A Sample of Jewelry at BelezaZulugrass Necklaces | learn about the history
Zulugrass beaded necklaces are made from hand-blown Czech crystals, famous for their light reflective quality and rich deep colors. Each strand is combines these colorful beads along the strongest available elastic cording. This fun and durable jewelry is sold by the single strand and is available in a wide range of colors and styles. Start your own collection of Zulugrass strands and you’ll find yourself eagerly awaiting each new arrival to Beleza!
PAPER JEWELRY | learn about the history
These striking, colorful necklaces, bracelets and earrings are meticulously crafted using recycled paper. Each bead is carefully rolled by hand, secured with glue, varnished for shine and durability, and then assembled into the finished jewelry. The vivid color comes directly from whatever paper is used and no paint or dye is added to any of the beads.
Brazil is a storehouse of semiprecious stones, including a host of quartz colors and forms – ranging from the beautiful amethyst to the subtler citrine. Beleza carries these stones in many forms, ranging from surreal sets of one-of-a-kind necklaces and earrings, to small fun stretchy rings with elastic cords to fit any sized finger. The stones can be found in their uncut, rough state or as the more typical faceted stones set in sterling or gold metal.
When semiprecious stones are cut in Brazil to use in jewelry making, the process results in pieces too small for most jewelry designs. Over forty years ago, Maria Carla Fererria, an art history teacher at the time, decided to develop a technique of jewelry making that used these discarded pieces. By embedding the small pieces in a strong resin, the style referred to as “crushed stone” jewelry came into existence. Earrings, bracelets and necklaces made this way offer an exquisite appearance and remarkable beauty.
This amazing jewelry is made in Madagascar from the horn of the zebu cattle. This unique and exquisite material is readied for design through an intricate process of preparation, melting and cooling. Once the jewelry is formed, designs can be etched or carved into the horn for added dimension.
BRUSHED ALUMINUM | by artists Fernando and Carla Vaucher
This exquisite aluminum jewelry is crafted in Brazil by artisans Fernando and Carla Vaucher. The detailed process starts with individually cutting every piece of aluminum to mold into each distinctive piece. Often, wire is heated to allow for hammering into the designs such as roses. Fernando painstakingly sands the surface of each piece to achieve the right texture for the unique brushed appearance.
CROCHETED STAINLESS STEEL | By Artists Marcos and Iara Rogue
Somewhere around the age of ten, Iara’s mother taught her how to crochet jewelry from stainless steel surgical suture wire. The wire has a natural crimp, lending to beautiful designs. When not crocheted, this same wire is used to produce beautiful beaded jewelry. Iara places small pieces of semiprecious stones and beautiful crystal beads throughout the pieces she creates, adding remarkable combinations of color. The designs range from floral to abstract, all imaginative and unique in look.
PEARL | By Artist Kay Kochi
Kay Kochi, native to the island of Maui, creates beautiful and intricately designed pearl necklaces, bracelets and earrings from fresh water cultured pearls. To add exceptional variations in design and texture, she also uses coin and keshi pearls in their work. The pearls organically come in different colors and are never dyed. This distinctive jewelry ranges from very majestic strands of white pearls, to the artistic and exciting mixtures of round, coin and keshi pearls all on the same piece.
