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Brilliant colors,
interesting textures, and fresh designs are the key elements of Bella Tesori
jewelry.
Most of my designs incorporate Venetian glass beads, which are
individually handmade by the artisans of Murano, Italy, where the craft has
been passed down through the generations. Some pieces feature other treasures
such as freshwater pearls or semiprecious stones.
I only use .925
sterling silver, either traditional sterling or argentium sterling (AG). AG
sterling retains the 92.5% silver content, but germanium has replaced some of
the copper, which results in a lower maintenance, tarnish resistant silver.
When I use gold metal, it is always gold filled, never gold plated.
Gold fill is a complete layer of gold bonded to the supporting metal. All Bella
Tesori jewelry contains 14k/20 gold fill (the outer 5% layer is 14k gold) which
offers the look and durability of 14k gold without the high price tag.
Some of my designs feature 24k gold foil, using a Korean technique
called keum-boo. The gold is bonded to silver by hand in my studio using a
combination of heat and pressure.
I take pride in my work and want you
to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If you encounter any problems
with workmanship or wearability, please let me know, and we'll work out a
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Bella Tesori Studio began with a romantic trip to
Venice in 2004. One step off the vaporetto boat and I was in love with Venice
and Murano glass. I could not have predicted that discovering this beautiful
glass would lure me into the art world after a 15 year career as a
psychologist. Determined to find ways to wear these beautiful treasures, I
began taking metals classes and collecting tools. Soon, a studio was born and
my jewelry line was launched, featuring authentic Murano glass beads in
handmade sterling silver and 14K gold-filled settings. The brilliant colors of
the glass have since inspired me to expand into other gemstones and
hand-painted silk.
An introvert by nature, I am nowhere more content
than in my studio with several pieces in the works and other designs sketched
and waiting. I am drawn to simple, geometric shapes - circles, squares,
spirals, and triangles - that are universal symbols used across all cultures
throughout history. I strive for simple, clean designs and often use matte
finishes on silver to complement the smoother luster of the glass.
Bella Tesori is Italian for "beautiful treasures." I hope my jewelry
and silk become beautiful treasures for you to love and wear, bringing the
romance of Italy into your life, too.
Beverly Westra
Des Moines,
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