Artfully Elegant — Handmade Jewelry & Handcrafted Gifts

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!

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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.

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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!

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Tags: gifts, groomsman, rings, wedding, weddings

Founded by Lisa Lowe, Oré Originals has a bright and colorful history. Lisa grew up in a loving family surrounded by creativity and function, so the concept of colors, prints, and patterns was part of everyday life for her. So, with a focus on useful products with a fun and creative edge, Oré Originals was started in her small Southern California garage in 1989, and it grew from there!

Founder Lisa Lowe as a child (left) and as a thriving business owner (right)

Now Oré has grown into a dedicated team that works hard together and makes things happen! They are always on the hunt for new functional product ideas that will put a smile on your face. Due to these facts, Oré Originals considers itself a design-driven company as unique as the items that it makes. So it’s no surprise that the products in their collection are sweet, quirky, and always comes in handy for the task it was made for.

The team at Oré Originals

Beyond creative aspects, Oré Originals takes pride in their products from start to finish assuring that customers have a quality item that always arrives in perfect condition. Since they are based in California, they are heavily involved in many charitable events and causes throughout the communities of Southern California, and even donate products, give directly, and assist in charity benefits.

The company is community oriented, helping out local Southern California charities and organizations.

So the next time you’re in Artfully Elegant, check out our amazing fun collection of Oré Original products like the Cuppa Mugs. Not only will you sip your coffee or tea in one of the most adorable pieces in your cupboard, but you’ll be supporting an amazing company whose products we couldn’t be more proud to carry.

A fun selection of Cuppa Cups at Artfully Elegant

All Oré Original photos courtesy of oreoriginals.com

Tags: artist spotlight, ore originals

When one thinks of fine jewelry, precious metals and stones typically come to mind. Platinum, gold, diamonds, silver, and other glittering colorful stones that mirror every color of the rainbow quickly materialize in our imaginations. While these are indeed amazing materials used in most jewelry, there are other materials that are just as incredible that emit a strong, powerful, and masculine vibe.

Chris Ploof Designs, located in Massachusetts, works with other quality materials to create amazing pieces. Everything from stainless steel damascus to mokume gane, which is a traditional Japanese method of mixing metals to replicate a wood grain pattern. From these materials, Chris and his team make amazing quality jewelry that will last for ages.

Damascus Ring made of Stainless Steel

One unique material his team also works with is meteorite. The galactic rock that has potentially traveled light years in space and thrust onto our planet can be crafted into amazing pieces of jewelry for any occasion. Chris’s meteorite pieces are exclusively made from the Gibeon Meteorite in Namibia, a meteorite that is estimated to have landed on the planet 30,000 years ago and is estimated to be about four billion years old.

However, not all pieces of the meteorite are all usable due to varying metal content, elemental wear, and natural imperfections. Chris’s team takes it a step further and for every piece that is suitable for jewelry, Chris Ploof Designs rejects an average of 20 for every one that they choose.
From there, the ancient material is combined with platinum, gold or mokume gane to form an extremely strong and durable ring. The Gibeon meteorite also contains nickel so it’s naturally stain and rust resistant.

Gibeon Meteorite Ring with Gold Lining

According to their website: “Each ring begins with Chris in the design process, and every single item he designs also passes a review by our skilled artisans. As a team, we make sure that, in addition to being beautiful, the design will stand the test of time.”

So if you or a loved one are looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry, head on over to Artfully Elegant or www.artfullyelegant.com, we’re the only official carrier of Chris Ploof Designs in the entire state of Pennsylvania. Not only do we carry an amazing selection, but we can help you get a custom piece that is just right for you! See more designs here!

Damascus Wood Grain Ring made of Stainless Steel

Tags: artist spotlight, chris ploof

If you’ve been in Artfully Elegant, you’ve probably seen the nifty vintage cigarette machine tucked neatly near our checkout desk. This delightful piece of mechanics is referred to as an Art-o-mat, and instead of cigarettes, it vends one-of-a-kind mini art! 

Click Here for the Art-o-mat at Artfully Elegant! 

The particular Art-o-mat at Artfully Elegant is one of over 120 unique Art-o-mats that can be found at locations all throughout the country.

The original was created by artist Clark Whittington when a friend heard cellophane being crinkled and then had an uncontrollable urge for a snack. It was a Pavlovian response to hearing the candy wrapper being crinkled.

So in June of 1997, the first Art-o-mart was created using a recently banned cigarette machine. The piece, along with a number of full sized art from the artist, was displayed at a local cafe in Winston-Salem N.C., and contained small black and white photos mounted on blocks.

Although the piece was only to stay displayed for a few months, the owner of the cafe loved it so much, that she asked that it stay. Due to the length of stay, Whittington needed other artists to contribute to it’s contents. Local artists were asked to contribute to it’s tiny art, and the Art-o-mat that exists today, full of different artists and artistic styles, was born!

Each Art-o-mat is beautiful and distinctly different, however, the goal has always been the same. That ”art should be progressive, yet personal and approachable.“

So the next time you’re in downtown Bethlehem, stop in and check out the Art-o-mat! Not only is it a true re imagination of a vintage piece of history, but you can score some pretty amazing art too!

All photos courtesy of Art-o-mat’s Facebook Page

Tags: art o mat

If you’ve ever checked out the wares here at Artfully Elegant, you’ve probably noticed the perky little pieces of pottery spattered with inspirational quotes and sayings. These little art pieces are more than just cute and inspiring, the artists behind them make each piece with a purpose.

Zpots, handcrafted in the Zpots Studio in Vermont, are individually made by husband and wife artists Eric Hendrick and Noelle Van Hendrick.

Each piece starts with a chocolate clay body and is hand thrown before being treated with a variety of techniques to give each one it’s distinct and one-of-a-kind look. Noelle then incorporates her own poetry into each piece, and hand writes her words onto each one.

When fired in the electric kiln, which is powered by Vermont Cow Power by electricity generated from surrounding farmlands, the studio keeps a renewable future in mind. “We make choices within our production and daily lives to benefit the mission of living in harmony with our planet.”


The colors used represent the elements of water, earth, and forest, and stay the same throughout each piece, while the lines are more varied and sporadic.

Eric and Noelle look at each piece as an individual that’s part of a whole collection, a family so to speak, making each one both individualized yet related in it’s method of creation and overall look.

While Zpots are available at galleries and boutiques across the country, each one is as unique and personally individual as the person who chooses to display one. Check out Artfully Elegant and choose the Zpot that speaks to you.

Tags: artist spotlight, zpots