, followed by very confident point to the socks that were on her feet. I’m pretty sure that I’m not gonna get much more information out of her either. Maybe the jewelry will turn up…and maybe it won’t. Either way, I decided to let the theft of the Dogeared necklaces slide. Besides, her cuteness makes it hard to be angry with her anyhow.

The last few months have been full of some amazing transitions. We closed our brick and mortar gallery in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and shifted our focus towards ecommerce. Having operated a fine art gallery since 2003, this transition has been a bittersweet one. While it was time for Artfully Elegant to grow beyond the confines of a retail space, it is strange to have left behind the day to day operations that go into owning a gallery. But to be honest, it is something that we are getting used to. After all, now that the website’s new home is in Boulder, Colorado, we have a hard time imagining ourselves anywhere other than here. It seems that the never ending sun and larger than life mountains have a way of softening the substantial changes that come from a transition such as this.

Now that www.ArtfullyElegant.com is the new home of our gallery, we have plan to focus more on our most dedicated followers than ever before. Be sure to look for us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for updates to our collection and special sales events. And thank you for being a part of Artfully Elegant’s past, present and future. Talk with you soon.

Bija Malas is more than just beautiful beaded jewelry. If you are looking for something to connect you to a more centered purpose, to have a deeper meaning, or to just provide you with a tangible piece of positivity, then these beads may be just what you are looking for.

Bija Malas started in 2011 in a little corner of jewelry designer Iris Sutalo’s living room. What started as a small circle of sales to close friends has budded into a flourishing business with beads selling in a variety of locations including jewelry stores, boutiques, and yoga studios.

But what is it about these beads that make them so special? That question has many answers. For one, each piece is made with 108 beads. The significance of the number has multiple meaning including ‘one, none and all.’ It is also said that each person has 108 emotions, and that there are 108 marma points in our body.

A mala is specifically a tool used to help with prayer or meditation while looking beautiful to keep you reminded of that. So by having a gorgeous piece of beadwork close to you, you’ll always remember the deeper meaning that it represents. It is also said by many that meditation is one of the best ways to help in a variety of ways, and these beads are an addition to a ritual that many have found positive results with.

So if you would like to add an addition to your spiritual routine, need a piece of positive vibe, or just want a gorgeous new addition to your jewelry box, check out Bija Mala. Who knows, you might just find the perfect piece that speaks just to you.

Find them here at Artfully Elegant.

Tags: Bija Malas

Bella Vita Jewelry was started in 2008 at local art fairs and retail craft shows by artist Brandy Thomason McNair as a way to showcase her unique talent as an artist and jewelry designer. The business quickly flourished and has been going strong for seven years. Now Bella Vita Jewelry can be found at 100+ brick-and-mortar stores across the US and in her new retail shop in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Brandy lives and works in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. All of her jewelry is made by hand in the Bella Vita Studio, which is housed in a beautifully restored century-old building and the jewelry is known for being made in small batches and one of a kind runs. It has built a reputation as being a fantastic choice for personalized & hand stamped charms, natural stones, hand cast bronze & sterling pendants, and vintage baubles.

When she isn’t tending to her growing small business, Brandy enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with her husband, perusing local flea markets, drinks and dinners out with friends, and cuddling with her 13 year old lab mix, Arlo.

While it may be simple, Bella Vita Jewelry has an infinite combination of charms and jewels so much that it makes the perfect gift for any lovely lady in your life.

Stop in to Artfully Elegant or find it on our website and find the perfect selection of letter and jewel combinations for anyone with a part of the alphabet that is special to them and wants it close to their heart.

Tags: artist spotlight, bella vita

The stars and planets have been an inspiration to artists for thousands of years. From the mystery of the unknown to the beautiful twinkle of the stars in the night sky.

Here at Artfully Elegant, the artists that we carry all have their own unique inspirations behind them as well. Here are some jewelry pieces that we carry with a cosmic inspiration you can wear every day!

STERLING SILVER AND RAINBOW MOONSTONE NECKLACE

Stephen Estelle

This sterling silver and moonstone necklace brings out an elegant beauty that can be worn in the most casual or high end setting. $240 Find it Here.

SILVER ASTROLOGY CHARM BRACELET

Julie Nolan

Patterned after a Swiss calendar from the 1900’s, this constellation charm bracelet is hand stamped on the back with a 3-letter abbreviation of its corresponding sign. $36 Find it HERE.

THREE WISHES STARDUST NECKLACE

Dogeared

“Imagine being given three wishes. place this necklace close to your heart, close your eyes, wish big and believe!” We’ve all wished upon a star, now bring that wish as close to you, and your heart, as possible with the delicate necklace. $51 Find it HERE.

METEORITE RING

Chris Ploof

This amazingly brilliant ring is made from an actual meteorite. Show that special someone that you love them to the stars and back with a piece of universal history. The meteorite is estimated to be over four billion years old. Talk about love that withstands the ages. $1,915 Find it HERE.

BLACK & GOLD LARGE TEARDROP EARRINGS

Tiny Galaxies

These dainty little earrings that emulate a nighttime sky are appropriately created by a company called ‘Tiny Galaxies’ which is exactly what they are. They’ll dangle ever so delicately, letting you bring a tiny milky way wherever you go! $30 Find it HERE.   

So whether you want a piece of actual celestial rock to wear on your finger, an ode to your own star sign, or just a pretty little bauble inspired by the sky, stop in to Artfully Elegant, we’re out of this world!

feature image source

Tags: cosmic, jewelry, out of this world

Here at Artfully Elegant, we are more than just a store, we’re an art gallery too.

From oil on canvas, photography, and mixed media, just to name a few, we have something for every taste and style, along with practically any budget. We also carry pieces from artists all throughout the world, including some located right here in the Lehigh Valley.

Here is just a very small selection of our vast art collection for purchase!

So the next time you find yourself in downtown Bethlehem, stop on in to Artfully Elegant. You never know if you’ll find the perfect art piece that was meant just for you!

Tags: art, art gallery, gallery

Stephen Estelle jewelry is the epitome of simplistic beauty. With beautiful gemstones, classic cuts, and a timeless look, you’d be surprised to discover how versatile his pieces can be for numerous styles and fashions.Stephen spent several years in Europe where he studied art and literature. While there, he discovered a profound interest in the language of the Tibetan people and with Buddhism. He found himself so drawn to the culture that he decided to move to Nepal. There he spend five years studying Buddhist philosophy. While there, he also began learning from a local family who, for four centuries past, had made the jewelry for the maharajahs in Nepal.

This time and dedication, along with a deep understanding being the meaning of each piece shines through. He starts each piece by creating a complex design, and then removing the elements he finds unneeded and unnecessary. With an understanding that the smallest detail needs to be of the utmost quality, Stephen leaves each of his pieces finished knowing that the smallest and finest details create a whole and astounding piece.So the next time you are in the need for a fantastic piece of beautiful jewelry, check out Stephen Estelle’s work here at Artfully Elegant. Not only is is classic and timeless, but it’s construction was well thought out from start to finish.

Browse our selection here.

Everyone has a favorite animal! Here at Artfully Elegant, animals come in all shapes, sizes, and mediums (art mediums that is!) Here are some of our faves!

I’m so ‘Hop’py!

These adorable bunny earring will have you hopping along to that important business meeting, your next class, or even to your date at a great restaurant. Just don’t blame us if you’re in the mood for a salad.

$25 FIND THEM HERE

The Cat’s Meow

Are you a crazy cat lady? Sip a hot cup of Joe or your tea in style and let the world know that you love your cat. Hangout on your porch in a bathrobe or just lounge with your favorite cat hair covered blanket. (Also available in a dog version too!)

$9 FIND IT HERE

I ‘Woof’ You

What a silly guy! This happy puppy clock will happily spend time in your office, in your child’s bedroom, or even displayed prominently in your living room. Nothing get’s him down, so just a quick glance at him will cheer you up too.  

$44 FIND IT HERE

Bird’s of a Feather…

A lovely sentiment that will surely make a dear friend feel extra special, this bird ornament will tell a special person just how you feel about them while being a pretty addition to any decor.

$7.50 FIND IT HERE

Slow and Steady

This happy little guy needs your help to pull himself back together! It’s a fine motor activity for kids, or just put him together for yourself. He’ll be forever grateful and will be your best turtle buddy forever by watching over your plants or keeping an eye on your pasta as it boils in the kitchen.   

$9.60 FIND IT HERE

So the next time you’re on the hunt for that purrr-fect animal gift, or if you are just looking to treat yourself, peruse or website or stop in to Artfully Elegant! You never know what special little critter will catch your eye.

Feature Image Source

Tags: animals, gifts, under $50

We know rings! Engagement rings and wedding bands from Artfully Elegant have adorned the hands of countless men and women on their specialist of days. We pride ourselves in helping you from start to finish to get just the right jewelry for that special day.

Bu, did you know that we have more than just jewelry for your wedding at Artfully Elegant? It’s true! We carry a wide selection of fun wares that can be incorporated into many aspects of your big day. Here are just a few:

Chalkboards

Chalkboards are all the rage these days, and can be used for a variety of purposes at both the ceremony and the reception. From letting your guests know about your signature cocktail, to displaying inspirational quotes, and even just for welcoming guests at the entrance. We have a multitude of fun chalk boards to help inspire you to find a fun way to incorporate them into your planning! Find it HERE!

Groomsmen Gifts

Need a fun and quirky gift for your groomsmen? Nothing is more practical than being able to pop open a cold one with this fun little tool. The best part? It slips right into your wallet so it will always have it on hand (well,,, in pocket!) It’s the gift that keeps on giving. We also carry a fun selection of flasks, too. Find them HERE!

Bridesmaid Baubles

The gals in your wedding party work hard for you. Why? Because they love you. Show them how appreciative you are with a piece of jewelry that speaks just to them. From earring to necklaces, bracelets and even watches, we have something to match any personality. Plus, you can decide what they will wear for the big day to go with that hot pink taffeta dress you picked out for everyone. Browse women’s jewelry HERE!

Mr. and Mrs. Mugs

Want to add a little extra sweetness to the dessert part of your meal? While your guests enjoy their coffee and cake with the standard coffee cups provided by your venue or caterer, you and your new spouse can sip your cappuccino in style with Mr. and Mrs. mugs that you can enjoy for years to come. Find them HERE and HERE

Grow Your Own Flower

Need a fun place setting/gift for your guests? Or maybe a low key and sweet little centerpiece? We’ve got you covered with these fun MicroGiardini grow your own flowers! Start them before the wedding to have a perky little pot of flowers, or give them to guests as a way to grow their own. We also carry other grow-your-own varieties of herbs, too! Find them HERE!

There is Only One Happiness

Tell your guest right from the start why they are all gathered for the special day with this simple and true statement. Display it next to the guest book, hang it above your bridal table, or just set it in a special place that will catch everyone’s eye to remind them why everyone is together on the special day. Then display in your home to always remember the best day of your life (so far!) Find it HERE!

Ring Dish

The ceremony was beautiful, the reception was beyond a blast.. but now, you are exhausted! You just gotta get out of those heels, wash off that makeup, and get all that hairspray out of your hair. Make sure you have a safe place to put those rings if you plan on taking them off for a few minutes. Keep them safe and in style in this adorable little Mr. and Mrs. dish that will carefully watch over that beautiful jewelry. Find it HERE!

So while you plan for your wedding, don’t just look to us for the perfect ring of your dreams, make sure you also check out our other fun items to make your wedding all that more extraordinary!

Feature Image Source

Tags: gifts, groomsman, rings, wedding, weddings

If you are on the search for a one of a kind engagement or wedding band for a man or a woman, you might want to consider Wanderlust by Wes Airgood. The delicate and hand make look isn’t just for a visual effect, but each piece is indeed made individually.

Owner Wes Airgood recognized early on that there was a high demand for more personalized jewelry pieces in such a mass-produced market. Wes’s designs are just that, one of a kind from start to finish. He uses no wax or castings, meaning each piece is handcrafted throughout the entire process, with inspirations coming from sources like ice covered mountain summits. They make quite the statement!

“As a craftsman, I enjoy examining antique pieces to see the hand of the maker, their decisions, the identity of their imperfections, and the care and skill that one person invested in a precious statement for another.”

Wes’s background in jewelry and design includes a BFA from Miami University and an MFA from the University of Georgia with a concentration in metalwork and jewelry design. He also studied overseas in Prague and Cortona, and then worked for varying jewelry designers and metalworkers. He now resides in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife Heather who is also his business partner, and their daughter Olivia.

Find beautiful rings for men and women from Wanderlust by Wes Airgood at Artfully Elegant!